Ithaca, NY (WBNG Binghamton) As gas prices remain higher, people looking for new cars have new options.
A local dealership is the first in New York to have the Wheego Life electric car.
This Wheego Life electric car is the first one in New York State.
"It has a re-generator breaking system and it's designed that when you're breaking, going down long hills some of the energy from the break is captured and its sent back into the battery," says Co-Owner of Pritchard Automotive, Dan Pritchard.
Pritchard Automotive in Ithaca has a low speed and high speed model.
The high speed model can travel up to 65 mph and a longer distance.
"Around one hundred miles on a charge more in perfect conditions, less if you're running the air conditioner, the heater, going up hills," says Pritchard.
The Wheego Life takes anywhere from five to eight hours to charge but could still save you money and it's cheaper than paying for gas.
"It's right around two to three cents a mile as opposed to a gas car which I've seen eighteen cents a mile depending on the price of gas," says Pritchard.
The low speed sells for around $20,000 while the high speed is priced around $34,000 dollars.
Pritchard Automotive has not sold one yet, but it has people intrigued.
"I think municipalities who do all kinds of city miles and everything would be really wise. As a tax payer I would love to see more municipalities invest in these and cut down on gas," says Steve Lawrence of West Danby.
"There's actually a lot of room in it even though its so small, it seems like there's a lot of room for sitting and storage," says Allison Miettunen of Ithaca.
The car can be charged with a regular household outlet or a specially purchased one to cut down on charge time.
Pritchard says if charging stations become more available it could be the car of the future.
The Wheego Life qualifies for a 7,500 dollar federal tax credit as well as many state tax incentives.
The car is available in six different colors.
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