A new company in Richmond County could put the brakes on soaring gas prices.

Electric car outlet, GoGreen Zero Emission Vehicles opened its doors to a curious public in Augusta Saturday.

Owner and manager John Cooper said driving one of his vehicles, commuters would never have to pay for gas or oil changes ever again. He says there are a lot of benefits to owning and maintaining an electric vehicle over a regular gas or even a hybrid vehicle.

“No pollution, no gas, no oil changes, no anti-freeze, none of those things,” said Cooper.

The electric vehicles start around $12,000. A company spokesman says that cost can be paid off in fuel savings after only several years of driving.

President and CEO of Verdek, the company who manufactures the electric vehicles, believes they are the future of transportation.

“It's a classic clean vehicle,” says Mannino. “No emissions and very cheap to manage the operating cost is about 2 cents per mile,” he said.

Compared with about 16 cents a mile for most other vehicles, it's easy to see why consumers like Ellen Thomas have taken an interest in electric vehicles.

Thomas says they are a step in the right direction for the economy as well as the environment, but she's still skeptical over whether or not they can meet her needs.

“I think they're a great idea,” said Thomas. “As far as personally, I don't think they would work for me. My commute to work is a lot on I-20 and I don't think the have the pick up and go for I-20."

Zero Air Pollution electric vehicles have their limitations. They top out at 40 miles per hour and have a range of about 40 miles before their battery dies. But many are willing to overlook these sacrifices.

“It's not just something that's fun and new, but it's something that we need,” said Cooper. “It's a change we need to start making and something to get used to.”

GoGreenZEV is Georgia’s first zero air pollution electric vehicle retailer.