(photo courtesy of GenZe by Mahindra)

Story courtesy of Annenberg Radio News.

Several growing innovations for alternative fuel vehicles were put on display at Santa Monica’s AltCar Expo this past weekend, but of the natural gas police cars, electrically powered tractors and a hydrogen-fueled Toyota, one vehicle that really caught my eye was the GenZe, a two-wheeler that seemed ideal for inner-city college students.

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Yesim Erez, head of marketing and development, said the GenZe gets you from point A to point B with the added convenience of a moped that has a sizable storage compartment for books, groceries, and electronics; lessening the hassle from taking small trips to the store or a friend's place. 

The two-wheeler also has additional features that make it much more than just a moped, including a feature called “Cruise Connect.”  The GenZe has a 7-inch touch screen monitor that connects to your smartphone and displays its apps so you can listen to your favorite Spotify playlist or check-in wherever you go.

The GenZe is expected to hit the market spring of 2014, according to Erez.  There will be three models for sale ranging from $3,000 to $6,000.  Now while $3,000 is nothing to sneeze at, especially for a college student, what makes it affordable is its removable battery that can be charged with a common household outlet.  So you can simply charge your GenZe battery while sitting at a your favorite Café drinking coffee and checking your email.  Plus with the battery in your possession, how could anyone ride off with it?

If you’re looking to drive on the highway, however, the GenZe is not for you.  It has a maximum speed of about 30 mph and is really a vehicle for local street transport.

If you want to know more about the GenZe, click here.  

Reach Contributor Victor Figueroa here