In the 1970s, the Florida-based company Sebring-Vanguard produced the electric vehicle CitiCar. It was manufactured from 1974 to 1977. After the company was acquired by Commuter Vehicles, Inc., production of similar models named Comuta-Car and Comuta-Van continued from 1979 to 1982. The exterior design of these vehicles bears similarities to the Danish electric vehicle Kewet and the Norwegian Buddy.

History:

- Inspired by Golf Cart Design: The idea for the CitiCar was inspired by the design of Club Car's golf carts. The vehicle was produced in response to the 1970s fuel crisis.

- Initial Production: In 1974, Sebring-Vanguard produced its first electric vehicle named Vanguard Coupe (sometimes referred to as EV Coupe). However, this initial version did not achieve much success.

- CitiCar: Subsequently, in collaboration with designer Jim Muir, the CitiCar was created. It was designed in a minimalist and simple fashion, serving as a basic mode of transport at the time.

- Commercial Success: By 1976, enough CitiCars had been produced to make Sebring-Vanguard the sixth-largest auto manufacturer in the United States. Production of the CitiCar continued until 1977, with about 2,300 units made.

- Improved Version: Commuter Vehicles, Inc. purchased the design of the CitiCar and renamed it Comuta-Car. Production of this improved version began in 1979, with approximately 2,144 units of the Comuta-Car and Comuta-Van produced.

CitiCar Models:

- Model SV-36: This model had a 2.5 horsepower (1.9 kW) motor and a 36-volt battery.

- Model SV-48: This model had a 3.5 horsepower motor and a 48-volt battery.

Controls

Headlights : AG1

Indicator lights : AG2 + roll left/right

wiper : AG3

• doors :

  1. Left : AG5 + Ldoor switch
  2. Right : AG6 +Rdoor switch

  Power switch : AG8

  Pitch : forward / backward (+reverse light)

Roll : turn left/ right (+indicator lights)

Specifications

Length : 2,437 mm (95.9 in)

Width : 1,397 mm (55.0 in)

Height : 1,524 mm (60.0 in)

Weight : 591 kg (1,303 lb)

Max speed : 56kmh / 35 mph