TNDs Going Electric

Considering the characteristics of the TND, what could be better for transportation than Light Electric Vehicles (LEV's)?

1 minute read

September 4, 2002, 8:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Light Electric Vehicles (LEV's) include some great concepts consisting of bikes, scooters and cars. All are powered by a battery that is rechargeable by plugging into a regular 110-volt electrical source. The range varies with the size and type of the vehicle, with some of the larger cars traveling 35-40 miles on a single charge. Speeds are required to be less than 25 mph, with most of the smaller bikes clocking in at an average speed of 16mph.Considering the characteristics of the TND, what could be better? An open, slower vehicle that permits the rider to not only attend to errands, but allows for kibitzing with the neighbors. Not approved for roads with a speed limit over 35 mph, it would be difficult to commute a long distance, but a short trip on residential streets to catch a train or bus to work would greatly ease the sense of congestion that traffic brings. Pick up or drop off the kids, deliver a plate of cookies, go to the pool ... the possibilities are endless."

Thanks to Laurence Aurbach

Sunday, September 1, 2002 in The Town Paper

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A coal power plant in Iowa billows smoke into the air.

Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand

For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.

7 hours ago - Inside Climate News

A sign on a fence describing the rain garden behind it.

NYC cools commuters with city's first rain garden above a bus stop

New York City officials say the plants in the rain garden can absorb 16 gallons of rainwater during heavy storms.

September 17 - Gothamist

A map showing Brightline West's intended route from  Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Brightline West’s future may rely on $6 billion federal loan

The company has until Nov. 2 to make a $400 million equity investment into its proposed high-speed rail line.

September 17 - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.