In wildflowers, I send two rule-bending,
Tesla-driving teens
Tesla-driving teens
into the Restricted Zone to find
the secret for rebuilding the West.
the secret for rebuilding the West.
When crafting this novel, set in the not-so-far-off future, I saw a world where hybrids still exist, but electric vehicles (EVs) would replace gas-fueled cars. My inspiration for this came in 2010 when Wired Magazine featured an article on the future of EVs, with the focus on the budding Tesla Motors. It changed my perspective on the green car movement, and today it's great to see EVs popping up all over the place. Below, I've compiled a list of EVs worth considering...for fun or for purchase. I've broken out my top three with a bit of commentary.
1. Tesla Motors
This American car company's Model S won both Automobile Mag's 2013 Automobile of the Year and Motor Trend's 2013 Car of the Year. Stylish, quick, though expensive.
2. Fisker
The Fisker Karma is so luxurious it won TopGear's Luxury Car of the Year. With an eye on clean production, this car is bold and landscape-esque. Also expensive.
This innovative car company reworks mid-century modern classic cars to a more sustainable fuel-source. Their retro-specialty seems to be VWs. This is recycling at its best! Hip, clever, and totally do-able.
4. Smart Car
5. BMW i Series
6. Chevy Volt
7. Ford Focus
If you're considering buying an EV, I Want To Buy An Electric Car is a good site to check out. And if you'd like to learn more about electromobility, check out this article and vid from Siemens USA.
If you're considering buying an EV, I Want To Buy An Electric Car is a good site to check out. And if you'd like to learn more about electromobility, check out this article and vid from Siemens USA.
According to some articles that I've read, EVs won't be able to perform the same as a gas-fueled car. For example, they'll only be able to run for a max of 60kph and long-drives using this car is not possible as well. If these were the case, Evs will not be as functional as what people needs it to be. It will be eco-friendly, but it won't be very efficient. Enoch Ross
ReplyDeleteThank you, Enoch, for stopping by the Writes blog and bringing up this concern. Certainly, it would be problematic if EVs were unable to run only short distances, but the technology on these cars has actually improved rather quickly over the years. In fact, the reason I list Tesla as my favorite, and the reason it's the feature car in Wildflowers, is because the company has shattered many of the limitations of electric vehicles. In fact, Tesla is a leader in creating the electric charging infrastructure that would make EVs just as convenient to "fill up" as a gas car.
ReplyDeleteIn your research you may have found that 60kph is the max (for those who don't use the metric system, that's about 37 mph), but actually the new standard is significantly higher for all EVs. Tesla's Model S, for example, can go 300 miles (at 55mph), and even when you increase the speed to 65 in 90 degree (F) weather with the A/C running, you can go about 250 miles. Here's a neat Q & A page to show you the ranges: http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric#
EVs still have some improving to do. Especially for those looking to use the car for long-distance driving, which is possible, but less convenient. Cross-country highway speeds are often over 65mph, and an EV owner would need to be prepared with a back-up charging pack. Inconvenience aside, I think any kid graduating high school this month will likely see EVs as viable driving options by the time they hit 30 years old. The environment is going to demand we look at ALL technologies and innovations, and it's exciting!
Again, thanks Enoch for coming by and sharing your thoughts. These conversations are fun and important.