1980 Dodge Omni Electrica 007: A Forgotten Electric Pioneer
Jet Industries Created a Series of Dodge Omni O24 and Plymouth Horizon TC3 EVs...
In the early 1980s, the push for electric vehicles (EVs) was in its infancy, but the concept had already captured the imagination of some innovators. Amid the energy crises of the era, the U.S. Department of Energy backed several companies in their quest to make electric cars a reality. One such venture led to the creation of the 1980 Dodge Omni Electrica 007, a forgotten experiment that aimed to bring the future of electric mobility into the mainstream.
Unlike today’s sleek electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S or the upcoming Dodge Charger Daytona, the Electrica 007 was far from a high-tech marvel. Built by Jet Industries, a company based in Austin, Texas, the Electrica 007 was an electric conversion of the compact Dodge Omni 024. This quirky, boxy hatchback wasn’t the first car you would think of when imagining a future-forward EV, but it was a symbol of its time.
The Electric Conversion –
Jet Industries swapped out the Omni’s gasoline engine for a 23-horsepower direct-current (DC) electric motor, powered by a hefty battery pack stored in the car’s rear trunk. The conversion was funded in part by government grants aimed at boosting electric vehicle development, but the technology of the era was far from perfect. Unlike modern electric vehicles, which rely on advanced lithium-ion battery packs, the Electrica 007 used a series of lead-acid batteries—making the car heavy and limiting its range.
The car’s top speed was around 65-70 mph, and it had a range of roughly 25 to 60 miles depending on the condition of the batteries. While the performance wasn’t impressive by today’s standards, the Electrica 007 offered a glimpse into the future of EVs, despite its limitations.
Practical Challenges –
The conversion did have some practical downsides. With about 1,000 pounds of batteries installed in the back, the car became sluggish and prone to swaying at higher speeds. It also had a noticeable buzz from the electric motor, nicknamed “the growler,” that sounded more like a gas-powered engine than a smooth electric drive (eat your heart out Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust).
In terms of usability, Jet Industries opted to keep the Omni’s VW-sourced four-speed gearbox, which was unusual for electric cars at the time. This allowed the car to accelerate somewhat conventionally, but also made it more complex than modern EVs, which don’t need a transmission.
Modifications and Improvements –
Some owners of the Electrica 007 made modifications to improve performance and usability. For example, one owner swapped out the original 6-volt batteries for smaller 8-volt ones, reducing the vehicle’s range but improving its handling and trunk space. The original 220-volt battery charger, designed for home use, could take up to eight hours to fully charge the car, but later modifications allowed for quicker recharges.
One particularly unusual modification was the replacement of the factory heater with an electric hair dryer for defrosting and heating purposes. Despite the oddball modifications, the car was considered a commuter vehicle and served its purpose of getting its owner from point A to point B.
The Legacy of the Electrica 007 –
Despite its ambitious goals, the Electrica 007 didn’t last long in the market. The technology was simply too rudimentary, and the car didn’t have the range or performance to appeal to a wider audience. The project was ultimately overshadowed by the rise of gasoline-powered cars and the slow development of electric vehicle technology.
Interestingly, there are still some of these oddball Omnis around. This particular one, currently listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Piqua, Ohio, for $2,500, boasts just over 12,400 miles on the odometer. However, it’s not in running condition, making it more of a collector’s item for those intrigued by automotive history and the early EV movement.
Jet Industry’s Dodge Omni Electrica 007 Image Gallery:
