I guess whoever killed the electric car didn't quite finish the job. How else to explain the surprising presence of electric hot rods -- very fast electric hot rods -- that have blazed a trail into the world of drag racing.

Now, I know exactly two things about drag racing, which I've learned from watching Grease, Rebel Without A Cause and a couple John Waters movies.

Hollywood has taught me the following important life lessons: 1) If you're the girl waving the "start your engine flag," the appropriate outfit is a pair of very short shorts; and 2) When you race for "pinks," remember to remove your leather jacket so that you don't get your sleeve caught in the door handle and inadvertently, tragically drive off a cliff.

Since my knowledge on the subject is obviously limited, I was suprised and intrigued when a friend told me about a subculture comprised of people who are into green drag racing. Even more unexpected is that there's an official association devoted to eco-friendly, street-legal hot rods called the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA).

As I understand it, electric hot rods are regular cars that are converted to electric cars, often in the garages of hobbyists' who favor eco-savvy cities like Portland and Denver. And apparently, these souped-up speedsters can blow away your average gasoline-powered car. One stat I saw said that a 1972 electric (electrified? electrifying?) Datsun hit 106 mph in about 12 seconds. Another stat mentioned hitting 147 in about eight seconds. I'm not sure if these are current records, but they definitely are worthy of speeding tickets.

Even if hot rodding isn't your thing (and believe me, I get that), you may enjoy checking out a YouTube video interview on the history of electric cars and hot rods. It offers an informative and balanced look at the subject.

It's also interesting to note that like most things green, public perceptions on electric cars are starting to change. Hot rod conversions, which were once viewed as "glorified electric carts," are now gaining popularity. And that electric hot rod junkies are starting to shake their image as the "backyard lunatic fringe."

Here's what I predict: Whatever kooky image remains will disappear altogether once Hollywood puts out a hot rod movie starring the latest James Dean wannabe -- because this time it'll be the hot guy driving the electric car who's going to race across the finish line.