PORT TOWNSEND — You’ll hear no engine revving when JoAnna Loehr cruises by. Still, with its toy-like appearance and the word “electric” stretched across both doors, Loehr’s new car gets stares as she drives Port Townsend streets.
It is one of five ZENN (Zero Emission No Noise) cars that have been sold to Washington residents.
She bought it on Saturday for $12,500.
Loehr, 64, said that she realized, while watching a documentary film called, “Who Killed the Electric Car” in Port Townsend’s Rose Theatre, that her conscience would be tarnished if she continued to drive only a fuel-powered vehicle.
The film chronicles the California demise of the EV1 model electric car developed by General Motors.
“I had been feeling guilty about driving around town,” said Loehr.
“But now I can go anywhere. It’s like an adventure every time I go out.”
Loehr is part of the transportation arm of the Port Townsend Earth Day Everyday celebration and is an advocate of electric-powered transportation usage.
She purchased the car from a Toronto company called Feel Good Cars, and is delighted to be rid of her reliance on a gas-guzzling car, when driving in town, anyway.
The ZENN car has a maximum speed of 25 mph and can travel 35 miles on a single charge.
It’s powered by six 12 volt, heavy duty batteries.
An aluminum frame and plastic shell can hold two passengers and it has 13 cubic feet of storage.
Instead of a spot to insert the fuel nozzle, Loehr’s car has a plastic flap that, when lifted, reveals three prongs to plug in an extension cord.
A full charge requires eight hours.
Loehr said she understands the limitations of the car, such as the speed and short distance it can travel between charges, but that she will use it like a bicycle and run errands around town with it.
“It’s perfect for Port Townsend, and it’s the perfect second car,” she said.