We can say that actual “era” of electric cars was started by Tesla’s Roadster- the first well known and successful electric car on the market, which was a breakthrough - over 100 000 electric cars are sold across the world. Of course, it is not a huge number compared to classic cars, but 5 years ago it was 0. It is something we should think about.
Source: http://evobsession.com/2-things-to-realize-about-2015-tesla-sales-projections/
So where is that fun? Acceleration. The thing, which gives the most pleasure to any car driver in the world. Technicalities first.
The way how car accelerates is not only defined by horsepower but also by torque, power distribution, weight, and of course- drive type. Torque defines when an engine has the highest force, and finally- together with it- when a car accelerates in the most effective way. A typical combustion engine has the maximum torque available only in a short range of engine’s RPM. Depending on an engine type- petrol, or diesel, the RPM range in which car can use maximum torque is accessible at lower or higher RPM value. Generally, diesel engines get their max torque earlier than petrol ones- giving the user the feeling of being pushed into the seat. What about electric cars? How is power distributed in the electric engine?
The way how car accelerates is not only defined by horsepower but also by torque, power distribution, weight, and of course- drive type. Torque defines when an engine has the highest force, and finally- together with it- when a car accelerates in the most effective way. A typical combustion engine has the maximum torque available only in a short range of engine’s RPM. Depending on an engine type- petrol, or diesel, the RPM range in which car can use maximum torque is accessible at lower or higher RPM value. Generally, diesel engines get their max torque earlier than petrol ones- giving the user the feeling of being pushed into the seat. What about electric cars? How is power distributed in the electric engine?
Take a look at the chart:
On the example of Tesla Model S you can see that maximum torque is available from 0 RPM. It can be hard to see on a chart why having max torque available from 0 RPM is so fun. So take a look also at these videos, which are self-explanatory:
That’s it! Electric cars with a properly powered motor and batteries are insanely fast and fun to drive! 4 wheel power adjusted using specialized algorithms resulted in great acceleration. No power is wasted burning tyres. Of course, the fun driving a car is not only defined by acceleration or speed. What do you think about electric, fast cars? Would you buy it if they were cheaper? Have you ever driven an electric car?
Sources: https://forums.tesla.com/de_CH/forum/forums/how-many-cars-sold-2014-and-2015
Comments
Personally I haven't tried any electric car and I don't think that it's something special what I have to try sometime.
In my life I have heard a lot of bad opinions about electric cars and that's why I would rather not consider buying one in my life. The only advantage of it is fact that they are eco, nothing else. Maybe it'll change someday.
I haven't driven an electric car, but I would buy one, I hope that Tesla will produce an affordable one:)
On the other hand, I imagine that this is our future and probably in 15 years this will be a standard vehicle at home.
I have never driven an EV car. I have been driving a hybrid car for a few times. It was very nice experience.
I had the pleasure of driving Tesla as a passenger.
It's an amazing feeling when you feel like the car accelerates but sound can't be heard and only the noise. However I prefer V8 engines :)
A few days ago I spoke to a friend who drives a hybrid car and she said that it is such a great thing not be have to go to the petrol station so often as she had to with a regular car. She also said that having the electric engine does not affect the power and speed of the car ;) which is good news for those of us who likes to drive on highways.
It is also nice to see that more and more buses and taxies exchange the cars to hybrid.
Electric cars are future, we have to agree on this. I think, that in 20-30 years there will be more electric cars on street than petrol ones. However, I love the proper sound of V6 or V8, so I hope that these types of cars won't be extinct.
I would really like to try an electric car, but right now they are way too expensive, and there are only a few charging stations in Poland, so going on holidays in such car may be a problem. Moreover, you don't get any special treatment for owning an electric car in Poland. For example, in Norway electric cars get large discounts in taxes and they can park for free and use bus lines. That's why Tesla got so popular in Norway.
Just take a look:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/2011_Ford_Mondeo_(MC)_LX_hatchback_(2015-07-14)_01.jpg
http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2015/08/2015-Tesla-Model-S-P85D-consumer-reports-score.jpg
My favourite Tesla model is Speedster. EV without a roof sounds like a great way to enjoy some countryside tour.
Few months ago I had a pleasure to drive BMW i8 - it's a sport hybrid car but even on plain electric engine from 0-60 it's just pure acceleration ecstasy. This car is awesome and I know how people on the movie felt in Tesla - it's just pushing you so hard to the seat ... and you have to love it and want more :)
Someone wrote about electric cars being unsexual.. - checkout this model please:
http://www.bmw.pl/pl/all-models/bmw-i/i8/2014/at-a-glance.html
It is more ecological way than standard cars.
It would be great to have a ride in Tesla! :D