Updated: 05/01/2009 6:06 PM KSTP.com | Print Story
By: Nicole Muehlhausen, Web Producer
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Cars of the future here now at State Fairgrounds
 

The future is here now this weekend at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, where you can get an early look at more than 20 electric, hybrid, and clean diesel vehicles at the Living Green Expo.

"A few years ago, this was all science fiction, concept cars, stuff like that," said expo spokesman Matt Comstock.

But not today—they’re on Minnesota roads.

The only Tessla in the state made its debut at the fairgrounds, showing off its ability to reach speeds of 125 miles per hour—and its fully electric.

Its owner, Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher, says he purchased the alternative fuel vehicle for $100,000.

So what if that’s not in your budget? You might want to check out the Current at $22,500.

Carl Gulbronson's electric car store in St. Louis Park just got their first one last week.

"It’s a highway capable vehicle that carries four people, license-insured as a car, with an airbag, it can go highway speeds," he explained.

The Current costs about a penny a mile to run. It takes seven hours to charge it up and it'll go 60 miles on a charge. And another perk: It qualifies for a tax credit of $7,500.

There is a downside to the Current, as it doesn't come loaded with features and it's small, which could be a safety concern for highway drivers.

But plans to release an electric roadster, sedan, and even an SUV are in the works.

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