From a performance point of view, I cannot say I was bowled over by the BG C100 plug-in electric car when I took it for a spin around the block recently.

But I was excited by BG Automotive's business plan to import the chassis and bodies of existing Chinese cars, insert American made batteries, controllers and engines and sell them as plug-in electric vehicles.

BG Automotive President Barry Bernsten and Chief Operating Officer Gregg Nourjian stopped by The Providence Journal on St. Patrick's Day to show off their bright green C100 prototype.

They were in town to meet state officials to discuss possible plans to establish an assembly plant in the state.

As I have argued before, I believe plug-in is the future mixed in with more fuel efficient gas engines and clean diesel engines.

The Italian-designed C100, which is essentially a Chana Benni with electric innards, is a pretty little car with all the amenities, including steel body, four doors, dual airbags, AC and AM/FM/CD.

Certainly it was slow to get off the line and felt heavy to drive. Not surprising when you consider it is carrying a 1,200 pound lead acid battery.

And with a top speed of 45 mph, it is officially a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle which means it cannot be driven on the highway.

But I am very excited by BG's plans to import the chassis and body of the Chana Z-Shine, a 4-door sedan on the scale of a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, which the company will market as the BG C200.

This car will be armed with a lithium-ion-phosphate battery that is lighter and more powerful, giving it a top speed of 75 mph and a range of up to 150 miles.

Both cars will be capable of being 80 percent recharged in three hours from a 220 volt (washer/dryer) outlet and will be priced in the $16,000 range for the C100 and the $28,000 for the C200.

Is BG Automotive ahead of the curve or right on? Time will tell but I cannot help but feel that this is where the future lies.

- Peter C.T. Elsworth