The Myers Motors NmG (“No More Gas”) is a three-wheeled, single-passenger electric vehicle developed in Ohio. Originating from the Corbin Sparrow design, the NmG was refined by Myers Motors starting in 2004, offering a unique blend of aerodynamic design, energy efficiency, and urban practicality.
With a top speed of 70 mph and range improvements thanks to lithium-ion battery upgrades, the NmG represents an early attempt at personal electric commuting—well before the mass adoption of EVs in the 2010s.
Key Takeaways
- Myers Motors acquired the Corbin Sparrow and rebranded it as the NmG in 2004.
- The NmG is a three-wheeled, single-passenger electric vehicle.
- It has a 20 kW motor, 70 mph top speed, and a range of 20–40 miles with lead-acid batteries.
- A 2009 lithium battery upgrade increased the range to 60 miles.
- Priced at $29,995, with a $7,500 federal tax credit, reducing cost to $22,495.
Origins of Myers Motors
Founded in August 2004 by Dana Myers, Myers Motors was established following the acquisition of assets from Corbin Motors, which had declared bankruptcy in 2003.
The acquisition included several partially built Sparrow three-wheel electric vehicles. These served as the technical and conceptual basis for the new NmG.
Unlike traditional car manufacturers, Myers Motors aimed to provide a compact, efficient, and eco-friendly commuting option. The NmG retained the Sparrow’s key dimensions but improved drivetrain reliability and modernized its battery system.
Interestingly, General Motors History reveals that GM has been a long-standing innovator in vehicle technology, highlighting the competitive landscape Myers Motors entered.
The Unique Design of the NmG
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The NmG’s distinctive design sets it apart from traditional cars and electric vehicles. With a teardrop-like, fully enclosed body, it combines aerodynamic efficiency with urban practicality. Key design features include:
- Three-wheel configuration (two front, one rear drive wheel)
- Single-passenger cabin for reduced footprint
- Layered composite body panels for strength and weight reduction
- Compact dimensions (96″ long × 48″ wide × 57″ high)
Despite its unconventional appearance, the NmG is street legal and is registered as a motorcycle in most U.S. states—yet does not require a helmet or motorcycle license in many jurisdictions.
In addition, the futuristic design of the NmG draws inspiration from high-octane action scenes in films, where precision and innovation are crucial elements.
Technical Specifications and Performance
While compact in size, the NmG offers respectable performance for a commuter EV:
- Motor: 20 kW (continuous), 156-volt DC motor
- Top Speed: 70 mph
- Range: Initially 20–40 miles (lead-acid); up to 60 miles (lithium)
- Battery: Thirteen 12-volt lead-acid batteries (initial); lithium upgrade available in 2009
- Efficiency: Approximately 130 Wh/km, equivalent to 162 MPGe (US)
- Weight: ~1,350 lbs
Its three-tiered electrical system—covering line voltage, traction voltage, and low-voltage accessories—ensured both safety and performance for daily commuting.
Evolution of Battery Technology
A major turning point in the development of the NmG came in 2009, when Myers Motors replaced the original thirteen 12-volt Optima lead-acid batteries with a modern lithium-ion battery system.
This upgrade significantly enhanced the vehicle’s usability by doubling its range to 60 miles per charge. The change not only reduced the vehicle’s overall weight but also improved its acceleration and handling characteristics.
In environmental terms, the lithium system contributed to lower emissions and better energy efficiency, aligning the NmG more closely with emerging expectations for modern electric vehicles, even as it retained its niche status in the market.
Environmental Benefits and Cost Savings
| Feature | Myers Motors NmG | Typical EV (e.g., Nissan Leaf Gen 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Seats | 1 | 4–5 |
| Top Speed | 70 mph | ~90 mph |
| Range | 60 miles (lithium) | ~75 miles |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Weight | ~1,350 lbs | ~3,300 lbs |
| Energy Efficiency | 130 Wh/km (162 MPGe) | ~220 Wh/km (~99 MPGe) |
| Base Price (2008) | $29,995 | ~$32,000 |
The NmG’s zero-emission design offered clear advantages for environmentally conscious drivers. With no tailpipe emissions and a lightweight composite structure, the vehicle was both efficient and sustainable.
Its energy consumption of approximately 130 Wh/km translated to an operating cost of around $0.02 per mile, assuming an electricity rate of $0.1335/kWh. This made the NmG not only eco-friendly but also highly economical. Together, these attributes established the vehicle as an appealing choice for drivers seeking low-impact urban mobility.
Challenges and Innovations in Production
Despite its promising concept, the NmG’s development was not without obstacles. Early production was modest, limited to about four vehicles per month, largely due to wiring issues, braking system inconsistencies, and DC/DC converter problems.
However, under the leadership of Chief Engineer Robert Q. Riley, the engineering team tackled these hurdles through iterative improvements and component refinement. Although these technical challenges restricted scaling, they also demonstrated the company’s commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation.
Transition From Corbin Motors to Myers EV
The NmG originated from the Corbin Sparrow, an earlier three-wheeled electric vehicle. When Corbin Motors filed for bankruptcy in 2003, Dana Myers stepped in to acquire the Sparrow’s design and production rights in 2004.
Myers Motors launched the improved MM NmG in 2006, incorporating several reliability upgrades. The significant lithium battery update in 2009 marked a peak in the vehicle’s performance evolution. This transition illustrates how a visionary startup can reimagine and refine legacy technologies to meet the evolving demands of the electric vehicle market.
