They are at it again!
Tesla are now in production with a family electric car to fill the gap in the market. After the unbelievable success of their ground-breaking Roadster (article name and link) they thought that they had better slow down and think of a different demographic.
There is still a waiting list for the Tesla Roadster after it’s launch a while back, so why a whole new design now?
The Model S
A-top-of-the-range shiny new sporty-looking hatchback that can travel 300 miles on a single charge! And can seat 7 people!
The prototype was shown to all and hopes to be ready for 2011 - with plans to churn out 20,000 the following year.
It’s not going to be a cheap family car, but the costs of running will be so much cheaper than gas - estimates reckon that the 4 hour full charge on the cars 8000 fuel cells will cost a tiny $5 at today’s electricity prices!
That really is cost effective!
Bearing in mind that the shortage of oil will no doubt push up already high gas prices - and the pressure of crops for bio-fuel could be making it unpopular.
It has been calculated that owners could save around $15,000 on fuel costs over the life of the car - and obviously help to save the environment at the same time (if using wind-produced electricity rather than coal!).
What Else Is Out There?
Competition is on the horizon from several rival firms - none of whom are in production either!
First up is the Lightning with many claims including 0-60 mph in just 5 seconds and with a charge time of just 10 minutes for 200 miles of driving - get yours reserved with just a £15,000 deposit!
Also the Volvo 3CC is set to revolutionise electric vehicles. With a claimed 0-60mph in 10 seconds and a top speed of 85mph, it will do the trick - but it looks a bit futuristic with flap up doors and a clear roof!
The Future:
However, should new cars be like old cars? Should there be a new way of looking at cars as transport?
Electric car are still just cars - usually with just 1 person in them driving in traffic in the sweltering heat!
Maybe we need to design them to be most fuel efficient with only 2 people inside as this is how most of them are used!
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