The Myers Motors NmG isn’t exactly a car.

In the eyes of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the NmG is a motorcycle: a single passenger, three-wheeled vehicle designed for short range commuting. Myer Motors prefers to call it a personal electrical vehicle.

That’s right — electric. NmG stands for “No more Gas.” It’s a plug-in.

The Corbin Sparrow

The Meyers Motors NmG started life as the Corbin Sparrow. The first units rolled off a California assembly line in 1999, and it wasn’t long before the Sparrow’s oddly endearing charm was earning it roles in the movies and as a delivery vehicle for Dominos Pizza.

But the Sparrow was a deeply flawed vehicle, with a history of electrical and mechanical problems that quickly bankrupted its parent company. Fewer than 300 Sparrows were built, and Corbin Motors’ demise seemed to bring an end to yet another electric transportation dream.

The Sparrow flies again

Enter Ohio businessman Dana Meyers, who saw the Sparrow as a way to express environmental stewardship. He bought up Corbin Motors’ assets and began to redesign the Sparrow’s cranky mechanicals. Myers replaced as many proprietary parts as possible, opting for off-the-shelf items wherever possible. Rechristened the NmG, Meyers offered its first units for sale in 2006.

What is under the hood (and seat)

The NmG is powered by a series of 13 sealed lead-acid batteries: six under the hood, and seven beneath the driver. The 156-volt system is paired with a rear-mounted electric motor which produces about 20 horsepower. Given the NmG’s low weight, that’s enough power to move the vehicle along at speeds up to 70 miles per hour.

Range is 25 to 30 miles on a full charge, which takes up to eight hours on 120-volt household current. The charging cycle can be dropped to between four and six hours if 220-volt power is available. Since fewer than half of American motorists drive more than 30 miles a day, the NmG’s operational radius is sufficient for many urban drivers.

While the NmG isn’t designed to meet car safety standards, its three wheeled design is more stable than a motorcycle, and the vehicle’s dual-layer fiberglass shell provides protection from small road hazards and the elements. The NmG features power windows, six cubic feet of cargo space, a very respectable CD player, and a three-point safety belt.

Despite its relatively spartan feature set, the Meyers Motors NmG has a price tage equivalent to that of a well-equipped midsize sedan. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is $36,000 (including an optional continuous charge balancing system).

Read more:

Transform Your Driving, Transform Your World (Myers Motors)
Myers Motors NmG (Consumer Reports)