In the realm of automotive history, few vehicles have as intriguing a legacy as the General Motors EV1. Launched in 1996, this car was the world’s first modern, mass-produced electric vehicle. Equipped with 26 lead-acid batteries and a motor producing 137 horsepower, it wasn’t fast by today’s standards, but it was groundbreaking for its time, years before Tesla’s rise.
Despite its innovation, GM’s decision to lease rather than sell the EV1 led to all units being reclaimed and destroyed, a move that prompted public protests and inspired the documentary Who Killed The Electric Car? However, about 40 EV1s were spared and donated to educational institutions and museums, as noted in Hemmings’ tracking guide. The recent discovery of an untracked EV1 in an impound lot adds a new twist to this saga.
Uncovering the EV1’s Legacy
The EV1 was revolutionary, introducing features like keyless ignition and regenerative braking that are standard today. Its aerodynamic design with a drag coefficient of 0.19 set a benchmark for efficiency. Over its production run, the EV1 evolved with battery advancements, transitioning from nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) to lithium-polymer packs, significantly extending its range.
Reflecting on the past, GM President Mark Reuss acknowledged the company’s error in discontinuing the EV1, stating to InsideEVs: “I wasn’t around for EV1; I wasn’t in the company. But I think that might have been one example of something that we, the company, should not have done, which was canceling that; that was really quite a car.”
The Mystery EV1
This leads us to a peculiar discovery: a 1997 EV1 listed for auction by Peak Auto Auctions, marked as unclaimed and abandoned. Listed by A-Tow Inc. in Atlanta, the vehicle’s details are sparse, and it lacks a key. Its functionality is unknown, and it appears to have been stationary for an extended time.
Photographs reveal a mostly intact vehicle, albeit with damage and signs of prolonged exposure. The smashed window and debris inside suggest neglect, raising questions about its journey from a university—or possibly a museum—to an impound lot.
The Auction Enigma
Typically, EV1s were housed in educational institutions or museums, making this sale unusual. A tow pound representative noted that Clark Atlanta University Public Safety marked the vehicle abandoned, suggesting it was forgotten on campus before its impoundment.
Despite attempts to contact university staff, the EV1’s presence remains shrouded in mystery, described as an “urban legend” by Ravena Lottie-Baskerville, director of the dual-degree engineering program. The auction, sanctioned by court order, proceeds due to the absence of a claimant, leaving GM or the university as potential rightful owners.
Potential Buyers and Their Motives
The EV1’s allure has captured the attention of many, including YouTubers. Jared Pink from The Questionable Garage considered bidding, viewing it as a potential project alongside his electric S10. Meanwhile, John Ross of WatchJRGo and Rich Benoit from Rich Rebuilds expressed interest, seeing the EV1 as both a piece of history and content opportunity.
Ultimately, the auction’s price soared, reaching $104,000. Though GM hasn’t commented, the sale poses questions about ownership and future visibility of the EV1, a vehicle whose rarity and significance continue to fascinate.
Original Story at www.theautopian.com