There was a good deal of conversation on the forum around 2008 about electric cars and how they are the future, etc.
Electric seems to come and go over over many years especially since oil was $2 a barrel in the early 70s. But cost has always been the problem. Even the Detroit Electric cost $2,650 back in 1914.
Now steps in Rolls Royce. They have just "introduced" what is being called the ultimate electric vehicle.
The new model is called the 102EX and the electric concept would be intended to replace their V12 gasoline sedan that weighs as much as a GMC Suburban. It is not a hybrid.
Some of the weight must come from the 16 coats of what is called ceramic paint.
Looks like any Rolls Royce from the outside but it is powered by two electric motors and a battery pack weighing almost
three fourths of a ton. Horsepower equivalent is 390 with 590 pounds of torque.
The car is electronically limited to 100 mph and can hit 60 mph in 8 seconds.
But the range is only 124 miles and it takes 8 hours to recharge.
Only one is in existence and is a test model and any electric model introduced in the future would be based on lessons learned from the 102EX.
As a follow on the Tesla Model S is due out in mid 2012.
Price starts at 57,400 for a model that can cover 160 miles without recharge.
An additional $10,000 gets a bigger battery pack good for 230 miles.
Another additional $10,000 gets a battery pack good for 300 miles.