The General Motors EV1 was rather well-loved by the customers that drove them in the late 1990s, but it’s clear that this red EV1, which was recently spotted by a Twitter user rotting in a parking garage in Atlanta, isn’t very beloved by its owner.
When the GM EV1 program came to an end in 2002, the automaker had most of the battery-electric two-doors repossessed and crushed. A small number were donated to educational institutions and museums, though these cars were deactivated, with GM pulling out the batteries and powertrain before handing them over. With these parts gone, the cars would not be driven and could not be returned to working order.
It is believed that this rotting red GM EV1 may have been one of the cars donated to an educational institution, and it’s simply being stored in a rather inconsiderate fashion. The front suspension ride height appears to suggest the rather heavy front-mounted electric motor has been removed, causing it to squat in the rear. However, it’s otherwise in decent shape, and the interior is also intact. That said, this EV1 isn’t good for much anymore – aside from being a display piece in a museum if it could be properly fixed up.
Found an EV1 today @mikespin pic.twitter.com/gvFaD2zjdv
— Jacob Hoyle (@JacobonScience) December 5, 2019
There are a few examples of the GM EV1 left in working order, though. One is owned by director Francis Ford Coppola, who says he stashed the car away when he learned that GM planned to repossess them. The Smithsonian Museum also took delivery of a fully intact GM EV1 shortly after the vehicle’s discontinuation and a handful of others are alleged to have traded hands anonymously.
While customers were sad to let go of their EV1s, GM was eager to get rid of the car after CARB scrapped its zero-emissions vehicle requirement for manufacturers. Bob Lutz later said the cars cost GM about $250,000 each when factoring in the design, engineering and manufacturing processes, but they were being leased for just $300 per month. GM is believed to have spent about $1 billion on the project in total.
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Comments
Yes this one has the high nose of a decommissioned Impact.
There are a number of them around,
There is not much to rot here as the body was like a Fiero plastic. Not being driven the underbody should be ok.
These were not exactly great cars and I wish they had left a few running to show how much better today’s EV models are.
These are the GM equivalent of the Chrysler Turbine cars.
“One is owned by director Francis Ford Coppola, who says he stashed the car away when he learned that GM planned to repossess them.”
Ehhh, this is kinda BS, Coppola worked out a deal to buy his from GM but its VIN was removed and it can’t be registered, but it still works from what I understand, but he didn’t “hide it from GM”, the may have directed The Godfather, but it isn’t him…..
“Bob Lutz later said the cars cost GM about $250,000 each when factoring in the design, engineering and manufacturing processes, but they were being leased for just $300 per month.”
-If anyone needs a simple explanation as to why “big bad GM” wouldn’t sell the cars to the owners afterwards…..
Then add the cost to supply parts to keep them on the road.
This was a publicity deal at a time GM was going broke and it backfired.
I’ve read that this car belongs to a nearby university. It’s one of the donated vehicles.
Looks like a good candidate for a LS swap!
there is one in the parking lot of my local walmart. must ne someone who works there as it is parked in the same spot when it is there
99% sure what you’re seeing is a 1st gen Honda Insight .
could be as I never took a close look but I will
I’ve been in the Atlanta area college parking garage several times where this EV1 is parked. I’ve often wondered how and why is it sitting here. I thought about contacting the administration to see if it were for sale but not sure what challenges would come with owning it.