All Electric Car Options
Even though there has been great interest in cars that are powered by electricity, as opposed to depending on burning gas, there are still not many choices that could be called a truly all electric car.
Most of the electric cars that can be seen driving around the neighborhood streets are those that are called hybrid electric cars. These cars utilize two different modes of power: gas motor power and electric motor power, which work in tandem to conserve the amount of gasoline consumed to propel the vehicle.
There are some very hopeful developments and progressions being made. Progress that will please those who are looking forward to being able to boast of an all electric car that they can proudly use for most of their transportation needs.
There is good news within the auto industry and word is quickly seeping out to the public. There are some promising all electric car models that have been on the drawing board for some time and have progressed to the point that the manufacturers are expecting to have them on showroom floors and out on the streets within the next 12 to 18 months.
Of course, many people caution against becoming overly optimistic over these reports. Auto manufacturers behind these innovative electric cars have somewhat of a reputation for underestimating the timelines to work out all of the kinks and get the vehicles fully into production.
The first of the all electric car models expected to be on the market is the Zap Zebra. It is said that the Zap electric car is really more of a golf cart that has been pumped up to make it street-legal for roads with a speed limit of 45 MPH or less. This electric vehicle is expected to retail for under $10,000 and will boast a top speed of 40 MPH. However, it will have a rather limited range of 40 miles before needing a boost.
Another interesting option in the all electric car category is the Tesla Roadster that runs off of lithium ion batteries that are commonly found in laptop computers. The Tesla Company claims that it’s electric roadster will have a range of over 250 miles and that it can accelerate from zero to 60 in just 4.5 seconds, which makes it competitive with gasoline powered cars. It is interesting that speed and acceleration are featured in this small electric car, an area that has not been well addressed by other manufacturers of electric cars. The fact is, electric motors have the capability of powering a vehicle with sports car attributes, because the torque curve and the RMP range of the electric motor power is actually much better than that of combustion engines. There are two questions from industry experts. How will the Tesla manage the heat thrown off by their battery array? And two, what is the expected life-span of the batteries?
The biggest challenge to developing viable all electric car options boils down to the same issue: current available battery technology. Industry experts say that if lithium ion batteries can evolve so that they are less expensive, are longer lasting and are safe, then that will go a long way to bringing the electric car revolution to a juncture that will create real changes in the auto industry.
