One of the pioneering all-electric vehicles is set to make its debut in the United States. The Wheego Whip, a Chinese-manufactured and American-assembled electric car, is expected to hit the market in May 2009. This marks a significant milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, as it will be one of the first pure electric cars available in the U.S.
Contrary to initial expectations, the first electric cars imported from China will not be from major players like Chery Automotive or BYD. Instead, a lesser-known manufacturer, Shuanghuan Automobile Company, will take the lead. Shuanghuan produces an electric vehicle that will be imported to the U.S. and sold under the name Wheego Whip. In November 2008, Ruff & Tuff Electric Vehicles (RTEV) secured an exclusive agreement with Shuanghuan to market the Whip in the United States.
The Wheego Whip is designed to reach speeds of up to 60 mph. However, due to varying safety regulations, it will initially be sold as a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) with a maximum speed of 25 mph or as a Medium Speed Vehicle (MSV) with a maximum speed of 35 mph, depending on state laws. The vehicle is expected to meet U.S. Department of Transportation safety crash requirements by early 2010, which will allow it to be sold at higher speeds.
While the Wheego Whip is based on the Shuanghuan Noble platform, its final assembly will take place in the United States. This includes the installation of the motor, drivetrain, controller, and electronic components. The vehicle will feature environmentally friendly dry cell sealed Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, which require no maintenance and come with an onboard high-tech charger. The Whip can travel up to 50 miles on a single charge and can be recharged using any standard household 110 or 220-volt electrical outlet.
The Wheego Whip is expected to retail for approximately $19,000. This price point positions it competitively against leading hybrid models like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, which still rely on gasoline when their batteries are depleted. In contrast, the Whip operates solely on electric power, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative.
The introduction of the Wheego Whip could significantly impact the EV market in the United States. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electric car sales reached 2.1 million in 2019, representing a 40% year-on-year increase (IEA). The Wheego Whip's arrival could contribute to this growing trend, especially as consumers become more environmentally conscious.
The Wheego Whip's anticipated arrival in May 2009 marks a significant step forward for the electric vehicle industry in the United States. With its competitive pricing, environmentally friendly features, and potential to meet future safety regulations, the Whip is poised to make a notable impact on the market. As the world continues to shift towards sustainable transportation, the Wheego Whip could play a crucial role in this transition.
This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a comprehensive overview of the Wheego Whip's anticipated arrival and its potential impact on the electric vehicle market.
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