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Perhaps the most promising vehicle on display comes from Mississauga-based Electrovaya, a world leader in lithium-ion batteries — the same kind used in cellphones, MP3 players and laptop computers. The company is featuring its brand-new Maya-300 low and medium-speed electric vehicle.

Gitanjali DasGupta, Electrovaya’s director of electric vehicles, said that the company is currently researching a range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles for all applications through its Clean Transportation division, including a partnership with Purolator to replace the old, smoggy delivery vehicles with a zero-emission version.

Meanwhile, the Maya-300 has the best chance of changing public perception because it resembles a modern five-door hatchback, similar to what’s sold in any regular dealership.

“It’s designed as an urban vehicle, for city driving, commuting, fleet use,” DasGupta said.

“I’d love to see these kinds of cars driven by parking enforcement officers (because) internal combustion engines are terribly inefficient in stop-and-go driving.”

The main challenge facing Electrovaya are the current regulations in most of Canada outlawing low-speed electric vehicles on public roads.

Only Quebec is running a test program to give some hand-picked companies such as Electrovaya a shot at Canadian success by allowing them onto streets with speed limits of 60 km/h or lower. And while DasGupta feels that the Maya-300 would easily be able to qualify under Quebec’s regulations, Electrovaya sees the United States’ vehicle market as a more important nut to crack for now.

“It’s perfect if you need a car to drop the kids to school, or pick up groceries, or if you don’t want to buy your kid an old jalopy, especially since you don’t want them on the highway,” she said.

On display: Maya 300

The latest in low-speed transportation courtesy of a Mississauga-based battery maker. Doesn’t look like an electric vehicle, and can be equipped with power windows, air conditioning and rear airbags.