ATLANTA – U.S. automaker Wheego Electric Cars delivered its first Wheego LiFe -- a highway-speed, all-electric car -- on Earth Day, April 22.

“The delivery of our first Wheego LiFe electric car culminates four years of research and development, and is perfectly timed to support President Obama’s energy plan,” said Mike McQuary, CEO of Wheego Electric Cars. “President Obama will direct federal agencies to buy 100 percent alternative fuel vehicles by 2015, and is asking for a major increase in fuel economy for 2017-2025 model year automobiles. The Wheego LiFe is ready to help meet that demand: it is affordable, all-electric and available across the country now.” 

The first owners of a Wheego LiFe are Asma and Kevin Henry, residents of the Virginia Highland neighborhood in Atlanta.

Jimmy Ellis, vice president and COO of Jim Ellis Automotive Dealerships, presented the Henrys with their car. Kevin said buying a Wheego LiFe was his wife’s idea. Asma, a freelance consultant in international assistance programs, is committed to protecting the environment and reducing fossil fuel consumption. She walks and bikes to neighborhood shops, prefers fresh air to conditioned air, and dries laundry in the back garden. She has more than a casual interest in zero-emission vehicles and clean air because she helps manage the charity Speranta Terrei, which supports patients in Moldova with the airborne disease tuberculosis. 

“We as individuals have to do our part so we can all breathe easier,” Asma said. 

The Wheego LiFe travels approximately 100 miles on a single charge and retails for $32,995. It qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit, as well as many state incentives such as tax credits (up to $5,000 in Georgia) and HOV lane access. 

The Wheego LiFe, a two-seat subcompact car, comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes, power windows and locks, and optional air conditioning. The 115V lithium battery pack can be charged from a standard 120V outlet, a 240V outlet or any of the J1772 standard charging stations being installed in public locations throughout the United States. 

For more information about Wheego, visit www.wheego.net.