Certain companies in the electric vehicle field generate a lot of flack. LionEV is one example. The last time we wrote about Spark-EV (and the time before) all sorts of accusations flew in our comments section about the reliability of the company's statements and products. There shouldn't be as big of an outcry this time around, as we're just here to report that Spark-EV has announced the discontinuation of one model, the 6000zk 6000/2 (also known as the Flybo) by Spark-EV. Spark-EV's Michael Papp said in an email that quality concerns and the fact that other companies were "importing the same or similar vehicle" meant that Spark-EV would drop the model. Papp said his company will only sell vehicles that are exclusive to Spark-EV. Most of Spark-EV's business comes from importing vehicles from China and converting them to electric drive.

The more interesting news in the email, thought, is that the Flybo announcement is going to be the first "of three major updates to our company which you will receive via email." Read the whole thing after the jump and speculate away in the comments.

WJRT, a local news station, did a report about the Chinese Smart electric car clone called FlyBo recently. The WNEM local news report, we told you about earlier said it was not recommended for Winter use. Seems the reason for that warning is the lack of a heater, something that will be added to the 2008 model of the car according to Dave LaTarte of Great Lakes Auto Sales. Dave says Great Lakes is probably the only dealership in the U.S. selling the Flybo right now and he's "getting a lot of response from Florida and Arizona. People down in the southern states are interested in them." Flybo has a range of 70 to 100 miles, top speed of 42 miles per hour and you can pick one up for $10,000.

Related:

• The FlyBo electric Smart clone lands in Saginaw, MI
• Video: FlyBo - a 150 mile-range, Smart look-a-like EV - on sale in Michigan (just don't use it in winter)

[Source: WJRT]

For those that can't wait until next January to pick up a Smart ForTwo, Great Lakes Auto Sales of Saginaw, MI will have an option in the next couple of weeks. Unlike the official Smart which only manages to get mileage in the low 40s, the FlyBo plugs in to a regular electrical outlet. The FlyBo has a claimed range of seventy miles and maxes out at 25 mph.

Like the original, the Chinese copy has rear wheel drive and dealer Dave LaTarte recommends that owners not drive it in the snow. However, with that limited top speed, winter handling is not likely to be a problem. The FlyBo is classed as a neighborhood electric vehicle and is only legal on city streets with limits up to 25 mph. Fortunately the maximum speed means that if the crash resistance of this thing is typical of Chinese cars, the damage shouldn't be too bad. It's not known how SmartUSA or Daimler feels about this car, but it's safe to assume they won't be thrilled.

[Source: Saginaw News]