Electric Cars (EV) - Fast and Efficient

Electric vehicles - the future is here!

Electric cars, also know as electric vehicles (EV) have come a long way. Did you know that 100 years ago there were more electric cars than gasoline powered cars? A few years later, gasoline powered cars became the dominant type and ruled the roads for 100 years. Recently, however, the major car manufacturers have again begun to emphasize electric vehicles again. In fact, Tesla Motors, the leader in the space, has proven beyond a doubt that electric cars can be faster and better handling than gasoline powered cars. By a long shot.

The Tesla Electric Car Story

Tesla Motors started in 2003 with the vision of creating the first truly desireable and sexy electric car. Up until the Tesla Roadster was introduced, most electric cars were considered mundane and not useful as a primary car. Tesla has worked hard to create cars that have a battery range of more than 250 miles on a single charge. They have also installed a network of Superchargers across the country to enable Tesla owners to drive long distances without concern (know as range anxiety).

Tesla Model S and Model X

Tesla has two cars currently in production, the Model S (a sedan) and the newly introduced Model X (an SUV). Both cars use the same basic frame and battery pack which uses thousands of lithium ion batteries (very similar to those used in computers). Tesla's cars are notable for their astonishing acceleration enabled by the instantaneous and straightline torque of electric motors. Tesla's 0-60 times rival or beat those of exotic supecars like Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. Tesla has truly delivered on the promise of electric cars. Their next car, the Model 3 is slated for 2017 and will be a more affordable mass market car starting at $35,000.

Ford Survey of Electric Car and Plug-in Hybrid Owners

In 2015 Ford Motor Company surveyed 10,000 EV and Plug-in Hybrid Owners to gauge their satisfaction with their cars. Interestingly, 90% said they would not go back to an internal-combustion (gas powered) car. In addition, 94% of plug-in hybrid and 92% of battery-electric owners said they planned to purchase an electric car as their next vehicle. Almost 90% of electric vehicle owners also owned a gasoline powered car that they used for longer trips.

EV Owners Love Renewable Energy

The survey also highlighted a significant relationship between electric-car ownership and use of renewable-energy like solar PV or wind turbines. Fully 83% of those surveyed either already have, or would consider installing solar panels on their homes. In California, 39% of EV owners are using solar to power their homes.

Electric Vehicles by Manufacturer

All electric vehicles are becoming more common as manufacturers begin to embrace the need for sustainable transport. The pure electric cars join a group of hybrid-electric cars that use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor in tandem.

All Electric

BMW i3 Electric Vehicle Sedan 82 miles $44,000

Chevrolet Spark EV Electric Vehicle Coupe 83 miles $26,000

Fiat 500e Electric Vehicle Sedan 87 miles $33,600

Ford Focus Electric Electric Vehicle Sedan 76 miles $29,200

Kia Soul EV Electric Vehicle Sedan 93 miles $34,500

Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive Electric Vehicle Sedan 85 miles $42,400

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Electric Vehicle Sedan 62 miles $23,800

Nissan LEAF Electric Vehicle Sedan 84 miles $29,800

Smart Electric Drive Electric Vehicle Coupe 68 miles $25,700

Tesla Model S Electric Vehicle Sedan 265 miles $71,000

Tesla Model X Electric Vehicle SUV 230 miles $80,000

Tesla Model 3 (2017) Electric Vehicle Sedan 200 miles $35,000

Volkswagen E-Golf Electric Vehicle Sedan 83 miles $36,300

Chevrolet Bolt (2017) Electric Vehicle SUV 200 miles $37,500

Plug-in Hybrid

Cadillac ELR Plug-in Hybrid Coupe 37 miles $76,000

Chevy Volt Plug-in Hybrid Sedan 38 miles $35,200

Ford C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid Wagon/Van 20 miles $32,600

Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid Sedan 20 miles $35,600

Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid Sedan 13 miles $40,700

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid SUV 14 miles $78,000

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid Sedan 15 miles $100,000

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid Sedan 11 miles $30,800

Audi A3 E-Tron Plug-in Hybrid Luxury 30 miles $37,900

Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid Sedan 22 miles TBD

Mercedes C350 Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid Sedan 20 miles TBD

Mercedes S550 Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid Sedan 20 miles TBD

BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid Coupe 25 miles $137,000

McLaren P1 Plug-in Hybrid Coupe 19 miles $1,150,000

Porsche 918 Spyder Plug-in Hybrid Coupe 12 miles $845,000