Putting the zoom into electric cars

For the first time since the early 20th century, America is seeing a flowering of entrepreneurship in the auto industry. Today at least 11 new electric car companies, each working on a wide range of technologies, have launched or plan to launch models. These upstarts are not modest. They believe they can do what major automakers have failed to do: bring an electric car to the mass market.

By Brian Dumaine, Jamie Carroll, and Ingrid Tharasook

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Phoenix

If the Tesla gives you sticker shock, don't worry. Phoenix Motorcars of Ontario, Calif., is aiming at businesses, and in early 2008 plans to sell a $47,000 electric pickup truck that can be recharged in ten minutes at special stations. Otherwise you'll have to plug it into a regular houshold socket for a few hours after driving 100 miles or so. Phoenix also plans to launch an all-electric SUV.

Next Little Thing 2008

The rise of electric-vehicle startups

Read full story. (more)

8 big ideas to watch in '08

Sir Richard will help fund U.S. entrepreneurs, jetpacks will finally fly, and GPS devices will show the cheapest gas nearby - plus much more! (more)

Branson unbound

Behind the scenes at the Boston launch of Virgin Money, Richard Branson's new peer-to-peer lending service. (more)