Today's automobile manufacturers are working feverishly to develop electric cars to meet environmental concerns. However, electrics have been around since the earliest history of the automobile industry and were popular with women since crank starting was unnecessary. They were cleaner and quieter than the gasoline-powered cars of the day.The Corbin Sparrow was conceived by Californian Mike Corbin, as an economical form of personal transportation taking advantage of the HOV lanes in California's clogged freeways. The first Sparrow was shown at the 1996 San Francisco Auto Show and caused a sensation. Production began in 1999, but only 285 were built before mechanical and electric problems forced Corbin into bankruptcy in 2003.The Sparrow is a single-passenger, three-wheel full electric vehicle classified as a motorcycle by USDOT. It is powered by a 156-volt motor with thirteen 12-volt batteries. It has a top speed of 75 mph and a 30-mile range. The body consists of fiberglass upper and lower tubs with a monocoque chassis.
