Since GM killed its electric car endeavors, for now, several companies have stepped forward to pick up the slack. Most of them are based in Europe, but the U.S. has a funny way of catching up. I bet you’re asking: Electric car? First, who would even want to drive an electric car? How fast and how far could an electric car go? Second, no reputable car manufacturer even makes one. Lastly, in terms of sustainability electric cars still have to be charged off the grid, which is most likely powered by polluting sources.
People let me quell your fears. An electric car reduces carbon emissions by at least 95%! Sure, these cars would use energy from the grid, but that energy is created far more efficiently than a car engine. Think about it, if car engines were so great we would have whole power plants lined wall to wall with Escalade engines. Further, the environmental impacts can be regulated much easier by responsible local and state governments. I still think they are more effective at environmental issues than the broken EPA.
It’s true that the major car manufacturers have little interest in producing electric cars just yet. Eventually they will make this step, like the little baby step they made with hybrid engines, but gas is like crack to them. GM’s EV1 was an excellent example of an electric car. But they pulled the plug on it for reasons we all know (petrol crack). So, they have the technology readily available and have the resources to make it happen. They will even save money in production because an electric motor is far less complex than, lets say, a hybrid engine?
As far as asking who would drive an electric car? Me. They are actually pretty awesome. An electric motor can produce an astounding amount of torque, giving you amazing acceleration. When you really think about, all those motor-heads want is acceleration anyway. Does anyone really need a car that can top 120 mph? I did some research and have found some pretty sweet alternatives to the major motor companies. First, there are different types of electric vehicles that range all the way from a scooter to electric supercars like the Tesla. As far as cars go there are three catagories: Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV’s), three wheel NEV’s (which operate under a motorcycle registration and title), and highway capable electric vehicles (HCEV’s). NEV’s in general are regulated at 25 mph and 35 mph in some states because they do not meet safety standards, and because they literally can’t go that fast. Which means NEV’s can only drive on roads with a posted speed limit of no more than 35 mph. It most big cities in the west that is very limiting. In addition, most NEV’s are limited to a range of about 35-40 miles. Which in reality isn’t bad since the average driver commutes an average of 16 miles a day.
My favorite is the Aptera. Its a little funky design-wise, and may not appeal to conservative car buyers, but this car blows away the competition. It is also nicely priced between 27k and 30k.
The APTERA TYPE-1
What sets this car apart from others is that according to Aptera.com, this car can reach speeds over 90 mph and has a range of over 120 miles on a single charge. Unfortunately it will be sold regulated at 85 mph.
One of its most amazing features is aside from its stock air conditioner, is its solar powered air conditioner that runs when the car is not in use. This keeps the car cool on hot days and warm on cold ones, which makes those first moments after getting into the car much more pleasant. In addition it only takes 2-4 hours to fully charge and it exceeds all of the federal safety standards.
Enought about the Aptera and more about its competition. Most of the other NEV’s and HCNEV’s seem to be three wheeled like the Aptera. ZAP! is also an innovator in NEV’s and HCNEV’s using the three-wheeled design, as well as four wheel designs in conjunction with Lotus Engineering such as the ZAP-X, priced at $60,000. It’s top speed is about 155 mph and a range of 350 miles.
ZAP-X
The ZAP Alias is the sport version of the more modestly priced ZAP Xebra.
ZAP Alias
ZAP-Xebra
February 27, 2008 at 11:58 pm
one basic guideline is to preserve people’s freedom of choice… take away people’s ability to move and think and innovate freely and you weaken the country in general. it would seem that Big Oil is not very concerned about playing fairly in this way.