1980 Comuta-Car Electric Runabout
Add to SetSummary
The Comuta-Car, and its predecessor the CitiCar, were electric cars designed for limited use in cities. Sharp increases in gasoline prices in the 1970s persuaded some 4,000 people to buy the tiny vehicles. But every time the price of fuel spiked, it always fell again, and demand for specialized urban electrics always fell along with it. Will the time for such cars ever come?
The Comuta-Car, and its predecessor the CitiCar, were electric cars designed for limited use in cities. Sharp increases in gasoline prices in the 1970s persuaded some 4,000 people to buy the tiny vehicles. But every time the price of fuel spiked, it always fell again, and demand for specialized urban electrics always fell along with it. Will the time for such cars ever come?
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1980
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
2006.84.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Strong National Museum of Play.
Material
Metal
Plastic
Color
Black (Color)
Red
Inscriptions
Sides and rear: ELECTRIC Inset metal nameplate, passenger side: COMUTA-CAR Inset metal nameplate on hood: COMMUTER VEHICLES Motor Nameplate: GE DC Motor Mod: 5BC 49 JB 327 C RPM: 4000 HP6 V: 48V A: 125A Time Rating: 15 Min. Wound: Series Fr: 49 AMB 40 degrees C Class F Serial No.: MRN Fort Wayne, Ind NP 180051
Specifications
Make & Model: 1980 Comuta-Car electric runabout
Maker: Commuter Vehicles, Inc., Sebring, Florida
Engine: DC, lead-acid batteries, 48 volts
Range: 40 miles
Height: 58 inches
Wheelbase: 63 inches
Width: 55 inches
Overall length: 95 inches
Weight: 1300 pounds
Horsepower: 5
Pounds per horsepower: 260
Price: $5,000
Average 1980 wage: $15,757
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 3-1/2 months
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