Test drove one in La Jolla, CA on Monday. Very cool little rig. Surprisingly well built, handled WAY better than I expected (corners & bumpy roads). BUT. Not nearly enough power for the VI. We went up a couple of hills, and it really slowed down. They will sell me a gas powered one, but not in the USA (I need to figure out if I can register a gas one in the VI).
Basically 2 options- buy an electric one for ~$17k & send it to EV West for a significant upgrade ($12k in labor & $13k in parts). Or buy an electric one & (if Oregon allows a power type swap) put either a Mini Cooper S engine & transmission in, or more likely a Hinda VTEC engine & transmission.
Old ones are rubbish & restored ones are silly money.
Thoughts?
Cheers,
Paul.