Tesla Motors is Making Waves With Its New Hot New Electric Powered Vehicle

When many hear the phrase “electric powered” vehicle, it's not performance that they connect it with. The first thing often called to mind may be a golf cart, radio controlled car or a vehicle that is a bit of a gag on the science channel. But as the knowledge and dynamics of vehicle drivetrains, software and braking increase, as well as advancements being made in the area of battery technology, the concept of a performance minded “electric powered vehicle” is becoming more than simply a “concept,” it's become a reality.

Electric-Powered History

What many do not realize is that the “electric powered vehicle” is not something new but has a long history in the automotive industry. The idea actually goes all the way back to 1800's where in the years 1832 to 1839 Scottish inventor Robert Anderson created the first crude electric carriage, which was powered by non-rechargeable primary cells. Later that century Pope Manufacturing became the first large-scale American electric automobile manufacturer, releasing “electric powered” taxis in New York. Then in the early 1900's the “electric powered” vehicle hit its peak in the United States, representing about one-third of all cars on the roads of New York City, Boston, and Chicago. So one may ask, what happened? What lead to the demise of the idea of “electric powered” vehicles? Why are “electric powered” vehicles now beginning to resurface? And how would the automotive industry answer the call for not only a practical based “electric powered” vehicle but a performance minded one as well?

Popular... to Not So Popular

Though “electric powered” vehicles had become popular, this soon began to change with the release of the Ford Model T. But where the vehicle really began to curve downward was with the invention of the first electric start for gasoline powered cars. Now consumers didn't have to hand crank their vehicle to get it to start, they could simply turn a key or push a button. This along with gasoline being more readily available, the ability to travel greater distances and more horsepower being available with the gasoline engine, brought manufacturing of the “electric powered” vehicle to a near stand still in the 1920s.

Down, But Not Out

Though “electric powered” vehicles had become unpopular and a relatively useless commercial product, the concept was diminished but not lost. Many realized the negative impact gasoline based engine emissions and smog had on the environment and the human body. The reliance on imported oil was another concern that plagued many in the American public. Soon their concerns became a reality with the soaring price of oil in 1970s. The idea of an “electric powered” vehicle soon began to reemerge from the ashes of where it left off in the 1920's. Various companies began to take an active interest in building “electric powered” vehicles. Programs and regulations started being created in order to help educate the public and encourage manufacturers to utilize the power of electricity in transportation. But public acceptance and major utilization didn't come until much later when Toyota released the all popular hybrid Prius in 1997. Though strides had been made with hybrid (hybrid: utilizing both electric and gasoline to power a vehicle.) based transportation, there were still many concerns in the public with going to an ALL “electric powered” vehicle; including the distance it could travel, how to recharge it and for more performance minded individuals how fast can I get to 0-60 is always in the forefront of the mind? The time to provide a commanding answer had come!

The Breakthrough

The year was 2006. “Electric powered” vehicles had already been on the map for almost 200 years and found little success in competing with their arch rival the gasoline powered engine. But now things were different. Major advances in battery technology, electric motors and vehicle software had been made. The scene was set at an International Car Show in San Francisco for an elite vehicle manufacturer by the name of Tesla Motorsports to ruffle feathers around the world. They unveiled their first production ALL “electric powered” PERFORMANCE roadster. Yes, not only did they release a vehicle that could be used in transportation from point A to point B, but they surpassed that idea and built a high performance exotic street driven race car. The numbers on paper were astonishing and the first production car was sold in 2008. Since then it has oh but just gotten better!

From Step Child to Big Daddy

The exclusivity, limited production, over the top performance and sexy body lines of the Tesla Roadster had transformed the once so downtrodden ALL “electric vehicle” into a must have for society’s elite and car collectors around the world. Why? To start, imagine a small electric motor wired to a battery and a little switch to turn it on and off. Once you flipped the switch, how long would it take before that little motor was spinning at full speed? Faster than you can blink. Now imagine pushing the pedal to the floor in a Tesla Roadster where 375 volts push up to 900 Amps of current into a motor that sits directly behind your back. Simply put the power is instant. This car rockets you from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds! If it were not for the head rests, you would need to see a chiropractor every time you dropped the hammer on the gas pedal. And yes, it accomplishes all this with Zero, count 'em ZERO emissions and a monthly gas bill of... ZERO!

With a range of 245 miles the Tesla Roadster far exceeds the average an owner will drive in a single day and once it's time to recharge with the Tesla Home Connector, a Roadster charges in as little as 4 hours FROM EMPTY! Most owners just “top off” the charge after they get home so it's ready in the morining. It's like having a free full tank everyday you go to work or to the store.

Tesla motor sport has Spoty that has elegance and is a wonderful addition to the performance in the Tesla roadster. Real Carbon fiber accents are placed through out the interior, (the fenders and other major body panels are also constructed of Carbon fiber for light weight performance and integrity. A option only available on cars much higher priced than the roadster.) the monitoring of the cars battery power and range are located on a easy to see touch screen in the center console, where the there is also located  “buttons” to drive the car. Yes, buttons. Because the Tesla motor sport is powered by an electric motor there are no gears to shift into, or clutches to push, you simply push the “D” button and GO.

The technology and innovative thinking that encompass the build of this car make you forget your driving an electric car, but every time you pull up to a light, or stop at the store you will be reminded. People just flock to it. They want to know everything from how it drives to where you purchased it. So you do have to add a few minutes to your schedule if you're going to be on top to your appointments, which is not necessarily a bad thing if you enjoy the attention.

Moving Forward

With Tesla blowing the doors open for “electric powered” vehicles, a seed has been planted and the market has began to grow. Soon available on the market are several new “electric powered” models from manufactures like Nissan, Chevrolet and Mitsubishi. But none of which is set to compare with the Tesla Roadster. Though “electric powered” vehicles have long sat in the shadow of that of gasoline the future looks bright. It will be interesting to see how they will progress and advance over the next few years.

For Related Articles Try:

Interview with Pretty Reckless Frontwoman Taylor Momson

It's Training Day with Katrina Law

Interview with Actor Jonathan Bennett