SEATTLE -- One consequence of record-high gasoline prices is increased interest in cars that run on alternative fuels. Just in time to answer the demand, there's a new electric car dealership in Seattle.

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Electric Car Test Drive

With gas prices going ever higher, more people are searching for alternatives, including cars that you plug in.

What surprises you is what you don't hear: No gas-powered engine noise in the electric car we drove, one of the first to be sold in Seattle.

MORE ON ELECTRIC CARS Seattle Electric Vehicle Association Web Site

The car is one of several models of N.E.V.'s -- neighborhood electric vehicles, which the legislature legalized for Washington streets last year.

Tuesday, the first dealership opened: MC Electric Vehicles, on Dearborn.

"We're looking forward to selling lots of these, with the price of fuel going the way it is and the cost of maintenance on regular vehicles. We think the timing has been real good and we're very fortunate," Jim Johnson, with MC Electric Vehicles.

The cars aren't for everyone. They top out at 25 miles per hour and go about 30 miles before they need to be charged again. To many, perhaps, it's the perfect second car.

"This isn't something that's going to work for everyone. We certainly have no expectation that this is going to replace vehicles all over the place but this is a really a practical vehicle for a lot of uses," said Linda Graham of the Clean Cities Coalition.

And as long as you don't need to hit the freeway, it's not bad.

Reporter in electric car: It does seem to have plenty of get up and go in a neighborhood. We're in the International District. I feel comfortable even at 25 miles per hour.

There is a way to go faster, and drive longer between charges by converting a gas-powered car.

"It's the independence from the oil companies and from foreign oil. A lot of people think that we're a bunch of environmentalists and want less pollution but what this is really about is becoming more independent," Dave Cloud of the Seattle Electric Vehicle Association.

Electric cars may not be for everyone, but promoters hope you'll consider them.