Canadian electric car launched at Toronto auto show

    TORONTO, Feb. 14 - A Canadian company is launching a street-
legal fully electric four-seater car at the Canadian International Auto Show,
opening in Toronto, February 16, 2001.
    Feel Good Cars' Dauphine Electric is a restored Renault Dauphine, a car
first produced with an electric drive-train in the 1960s. Feel Good Cars'
recycled version is fully electric, unlike the hybrid vehicles now available
only in limited numbers. It comes equipped with a state-of-the-art electric
motor and fully sealed battery system. Many safety and comfort upgrades will
be added to satisfy the demands of today's consumers.
    "It's a car for people who are concerned about urban pollution, soaring
gas prices and the high maintenance costs associated with traditional gas-
powered cars," says Feel Good Cars president Ian Clifford. "We think it will
appeal to those who want to drive a unique yet practical vehicle that says
something about who they are and what they believe in."
    Clifford's company, based in Toronto, has a number of similar eco-
friendly projects on the drawing board. Down the road, they plan to release
lower-speed electric commuter and delivery vehicles and taxis, and they are
even looking at launching a 35-foot electric lake cruiser.
    Feel Good Cars is taking orders for the Dauphine Electric at the Toronto
Autoshow and will have vehicles on display at their field-level SkyDome
exhibit, position A1, next to the Land Rover display.
    A special media event is being held at the exhibit from 3:30 to 5:30
p.m., Wednesday, February 14. The Feel Good Cars partners will all be present
to speak to the media, as well as a special guest, Jack Gretta. Mr. Gretta
sparked Mr. Clifford's interest in electric vehicles when he sold him a
vintage Henney Kilowatt electric car several years ago. A retired pilot, Mr.
Gretta has been driving electric Dauphines for over 35 years and is a
passionate proponent of these vehicles.
    The Dauphine Electric accelerates up to 100 kilometers an hour, and on a
single charge will travel about 80 kilometers. Charging costs are a fraction
of what you would pay to fuel a gas-powered car, and the vehicle is equipped
with a special regenerative motor braking system that cycles power back into
the zero-maintenance batteries while the vehicle is slowing.
    Is distance an issue for fully electric vehicles?
    "Our car isn't a cross-country cruiser, but many drivers don't realize
how rarely they drive more than 80 kilometers a day," says Clifford. "For
trips that are beyond that range, consumers can rent a conventional vehicle,
or use one of the car-sharing services that are becoming more popular."
    Clifford suggests that consumers try the Feel Good distance test. "At the
beginning of your driving day, zero the trip meter in your car," he says. "At
the end of the day, write down the distance you travelled. After a week, if
most of your days are less than 80 kilometers, you're a good candidate for our
electric car."
    Dauphine Electrics come with a one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. For
more information on Feel Good Cars and their electric vehicles, visit their
web site at http://www.feelgoodcars.com. or call Feel Good Cars at 416-535-8395.