ECOSharbinger
Welcome a new edition to the electric vehicle, EV world, the ECOS Harbinger. (more…)
November 23, 2009
September 25, 2008
Electric Lotuses?
The big question now is when will Lotus bring an electric vehicle, EV to the market?
The gist, ever wonder why Lotus has been used as a starting point for the Tesla Roadster and now the Dodge EV? It makes perfect sense. Lotus builds small, light and power cars, making them easy platforms for performance. They are a natural for either an EV conversion or the base for a new one, as the above mentioned EV makers.
Tesla or Dodge? Short of the financial difference between both, they share the same platform, albeit modified in the case of Tesla, Dodge’s EV seems to be a re-badged and converted version of the Lotus Europa S (the bigger version of the Elise). Nonetheless, there are differences. If the Tesla Roadster uses a 184 kilowatt electric engine which puts out 200 pound feet of torque with 248 hp, the Dodge EV also uses the same battery technology but has a 200 kilowatt electric motor that produces 268 hp with an improved 480 pound-feet of torque. A substantial weight increase for the Dodge makes it slower than the Tesla but might make it the only real competition to the Roadster, especially considering the financial aspect.
Electric Lotus? The question still remains, will Lotus come up with a electrc Elise? It is apprently a winning platform but maybe Lotus has signed a non-competing agreement with other manufactures. Who knows?
Come to think of it, this Dodge EV will up the ante more than suspected. Post source, CNET.
September 8, 2008
Eliica In Action
When it comes to promising electric vehicles, EVs, the Eliica is forging ahead, answering any misconceptions anyone might have about them. (more…)
August 2, 2008
Electric Vehicles Offer Serious Performance
Let it not be said that electric vehicles, EV are quaint, under-performing glorified gold carts! At least not when it comes to the Wrigthspeed X1 prototype electric car which will propel you from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. Now, that’s what we call EV performance.
What is it? An EV that will launch you from a standing quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, make fun of Porsches and Ferraris and only consume 170 mpg estimated at 200Whr/mile for city driving based on 33,705 Watt-hours per gallon of gasoline according to Wrightspeed. But is is not a production, nor will it be. Too bad. But wait! The X1 production will be and will be much better Good!
How does it work? Using state-of-the-art all around technology powered by a 3-phase AC induction motor delivering 236 HP, using a Lithium Ion battery pack that charge takes about 1.25 hours using 220Volt supply. A chassis by Ariel from Ariel Motors, that is hailed as one quickest and lightest one on the road.
What’s in the future? Ian Wright, the person behind the Wrightspeed project, is looking for additional investors to meet the $8 million budget expected for a consumer version with 100 mile range, 4.5 hour charging period and meeting US Federal safety standards. You can read more about here where you can actually see a video of the EV, and here from our friends at TreeHugger.com.
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and it’s electrifying fast! Clearly another company to watch out for that works to change the false based belief that electric cars are not performers.