A release found its way into our e-mail inbox this morning touting the unveiling of the new zero-emissions E-CAR from a tiny (and quite literally named) business called the Electric Car Co. out of Bonne Terre, Mo. Ron LaPlant, owner and CEO, is quoted in the release:

"We believe it is a step above all other electric cars in its class. We designed the E-CAR to be the most stylish and comfortable electric car on the market. The body is all steel construction, with crash-resistant bumpers and numerous additional safety features not yet available on many low-speed or medium-speed electric vehicles. It has a plush, comfortable interior with many great features. And with the introductory price of $14,995, fully optioned, it is the best value of all electric cars on the market today."

It's nice to see the push for alternative fuels creating an entrepreneurial marketplace -- after all, the E-CAR predates Tesla's push for an all-electric car for less than 30 grand by seven years, as Tesla doesn't expect to have that ready until 2016 or so. And the Electric Car Co. isn't the only one, either: Santa Rosa, Calif.-based ZAP (for Zero Air Pollution) has been kicking around for eight years or so, and recently unveiled an eye-catching, sporty model called the Alias. Speaking of good-looking electrics, we found LaPlant's comment that the E-CAR is "the most stylish and comfortable electric car on the market" a bit of a stretch. Kudos on the affordable commuter, but we'll take a Roadster any day of the week.

(Photo via Electric Car Co.)