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Charging Ahead: The Electric AMC Gremlin in Seattle, 1973In the early 1970s, amid the grip of an oil crisis, an unlikely hero appeared in Seattle: the AMC Gremlin. Known more for its quirky design and reputation as a “lemon” of the automotive world, the Gremlin became the subject of a fascinating experiment by Seattle City Light in 1973—an electric prototype that could be charged for just 25 cents per hour.While today’s electric vehicle technology is sleek, efficient, and well-integrated, the 1973 electric Gremlin was a bold, forward-thinking venture in a world still largely dependent on gasoline. The oil embargo of 1973 had sent gas prices soaring, and this electric Gremlin was an effort to offer an alternative during the crisis.The Electric Gremlin ExperimentBuilt by Seattle City Light in collaboration with engineers and innovators, this electric Gremlin was a modification of the original model. Instead of running on the standard internal combustion engine, the car was powered by six-volt batteries. With these batteries, the electric Gremlin could hit a top speed of 50 mph—modest by today’s standards but significant for an experimental electric car in the early 70s.The car could be plugged in at charging stations set up around Seattle, allowing drivers to juice up their Gremlins for 25 cents an hour. It was a price that many considered a bargain at a time when gasoline was increasingly expensive and difficult to come by. While the Gremlin wasn’t the sleekest car on the road, its appeal lay in its practicality during a period of fuel uncertainty. Its electric conversion provided a glimpse of what the future of motoring could look like, long before Tesla and modern electric cars became household names.Challenges and LimitationsHowever, the electric Gremlin wasn’t without its challenges. It had a limited range, and its battery technology, by modern standards, was primitive. The vehicle’s six-volt batteries required frequent charging and had a tendency to drain quickly. Its 50 mph top speed wasn’t ideal for highway driving, but it was adequate for the slower-paced urban environment of Seattle.Despite these limitations, the electric Gremlin represented a bold experiment in the early days of electric vehicle development. It was an attempt to address both environmental concerns and the economic pressures of the oil crisis, though the technology wasn’t quite ready to transform the automotive world.A Symbol of InnovationFor those who drove the electric Gremlin, it was more than just a car—it was a statement. A symbol of innovation and a reminder that even in times of crisis, there are always creative solutions waiting to be explored.Though the project didn’t lead to widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the 1970s, it laid the groundwork for future advancements in electric car technology. Today’s sleek, high-performance electric cars owe a nod to the visionaries of Seattle City Light who dared to dream big with their experimental electric Gremlin in 1973.The electric Gremlin may not have changed the world overnight, but it was a sweet ride for a quarter an hour—especially when gasoline was scarce.