The Subaru G4e does away with an engine and petrol in favour of electric motors and batteries.
By TOBY HAGON.

Subaru unveiled its idea of a futuristic electric car at the 2007 Tokyo motor show in the form of the G4e concept.

The thee-door G4e looks like a regular modern hatchback, but it’s beneath the skin that the G4e’s beauty lies.

Instead of using a regular engine and petrol, the G4e gets an electric motor and batteries.

The Subaru G4e is Subaru’s next step towards more environmentally friendly motoring.

Subaru is also using the latest-generation lithium-ion batteries, which use vanadium, said to vastly improve range and efficiency.

Mated to a 65kW electric motor, the Subaru G4e can travel 200 kilometres on a single charge. Unlike hybrid cars, there is no petrol engine to assist or provide back-up.

To improve practicality of electric vehicles that need recharging, the new batteries can be charged up to 80 per cent of their capacity in just 15 minutes. A full, slow charge takes eight hours.

The Subaru G4e boasts a triangular three-door body complete with some modern touches and additions.

This entire post copied from http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleD...ArticleID=44962
PS; not sure why the vehicle is described as a 3 door when the photo is of a 4 or 5 door.