SolarBug models old (right) and new.

It's been a bit over a half year since we last checked in with the pride of Bozeman, Montana - Steve Titus and his SolarBug electric car. A quick refresher: this homemade electric vehicle takes and ATV, encloses it and slaps on some solar panels. OK, it's not nearly that simple, and Titus has been hard at work for a long time on this project and hopes to one day sell a lot of these vehicles as people learn new ways of driving (i.e., in smaller cars). For now, the SolarBug is taking a toll on his family, but this "hobby gone awry" is not yet finished. Luckily, Titus is still energetic about the SolarBug, as a new video called A Crazy Dream shows. Produced by students at Montana State University there in Bozeman, the video is an uplifting two-and-a-half-minutes about Titus' vision. Interest in the SolarBug is not limited to one person. As fellow Bozeman resident Gary R. wrote in to AutoblogGreen, "We are very proud of Steve's effort here in Bozeman!!" Watch the video after the break and, if you're interested in getting one of these critters when they go on sale, download the brochure (PDF) or check out the SolarBug website.

As Mike reported the other day, Free Drive EV is set to bring a tiny NEV to the market next year. I also got a chance to speak with Free Drive owner Steven Titus at the Santa Monica Alt Car Expo and have the audio clip to prove it.

A few things Titus told me that didn't make it into Mike's post is that Free Drive is already holding discussions about expanding to India and China. Also, Titus said that the seven solar panels (at $150 each) cost less than a high-end stereo system in a new car. Making the concession to add the panels, even though they only provide between 1 and 10 percent of the power needed to move the Solar Bug was, to him, quite worth it. Will it be worth it for consumers? The Solar Bug will be available in July 2007. The whole year is shaping up to be a big one for EVs, so we'll soon be able to tell.

There are more pictures after the jump.

Built around an imported ATV chassis, the Solar Bug neighborhood electric vehicle will soon go into production. Steve Titus, owner of Free Drive EV in Bozeman, Montana, says a more stylish body will replace the telephone-booth-looking engineering model on display at the show. The Solar Bug isn't powered entirely by the sun. Titus says the solar panels supply from 1-10 percent of battery recharging in ideal conditions. Since the foundation is an ATV chassis, the driver (and passenger) straddles the seat and operates the steering and throttle on the handlebar. Even the regenerative braking is actuated by a hand lever. Titus has been driving his engineering model for more than three years. Since it's classified as a NEV, top speed is limited to 25 mph and can't be driven on roads with posted speeds higher than 35 mph. Titus is working with the Montana legislature to speed up the limitations to 35 and 45 mph, respectively, if the vehicle is enclosed and provides a rollbar. Although ATVs are notorious for rollovers, Titus says he dramatically lowered the center of gravity with 300 pounds of batteries and changed to road-worthy tires. He has not had any problem with tipping or rollovers. Total weight is 650 pounds, charge time is 4-6 hours and range is 30 miles. Prices will start at $9,500.