Could the future of autos be not hybrid or hydrogen but electric? Check out this review of the recent unveiling of the Tesla roadster, an electric car that is generating a lot of buzz: It can go 0 to 60 mph in four seconds and makes no sound whatsoever. The green angle: It’s twice as efficient as hybrids and emits no tailpipe emissions. The battery charge has a range of 250 miles — several times greater than past electric cars.
An electric sports car? Interesting, huh? Here’s the company Web site.
A new documentary that laments the auto industry’s determined opposition to electric cars — “Who Killed the Electric Car?” — has just been released. But the Tesla might be a sign that the death notices were premature.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
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12 Comments
The question is, “how many of us can spend $80,000 – $120,000 for a car to save $3/gal. in gas”?
These will just become another “prestige toy” for the filthy rich……
No sound, great, no warning at all for pedestrians and bicycle riders!
ks-sam – my hope is that this car serves as a prototype for more realistic electric cars that ‘regular people’ like me can get.
I’m not purchasing a $100K gasoline sports car either.
Ben…If I remember the article correctly, there were several “more affordable” models listed. Unfortunately, these also had a range of anywhere from 50 to 100 miles on a charge. IMHO, this will not meet the driving requirements of too many commuters, requiring a second gasoline powered vehicle for longer drives.
I just replaced the battery on my electric drill.. $59… OMG can you imagine the cost of replacement batteries for a Tesla?
Right now electric cars are a niche and to make any money off of this industry, you have to cater to the rich.
So far it isn’t sexy or cost effective to flood the market with cheap electric cars for people to use. They can however make electric cars go very fast, but the technology is expensive and to do it, they have to cater to the Ferrari crowd.
I believe that electric cars is the way to go. Better than hybrids or hydrogen.
Based on existing technology I would like to see a “plug-in” version of a hybrid. Give me 50- miles/day and I can ALMOST do without gasoline and run on nuclear power – especially if I can plug in at work. Then build the technologies with experience.
Build electric cars that have dual charge capability and use solar chargers during the day while parked at work.
Interesting idea XXX
Many electric cars have solar “trickle” chargers on them. It doesn’t add very much to the total charge, so it will not fully charge a vechile. But every little bit helps.
I am reminded of the CalTech/MIT race that uses strictly solar power. Seems to me that with the combinations above we could make a decent dent in hydrocarbon consumption/CO2 generation.
Note to my Sierra Club friends – we will likely need nuclear for a significant part of this.
A few comments and info.
Part of the reason for the Tesla is to blow out the idea that electric cars are only “golf cart” type vehicles. However, other significantly lower priced EVs are on their way, such as from Miles Automotive, Mitsubishi and Subaru (hope they bring them into US). Tesla also plans to come out with a lower-priced sedan after their first project is done (maybe 2-3 years off).
Plug-in hybrids are very much on the table. Folks can get 20-50 nearly all-electric range with existing technology. Electric power is cleaner, cheaper and domestically produced. Ask your automaker to produce them. Several have stated they are working on them. Bug them anyway because they are generally resistant to change, and change, we must. Prius conversions will be ready soon from Edrivesystems and Hymotion.
Don’t forget that your can power your EV or PHEV with clean, renewable power like solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, etc. Many EV drivers have discovered how quickly this can pay off their rooftop solar system, for example. Nighttime charging of these vehicles provides capacity for millions of vehicles without adding any new power plants. These vehicles can even help power the grid during the day during peak periods. Check out http://www.pluginpartners.org.
There is a fellow doing a solar Prius which can give up to 10 miles a day of range with the solar on the roof of the car. See http://www.solarelectricalvehicles.com for details. I see no reason why this couldn’t be combined with plug-in technology and flex-fuel ethanol, etc.
My hope for others is to do as I plan to. Keep your existing petrol (gasoline)/ diesel car until a wholly electric plug-in (+ solar)medium size car with at least a 250 mile range is available. When new car sales start to plummet the big manufacturers might take note and start to produce non-poluting ev’s. Governments can assist by tax consessions for these vehicles and other financial help for the environmentally concscientious consumers.Auto manufacturers please take note – evolve or die! The place for petrol (gasoline)/ diesel vehicles is the museum.