Bring the ZENN to Manitoba
After knocking Science, Technology & Energy Minister Jim Rondeau in my last post, I’ll - tentatively - give him some credit for speaking in encouraging terms about the ZENN Car.
For those who haven’t seen it, the ZENN is a Canadian-built 100% electric vehicle. Selling for around $12,000, it has a range of 55-80 kilometres on one charge, a top speed of 40 km/hr, and can be recharged in about 4 hours. Plus it’s kinda cute.
The ZENN seems like it would be a great second-vehicle choice for Manitoba’s urban dwellers, especially given our absurdly low electricity prices. It could also be a cost-effective option for government agencies like Canada Post or the Winnipeg Parking Authority. The problem is that the vehicle is only approved for use in British Columbia right now due to its relatively low top speed.
Rondeau says he’d “like to open the dialogue with ZENN.” That’s positive, but let’s hope he follows it up with some action.
For now, check out this entertaining look at the ZENN courtesy of the Rick Mercer Report:
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: jim rondeau, province of manitoba, zenn car
This looks awesome! I soo want one! You could scoot clean across Winnipeg and back again without having to charge.
But think of the imposition you would put on your friends if you went over for the evening. “Here’s $3, I need to fill up.”
It’s sad to see the interprovincial hurdles someone must go through in order to sell in a purportedly unified country - perhaps it’s time to rethink provincial and federal responsibilities? When was the last time we did this? The 19th century?
I have been researching EV’s for year now the Zenn car, built in Canada approved by DOT should be a natural in Manitoba with our plentiful supply of electricity and soon to be $1.50/liter gasoline. Why does our government have the right to take more money from our pocket when we are already over-taxed, by withholding approval of the Zenn car?