Several cars using different kinds of fuels were on display at USF's Tampa campus during a stop on the Florida Alternative Vehicle Roadshow.
The two basic models for electric cars are ones that run strictly on batteries - like the Nissan Leaf - and the Chevy Volt, which has a gasoline motor that kicks in when the battery runs out.
MIke Anderson of Georgia-based Efacec USA says his DC system hooked up to a Leaf can cut the recharge time from the typical 6-8 hours to only a half hour. Anderson says there are two major factors in the battle to determine the future of the automobile. One is how many recharge stations are going to be available on the road.
“And it's going to depend on personal preference, too - how much of a desire is there not to put out emissions in the environment and not rely on oil”, said Anderson. “If you're living right downtown and you never drive more than 20 miles a day, this is the ticket, man. This is perfect.”
The Alternative Vehicle tour will roll into the Venice Community Center Tuesday.