Is there a feasible total electric car yet?

Question

cost battery recharge time speed range

Answer 1

Some cars in the UK that are total electric aren't half bad. Search for electric European cars.

Answer 2

Yes, China has a Taxi cab that runs all day on one charge.

You don't hear a lot about it because of the big 3 ( GM, Ford, Chrysler).

Well if that's how they want to play it, then I think China should sell them here in the USA and put the big 3 out of business.

Answer 3

Sure, there are plenty.

The best available right now is the ZAP Xebra: $10,500, 40 mph, 25 miles/charge.

http://zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/el...

Unless you count the Tesla Roadster: $98,000, 125 mph, 245 miles/charge.

http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/p...

I tend to discount it because of the insane price.  There's also the Zenn:  $12,750, 25 mph, 35 miles/charge.

http://www.zenncars.com/specifications/s...

Miles Automotive makes some too: $15,000, 25 mph, 45 miles/charge.

http://www.milesev.com/

Starting around 2009 there will be some really nice long-range high-speed EVs available too.

ZAP Alias: $30,000, 100 mph, 100 miles/charge.

http://zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/el...

ZAP-X Crossover: $60,000, 155 mph, 350 miles/charge.

http://zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/el...

Miles Javlon: $30,000, 80 mph, 120 miles/charge.

http://www.milesev.com/

Phoenix SUT: $45,000, 100 mph, 100+ miles/charge.

http://phoenixmotorcars.com/

Tesla Whitestar (2010): $50,000, unknown speed and range.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_White...

All of these cars have roughly 6 hour recharge time from standard 110-Volt outlets.  The high-speed models have the option of a 10 minute recharge from a special high-voltage recharge station.

Answer 4

Feasible, yes.  Competative with gasoline or diesel, no.

Answer 5

Most people would not find a 25-100 mile range feasible between recharges.  I know I don't.  A second conventional car would still be required for longer trips.  Hybrids are still the best alternative and hopefully they will become much more efficient by going on a diet (1.2 drivers per 1.5 ton car is using too much fuel just to move the car).  Velomobiles are a better alternative for city commuting.  Check out the Aerorider.

The figures quoted by manufacturers are also maximums for each value.  You don't get max range at max speed or max acceleration.  So far they don't live up to people's expectations for the price charged.

Answer 6

Yes, but the corporate media doesn't tell the public about it (guess who advertises in the media).

You can buy a used converted electric vehicle from 2K-10K that is reliable.

There are hundreds of used EV's for sale, but most are not in classified ads.

You'll also need to educate yourself. Start by checking out Google Videos and surf for BEST ELECTRIC CAR.

EV's also have weak components, that you'll need to patch. Here are two:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnq8RVX2L...

ev-diary-experiment.blogspot.com/ - 56k

To summararize, the answer to your question is Yes. Recharge time, 2-6 hours depending on the outlet, and the range is 80-120 kms depending on whether you charge everywhere, like this video:

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-...