The EV1 was General Motors’ first mass-produced battery-electric vehicle.
General Motors introduced the EV1 in 1996 after developing it partly in response to California’s zero-emission-vehicle requirements. The two-seat coupe was offered only through leases, initially in California and later in Arizona, rather than being sold directly to customers.
Early cars used lead–acid batteries, while later versions offered nickel–metal hydride packs with improved range. GM ended the leasing program in the early 2000s and reclaimed most of the vehicles, making the EV1 a central subject in debates about electric-car adoption.
The EV1 is sometimes called the first modern mass-produced electric car, although earlier electric vehicles existed and several experimental models had been built. Its significance lies in combining a dedicated design, modern electronics and limited series production from a major global automaker.