Watch CBS News

Salinas Company Unveils Three-Wheeled Electric Car

SALINAS (KCBS) - The latest electric car to hit the market is being manufactured in Salinas. The three-wheeled, all-electric commuter car, known as the Triac, is being manufactured by Green Vehicles. It has a range of 100 miles, and can be fully charged in only five hours.

Green Vehicles President Mike Ryan said they moved their manufacturing facilities from China.

KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:

"There are certainly ways to do certain parts of manufacturing more cheaply overseas, but we think we're striking the right balance of quality and sustainability by doing it here in California," said Ryan.

With a price tag of $25,000, the company is hoping to market the Triac to environmentally-conscious consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

John McElroy, an auto industry analyst in Detroit doubts that a three-wheeled car will be very popular.

"I'm not even just talking about the American market," said McElroy. "If you look anywhere in the world, three-wheeled cars have just never really caught on."

The vehicles are expected to begin rolling off the assembly line in Salinas at the end of the year.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.