Is Everyone Forgetting That Performance Is a Factor?
There are now many battery-powered electric vehicles that can go up to 200 or even 300 miles between charges, with some offering even more. The charging time is also decreasing each year, and the number of charging stations available to the public is rapidly increasing. This means that this range limitation should no longer be a deterrent for enthusiastic drivers.
Commutes for over 50% of the workers in the US are less than a ten-mile drive, according to the Census Bureau. That same report states that 31% commute up to 25 miles, and just 10% have to drive up to 50 miles to work and back. That leaves around nine percent who commute more than 50 miles — a distance with which all of the battery-powered vehicles about to launch will have no problem.
When it comes to competing with vehicles that run on fuel, which is now super cheap, there are still reasons to purchase an electric vehicle. The focus will be turned away from, how much money can be saved from buying fuel, and turned to the driving characteristics of electric vehicles.
Electric Motors Deliver Their Torque Immediately
Back in the 90s and 2000s, diesel-powered vehicles took off in Europe because they offered more in low-end torque. The feeling of strong acceleration comes from what drives the vehicle forward, which is torque and not horsepower. Electric motors deliver almost all their torque in the instant the driver steps on the accelerator.
Some electric vehicles have power ratings such as 11,500 pound-feet of torque and 1,000 hp, while some electric truck claim 750 hp and 0 to 60 mph in around 3 seconds. Tesla has already shown that electric vehicles aren’t nerd-mobiles and can deliver an amazing driving experience.