The Electron was an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 concept automobile built in 1977 by American Motors Corporation (AMC).
The experimental three-passenger commuter "city car

City car

A city car is a small car intended for use primarily in an urban area.City cars are sold worldwide and most automotive industry manufacturers have one or two in their line-up. In North-America city cars are often referred to simply as "subcompacts" alongside the superminis. These kind of cars...

" was designed for short-trip urban transportation. The clamshell-style roof swung back on rear-mounted pivots for entry and egress.

The Electron was based on previous development of the AMC Amitron

Amitron

The Amitron was an American electric concept car built in 1967 by American Motors Corporation and Gulton Industries of Metuchen, New Jersey.- Design :...

. Powered by a lightweight lithium battery

Lithium battery

Lithium batteries are disposable batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode. Depending on the design and chemical compounds used, lithium cells can produce voltages from 1.5 V to about 3.7 V, over twice the voltage of an ordinary zinc–carbon battery or alkaline battery...

 system, the Electron was designed in anticipation of further advances in electronic technologies.

The Electron (along with the AM Van, Grand Touring, Concept I, Concept II, and Jeep II) constituted the "Concept 80" program that illustrated what the company saw for future vehicles.