It may not be speedy, but the electric car used by the city of Ames is on the fast track to becoming a part of the next big thing in the automobile industry.

Paul Hinderaker,director of Ames fleet services, said the vehicle, a 2007 Zenn, only goes about 25 to 35 mph.

The vehicle transports city employees around Ames but, because of its speed limitations, it’s mainly restricted to neighborhoods and side streets. Hinderaker said drivers must be aware of where they are going to avoid busier streets such as Lincoln Way and Grand Avenue.

But the car’s low speed capacity does not diminish its usefulness.

“It has a use in the right places,” Hinderaker said.

This silver two-seat car, which is about the same size as a Mini Cooper, sits in the west City Hall parking lot. The car lacks a typical gear shifter – it’s replaced by a button that puts the car in drive, neutral or park.

City employees have enjoyed this new set of wheels.

“It’s fun to drive,” Hinderaker said.

The car has been in the city’s fleet since mid-summer and is on loan as part of a partnership with local car dealer Ames Cars, 128 S. Duff Ave.

Although the current car is a loaner, the city of Ames has purchased its own electric car – a 2008 Zenn – for about $15,700, Hinderaker said.

The use of an electric car is a part of Ames’ commitment to a “Cool City” initiative, which is a part of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, a commitment from cities across the country to reduce pollution.

Hinderaker said that, through the use of the Zenn, Ames is showing citizens an active approach to its commitment.

“It’s used to promote the city’s position,” he said.

In addition to reducing the city’s carbon footprint, the Zenn is also cost-efficient.

“Electricity is a cheaper form of energy, and they require very little maintenance,” Hinderaker said.

So, will an electric car be coming to a dealer near you?

“I think electric cars are going to be very common in the future,” said Iver Anderson, adjunct professor of materials science and engineering. Anderson is also a senior metallurgist at the Ames Laboratory who designs magnetic alloys that make electric car motors more efficient.

Anderson said electric cars would benefit commuters, especially in a city like Ames, because many people have longer commutes. But before electric cars become commonplace, two things need to happen.

“Manufacturing cost or simplicity of electric motors needs to be improved,” Anderson said.

He also said the batteries used to power electric cars need to be cheaper and more reliable.

Although electric cars still have a long way to go, hybrid vehicles are expanding their reach. Anderson cited the Toyota Prius as an example of the hybrid’s success.

“[The Prius] is a very good car to transition to,” Anderson said.

But this isn’t the finish line. One type of hybrid Anderson is interested in is the diesel hybrid. He said the creation of a biodiesel hybrid would be of particular interest to Iowa because of the state’s investment in biofuels.

“There will be better hybrids to come along,” Anderson said.