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Another Electric Car Enters The Race

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by Mark Stein
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Mar 30 2009 12:49pm EDT

Another Electric Car Enters the Race

Who needs GM? Prospective makers of next-generation plug-in electric vehicles are popping up all over.

Today, for example, Detroit Electric said it had reached a deal with Proton Holdings of Malaysia to mass produce as many as 270,000 plug-in electrics between 2010 and 2012.

The autos -- a sporty model called the e46 and a less-expensive e63 -- consist of models made by the small Malaysian automaker Proton (the Persona, above) fitted out with electric drive trains from Detroit Electric. (That company, despite its name, is owned by a Briton -- former Lotus chief Albert Lam -- and is based in California.)

detroit-electric-logo.jpgDetroit Electric promises that both models will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. The e63 will go about 100 miles on a charge, while the e46 will be able to go twice as far, the company says.

Of course, GM is expected to have its plug-in electric Volt in showrooms this summer. Whether the giant automaker's current troubles will affect that schedule remains to be seen, but the race is on.

by Mark Stein

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