GM tried to erase the existence of EV that sold for $104,000 in Georgia and is now being restored
Published on Nov 04, 2025 at 3:48 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Nov 04, 2025 at 3:52 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
General Motors (GM) once tried to erase the existence of a pioneering EV, but one has resurfaced and sold for $104,000 at auction.
In the 1990s, General Motors ran a lease program for its EV1, as it looked to comply with a new mandate in California regarding zero-emissions vehicles.
Backtracking from manufacturers saw the mandate crumble, and GM reclaimed virtually all the cars and destroyed them, but a few did slip through the net.
Earlier in 2025, one of the 40 surviving examples sold for $104,000 at an auction, and now this pioneering car is set to have a full restoration.
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The story behind the GM EV1
The electric car was produced from 1996 to 1999, with just over 1,100 examples built during that time.
It was designed to comply with the California Air Resources Board mandate of 1990.
This said that the seven leading automakers in the United States should produce and sell zero-emission vehicles.
If they didn’t, they may not have had access to the California market.
The EV1 was GM’s contribution to the scheme, but the company then pushed back against the mandate.
As a result, many of the leased cars were recalled and crushed, despite protests from customers.
The car had enough range for up to 142 miles, and it was a striking-looking car.
How this EV escaped being crushed
The car sold at auction was VIN #212, and it has earned the nickname V212.
Its sale marked the first time a GM EV1 had been legally sold to the general public.
Former lessee Jonathan Sawyer creatively secured a lease through his sister in Tucson.
He did this to smuggle the car to Colorado, helping stop it from being crushed, and this displeased GM.
But GM did get its hands on the car, yet a lawsuit filed by Sawyer saved it from the crusher.
Sold at an impound auction, new owner Billy ended up paying $118,000 when all his fees were added on.
The car is to have a full restoration, which will include a refresh of its green paintwork.
If it all goes to plan, the car will be running again by November 14th, 2026.
The date marks the 30th anniversary of the very first EV1 drive.
Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
