Lotus SUV
When people pictured the future in the '80s and '90s, they imagined flying cars and nuclear-powered vehicles. Well in 2010, the cars aren't going to fly and won't run on nuclear power, but they will be quiet. The electric car has finally arrived in 2010, and the car companies that embrace it will be wildly successful. Although the Toyota Prius is now the king of electric cars, getting 50 miles per gallon, the Prius is just a hybrid and was the first step to get the public ready for an all electric car.
Tesla leads the way in cutting edge electric car technology.
Tesla is on the cutting edge of electric car production and developed a sports car named the Tesla Roadster. Although the price is a prohibitive at $109,000, the Tesla Roadster has a national spokesman and supporter in late night talk show host David Letterman. Letterman was one of the first owners of the Tesla Roadster and isn't shy about heaping praise on the car and the Tesla company. The Tesla Roadster gets 240 miles per charge and doesn't lack in the performance department either.
The Tesla Roadster does not have an internal combustion engine and produces no emissions. The Tesla Roadster has a lithium ion battery and can be charged with electricity in the driver's home. There is also an optional Mobile Connector which allows you to charge from any available 110v or 220v electrical outlet. One issue that will be addressed in the near future is getting more and more local fast food restaurants and grocery stores to feature recharging stations for electric vehicles.
The Tesla Roadster is a sleek looking sports car that features style as well as a sports car feel. To see the car on the street the average person would never know the car is electric. The Tesla Roadster is designed off of the Lotus Elise sports car view the Tesla Roadster here. The vehicle can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 3.7 seconds.
Tesla Model S will be the most affordable and most popular electric car of 2010.
The Tesla Model S will break the mold of the small cramped electric car. The Tesla Model S will have a range of 300 miles per charge and will feature a quick charge battery, that can be charged in 45 minutes. From a performance stand point the Tesla Model S can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds.
The Tesla S will also feature a comfortable interior that can seat up to seven passengers and an "infotainment system." The car also will have a large cargo space and will break the mold of the electric cars golf cart image.
Selling for between $55,000 and $60,000, the Tesla Model S will be the first large scale production electric car ever. By the end of 2010 they could be a common site around major cities across the country. When purchasing an electric car, like the Tesla, consumers will receive a $7500 tax credit which is not figured into the price.
Nissan Leaf is behind the curve as far as electric technology goes.
The Nissan Leaf is not going to make many waves in the electric car market in 2010. A little effort is better than no effort and this is a car designed with little thought towards the future. The Nissan Leaf will get 100 miles per charge and is larger than the old standard electric cars. the car will seat five passengers but the main problem that is hard to ignore is the range of the vehicle. 100 miles per charge will get monotonous and is already out dated before it hits the market.
The Leaf accelerates like a V-6 powered vehicle and is capable of speeds up to 90 MPH. Although Nissan has not put a price tag on the Leaf they are saying that the car will be priced like a normal family sedan. It is a first step in the process of electric cars and Nissan is at least getting in the game. If they are smart they are developing a new electric that performs in the 300 mile range.
E Mini Cooper by BMW gets mini performance at 150 miles per charge.
The E Mini Cooper is identical to it's gas breathing brother only it is 100% electric. Consumers that love the Mini Cooper will no doubt love this car. The car comes available with a price tag estimated to be $35,000 and will have a "quick charge" of three hours.
As a performer the E Mini Cooper has the capability of reaching 95 miles per hour, and can do 0-60 in 8.4seconds. The car will be a two seater as the battery pack will be in the back seat. From a comfort stand point the E Mini Cooper is as uncomfortable as it's gas powered brother. It is a nice first attempt by BMW and maybe we will see an SUV in the near future using the same technology.
Ford Focus BEV, Ford's electric effort stars on the Jay Leno Show.
The Ford Focus BEV is an electric version of the focus and is already a star even though it hasn't officially hit the streets yet. The now ill fated Jay Leno show was featuring the Ford Focus Electric car on it's track outside it's studios. A host of celebrities took turns, driving around a closed course as a comedy bit for the show titled "The Green Car Challenge."
The Ford Focus BEV version will feature a 141 horsepower engine but does not disclose how long the vehicle will hold a charge or whether the vehicle have a quick charge option. To view the Ford press release on the Focus Electric car, click here.
One thing is definite for 2010, the electric car can become a major seller, if it is marketed right and the American public can get from point A to Point B without many issues. The next issue will be to ween the American public off of their dependence of foreign oil. The electricity generated for the new electric cars will need to be generated by solar and wind aided electricity. One step at a time though, the first step in 2010 with the impending full scale production of electric cars is exciting.
