One of the reason some DIY electric cars are not approved on Canadian soil its due to vehicle classification.

I guess most home made electric vehicle are categories under “Neighborhood Electric Vehicle” or NEV.

NEVs are alternative to internal combustion engine driven vehicles and powered primarily with battery packs. NEVs are also defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds and a top speed of between 20 to 25 mph.

NEV seems like a pretty practical mode of transportation if you are only driving around to the groceries store and run daily errands. Check out the related post below on NEV.

States make way for low speed vehicles

In 2006, Lincoln passed laws that led to special signage (“You are entering a neighborhood electric vehicle-friendly community”) and NEV lanes. Residents of the gated communities who lobbied for the laws can easily cruise downtown. …

Now and Zenn? Potential game changer for electric vehicles

Currently, they manufacture and sell the ZENN Low Speed Vehicle (LSV), also referred to as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). This is a ‘traditional’ small electric car that uses six lead-acid batteries for energy storage, …

Chrysler Plays Electric Vehicle Catchup

The GEM NEV based PeaPod will start off as a new neighborhood electric vehicle with a sci-fi looking body. The initial version will retain the lead acid batteries used in GEMs today along with their 25 mph top speed. …