The Coming Automotive Revolution

Every time that gas prices surge, the talk about alternative fuels surges, too. Few people realize, however, that the future of transportation is probably not in alternative fuels at all. Out of all of the attempts to rethink automobiles, the electric car has had the best results so far, and many experts also think it has the best possible future. But what about today? Are there electric cars that are genuinely useful for daily life?  The Audi Etron has a nice little commuter electric car.

Electric Cars are Here

Unlike many alternative fuel technologies, the technology behind electric cars continues to advance quickly. The Tzero, for instance, can go up to 300 miles at 70 mph. The EV1 has a range of 160 miles at 65 mph. However, these cars are cutting-edge and quite expensive—not within the average consumer’s price range.

The electric car quickly approaching the mass market, however. A number of companies are already selling large numbers of compact electric cars—particularly in Europe. The Chevy Volt, will be available Stateside in late 2010. This four-door sedan will have an electric range of 40 miles, beyond which a combustion engine will carry it more than 250 miles further. In 2010, Nissan will release the first all-electric five-door family hatchback intended for the mass market and priced in the range of comparable mid-sized sedans. The LEAF will have a range of 100 miles, performance comparable to a combustion engine, and will have the ability to recharge to 80% within 30 minutes.  For more information on the electric car batteries used.

The Benefits of Electric Cars

What are the benefits of electric cars? One owner decided to make a real-world test by logging how much he had to charge his electric car. His conclusion was that charging his electric car cost him about 3 cents per mile. An equivalent gasoline engine would have to get 106 miles per gallon in order to achieve a similar payback.

Of course, another huge benefit is impact, or lack thereof, on the environment. A fully electric car such as the Nissan LEAF produces zero emissions. Of course, electric power always comes from somewhere, but power generation is much more efficient than car engines, and clean energy will continue to improve in the future.