10 Things to Love about the ZENN Car

This hub is part of my series of hubs about electric cars. The ZENN is a car that falls into the category of Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). If the company's online marketing materials are to be believed, the ZENN is amassing quite a loyal following. Some vehicles in this category look like nothing more than glorified golf carts. The ZENN looks like a car. Take your own look at the ZENN, and you too may just want to buy electric.

1. No Fuelin'

With a ZENN car, you get to run your car on electricity. There is no fuelin', and that's no foolin'! Just plug your car in at night, and you're good to go for your commute the next morning.

2. No Oilin'

The ZENN, like all electric cars, needs no oil, because it is powered by an electric motor, not an internal combustion engine replete with moving parts and intense heat. There'll be no oilin' here.

3. No Kiddin' -- Zero Emission, No Noise

ZENN stands for Zero Emission, No Noise. And that's exactly what you get with the ZENN. Owners talk of seeing more animals on their drives because of the ZENN's quiet nature. And while the electricity that goes into this electric car's batteries may often be of conventional means, the ZENN needs no tailpipe because it produces no emissions. (Please note, even when the electricity comes by conventional means, an electric car of ZENN's class is far cleaner for the environment than a gas-powered car.)

Some brands of electric cars are golf carts at their hearts, and they look it. The ZENN looks like a car, because it is. It is built upon a road tested car chassis.

ZENN car owners report nods, cheers, and questions like, "What kind of car is that?" and "Is that an electric car?" If you love attention, it may be time to buy electric.

Operating a ZENN will run you a penny or two per mile. This is typical of electric cars. In summer 2008, operating some SUVs in the U.S. cost two quarters per mile.

Maybe I am stretching it here, but when you go to buy electric or "green", you may want to buy a car that comes in green. The ZENN comes in green (and blue, and silver).

As stated above, there are no emissions, and therefore no tailpipes. You would almost think the ZENN runs on flowers and smiles.

Who needs to hop in a honkin' SUV just to buy some facial rinse and a cheese blintz? The ZENN can carry you and your groceries. Just stay on roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less.

Based upon the look, feel, and breadth of content on their website, I would say the makers of ZENN are committed to being successful and being around, in case your ZENN car needs a part replaced.

While the ZENN is small, I think there is a lot to love. I say consider putting it on your radar, if you intend to buy electric. You might find 10 more things to love.