But the /*Auto Club of Southern California*/ is doing more than thinking about them. They now have a fleet of 20 electric Smart cars that they'll be evaluating to see how the technology is coming along.
The pint-sized electric vehicles will be serving AAA in a variety of functions, like taking personnel to events, claim adjustors to body shops and even working service calls.
"I think it's going to be like anything else. We're going to see the technology get better so the range will get longer and so forth," said AAA CEO Tom McKernan. "We certainly won't be towing anybody with these things."
The Smart seems to be the ideal little commute vehicle powered by electricity. It has enough room for two people and a range of 90 miles or more.
The Auto Club is leasing each electric Smart for $599 a month.
Even though there were limited numbers built, consumers who are quick might still be able to get one.
The cost to recharge can be much less than one gallon of gasoline these days, depending on a driver's utility rate.
The appeal of electrics could increase right along with the price of gas.
AAA will be giving them a good work out to gather data.