2008 New York Auto Show: Subaru R1e

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NEW YORK CITY — Subaru is working in partnership with the New York Power Authority and planning to test a pair of R1e electric cars this summer.

The R1e was developed jointly with Tokyo Electric Power, and the first running prototype was built nearly two years ago. The tiny two-seater features a quick-charge lithium-ion battery pack that provides a range of 50 miles, with a 54-horsepower electric motor enabling driving speeds of up to 65 mph.

Subaru claims the batteries can be charged to 80 percent of capacity in only 15 minutes and fully charged in eight hours on standard household current.

What this means to you: We're not sure if the R1e makes sense in any U.S. city other than New York. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent