EXHIBIT 10.17



                     Put /Call Option to Sell Itochu Shares

In  consideration  of the  respective put and call options  granted  below,  the
undersigned parties hereby agree as follows effective as of September 1, 1999:

1. The  undersigned,  Carl D. Perry  ("Perry"),  hereby grants U.S.  Electricar,
   Inc.,  a  California  corporation  doing  business as Enova  Systems  ("Enova
   Systems"),  the right to purchase  23,970,000  shares of Enova Systems common
   stock for $100,000  exercisable between March 25, 2000 through March 30, 2000
   (the "Call Option"). Enova Systems may exercise the Call Option by delivering
   written  notice  of its  exercise  of the Call  Option to Perry  during  such
   exercise period.  Payment of the Call Option price shall be made at such time
   that Perry delivers the Shares to Enova Systems duly endorsed for transfer.

2. Enova  Systems  hereby  grants to Perry the right to sell the Shares to Enova
   Systems for $50,000 exercisable between March 25, 2000 through March 30, 2000
   (the "Put Option").  Perry may exercise the Put Option by delivering  written
   notice of his exercise of the Put Option to Enova Systems during the exercise
   period. Payment of the Put Option price shall be made at such time that Perry
   delivers the Shares to Enova Systems duly endorsed for transfer.

                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Carl D. Perry




                                               U.S. Electricar, Inc.
                                               (doing business as Enova Systems)


                                               By:
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                    (Signature)


                                                   -----------------------------
                                                    (Print Name & Title)