MNN - Mother Nature Network

While the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt are receiving the bulk of the electric vehicle-related media coverage, they aren't the only highway-ready electric vehicles scheduled to hit the streets in the coming months. Today, Wheego announced that it has begun to take reservations for the Whip LiFe and that anyone who reserves a vehicle now will be driving it by the end of the year.

 

For a $100 fully refundable down payment, interested consumers can reserve a Wheego Whip LiFe. The two-seat subcompact LiFe retails for $32,995 but like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, it qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit. In addition to the federal tax credit for alternative fuel vehicles, some states also offer additional tax incentives, up to $5,000, for electric and alternative fuel vehicles. While the existing federal tax credit is $7,500 for certain alternative fuel vehicles, Congress is also debating legislation that will offer an additional $2,000 tax credit specifically for electric vehicles.

 

With an all-electric range of about 100 miles per charge, the Wheego Whip LiFe can be recharged on any 120V or 240V outlet. The vehicle can also take advantage of any of the J1772 standard charging stations already used by other electric vehicles as well as hybrid electrics.

 

While the driving range and price points are similar between the Nissan Leaf and the Wheego Whip LiFe, that is where the similarities end. Wheego is based in Atlanta and the LiFe will be assembled at the Ontario, Calif., facility. The vehicle is also made of 75 percent U.S. content. According to Wheego CEO Mike McQuary, the LiFe "is an example of American ingenuity at its finest."

 

The LiFe is also expected to hit the streets several months sooner than the Leaf and the Volt. McQuary has stated that deliveries will begin in September to customers on a first-come, first-served basis. In other words, Wheego is not placing any city or regional restrictions on the roll out of the LiFe. If Jane in Des Moines and Bill in Little Rock want a LiFe and reserve a vehicle now, they should be driving it by the end of the year.

 

For more information, visit the Wheego website or fill out the Wheego Whip LiFe online reservation form.