The CitiCar, manufactured by Sebring-Vanguard, Inc. in the United States from 1974 to 1977, may not have boasted stylish aesthetics, but it successfully demonstrated the viability of electric technology in a compact and lightweight form. Equipped with just eight six-volt deep-cycle batteries, these diminutive vehicles generated less than 5 horsepower, reached speeds of only 35-40 mph, and had a range of approximately 40-50 miles on a single charge.
Beyond its unconventional appearance, the CitiCar sported a whimsically amusing name. Resembling a cheese-shaped entity powered by an electric motor, it emerged during the 1970s in response to the oil crisis, reflecting an era of experimentation. The peculiar design left little room for interior space.
Despite a limited production run of around 2,300 units, the CitiCar held the distinction of being the most-produced electric vehicle in American history until surpassed by the Tesla Roadster. Today, collectors hold the CitiCar in high regard, appreciating its historical significance in the evolution of electric vehicles.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s
