Miles Rubin is almost 80 years old, but he has delayed his retirement to meet the biggest challenges of his career:
The pollution of electric vehicles is serious.
Rubin is already on sale at a low price. speed all-
He plans to start selling a highway car in early 2009.
Rubin says cars
Built in China--
It's his way of dealing with climate change.
"I think everyone has to do something.
We cannot rely solely on the government.
"Yes, the government will act to make changes, but we can't wait for Congress," Rubin said . ".
For decades electric vehicles have been elusive dreams for environmental activists and automakers.
But as concerns about global warming grow, the idea attracts a new generation of entrepreneurs who, like Rubin, want better batteries to make electric cars practical this time.
Rubin is a super-
Millionaires who make money with Chinese silk and medical equipment
In his 90 s, he was wearing Ralph Lauren's Polo Jeans.
Now he puts money into his new company, Miles motor.
"The motor has a lot of initial torque, so when you start the car, you're almost moving from the beginning with full torque," Rubin said . ". A four-
The door hatchback Lubin, known as the ZX40, is active on a flat ground, but it barely climbs a steep hill.
It won't replace home minivans, but Rubin hopes it will help him eventually start the electric car market.
About $15,000.
In the past few months, Rubin has sold about 300 vehicles.
It is best suited for university campuses, military bases and corporate parks with low speed restrictions.
NASA, the Navy and several universities bought the cars.
The car can be charged by plugging it into any wall socket.
Electric cars help fight global warming because they contribute less to the atmosphere than gasoline --
Power cars, even if electricity is made of coal
Thermal power plant.
Four years ago, Rubin visited a Chinese factory that produces lithium-ion batteries for laptops and mobile phones.
Soon he urged the Chinese company to scale up its car batteries.
The affordable environment bin mrubin's passion for the environment dates back to 1970, when he worked with actor Paul Newman to get Congress to promote new energy.
But when the oil crisis was lifted, interest weakened.
Rubin hopes the threat of global warming will bring attention.
Rubin said he had already spent $35 million on his own, and he expected he would need to double that number in order to bring his new highway cars to market.
Rubin expects his speed car to travel at 80 miles an hour, with a mileage of 120 miles and a price of $30,000.
Of course, Rubin is not the only one trying to make an electric car, but most of the other vehicles in the project are very expensive.
One of the Tesla sports cars will be available later this year for $100,000.
Rubin admitted that even his wife was skeptical about him.
She said, "Miles, do you know what the automotive industry doesn't know?
I said, "Nancy, very small.
"Now I think of almost nothing," Rubin said . ".
Industry analysts say this is a huge responsibility.
"It's a very difficult industry for an outsider," said David Cole, head of the University of Michigan automotive research center.
"Many people have tried to have very optimistic ideas about bringing products to the market, but have not succeeded.
"Cole predicts that it will take years for lithium-ion batteries.
Toyota recently abandoned a version.
Preventing the battery from overheating is a big challenge.
Still, Miles motor has signed dozens of dealers across the country.
"We believe in Miles's products.
"We are confident that this will give us the best opportunity to communicate our message by working with institutions that we believe are ahead of others," said Scott Sandler . ", Who owns E-
Car dealers in Chicago
Sandler has sold 30 low prices.
There's already a speed car.
He said Rubin won him himself.
"He was the reason why I was sold to him and the others [cars].
We can also find other electric car dealers.
But I just think Miles cares about what's going to happen to the world, the economy and global warming, "Sandler said.
Rubin, 78, said he had made a lot of money.
Now he hopes to make a difference.
"Things will happen soon," Rubin said . "
"I want us to be in the lead, not just first, because at this point in my career, I want to say that I am able to make important changes.