On Earth Day it is appropriate to feature one of the most sustainable products of the future, the electric car. High gas prices and growing environmental consciousness could finally usher in a new era for electric cars. The Tesla Roadster and the TH!NK City, represent the two extremes in electric vehicle choices and they are among the first, if not the first, electric cars scheduled to go into production.
With the announcement, on March 17, that Tesla Motors had achieved their goal of starting regular production of the Tesla Roadster, the company claimed that the modern era of the electric car had begun.
While this is an important milestone for the company and a watershed for the new era of electric vehicles, we still have a lot of work to do. Our key focus with the Roadster will be on gradually ramping up our production in a deliberate and controlled manner reaching a rate of over 100 Roadsters per month early next year.
Ze'ev Drori, President and CEO, Tesla Motors
With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 13,000 rpm redline, the Roadster has the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, With an EPA rating of 135 MPG equivalent, the Roadster provides super car performance at twice the energy efficiency. The batteries provide a range of more than 200 miles (333 km) between charges. The Roadster runs on 6,831 laptop computer batteries stuffed in a car, assembled by Britain's Lotus.
More than 1,000 customers have ordered the $98,000 2008 Roadster, according to the company. The estimated base price for the 2009 Roadster is $109,000. Final pricing will be announced just prior to the start of 2009 production.Tesla started production, making one or two cars a week, but it says it will steadily increase production to around 100 cars a month by early next year. Tesla had to delay production by about six month primarily due problems with the transmission. The company is now involved with lawsuits with both suppliers and competitors.
Think Global, the Norwegian electric car producer, along with RockPort Capital Partners and Kleiner Perkins Caulfield & Byers, announced this Monday plans to introduce the TH!INK City to the North American Market in 2009.
The TH!NK city is currently produced in Norway and international sales are scheduled to begin in Scandinavia, with Switzerland and France also being the initial focus areas. Sales, other than initial trial and demonstration projects, will begin in the North American market in 2009.
"The TH!NK city is the world's only crash-tested and highway-certified electric vehicle and is ideal for markets such as California where we will initiate demonstration projects offering an exceptionally safe and fun car to drive."
-- Jan-Olaf Willums, CEO of Think Global
The 3120mm (123 inch) long, two seat, front wheel drive TH!NK city, weighing 1397 kg (3073 lb), is emission free and 95 percent recyclable. It reaches a top speed of 100 km (65 miles) per hour and can drive up to 180 km (110 miles) on a single charge. TH!NK City meets all European and U.S. federal motor vehicle safety requirements.
It is available with with Zebra sodium or A123 or EnerDel Li-ion batteries and powered by a 30kW peak power, 3-phase electric motor.
The battery is by far the most expensive component of the City and to avoid concerns about their reliability and lifetime Think will lease the batteries. According to a post to Business 2.0 Magazine on CNNMoney.com, in July 2007, Think CEO Jan-Olaf Willums indicated that the City will sell in the US for $15,000 - $17,000, with a Mobility Fee of $100-$200 to lease the batteries.
"We believe there is a dramatic shift underway of how people think about mobility. Global consumer demand is forcing the industry to come up with sustainable solutions, including the development of zero emission vehicles,"
-- Wilber James, a Managing General Partner of RockPort Capital Partners and acting President of TH!NK North America
The five passenger TH!NK Ox, scheduled for production in 2011, was introduced at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show. It will have a range of about 125 miles (200 kilometers) on a charge and a top speed of about 80 mph (130km/hr).
Think Global has more than 17 years of experience in developing and producing electric vehicles and there are about 1,200 vehicles driving on Norwegian roads today. The latest TH!NK city is the fifth-generation electric vehicle that has been produced in Norway. Series production of the newly designed TH!NK city car started late last year and the first cars will be delivered to Norwegian customers. The capacity of its first assembly plant in Aurskog, outside Oslo, is presently being increased to 10,000 cars per year. Think expects to be producing at full capacity sometime during 2009.
a long post....
Posted by: Willow Laboratories | February 19, 2009 at 03:30 PM
2009? Seems more like 2011 or 2012 at the rate things have been going.. the sooner the better. Nothing wrong with a nice electric car. I hope to buy one someday..
steve selverston
Posted by: steve selverston | February 19, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Just found your site. AWESOME ideas. I'm always looking for things like this. Have you ever done any reseach about converting a car to full electric? I heard that it's not only possible, but that it can be done pretty cheap, if you know where to look.
Posted by: grimmp | July 30, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Carbon capture from coal is a big myth, on simple thermodynamic ground....Feel like Purchasing the car....
Posted by: BPM Training | January 19, 2010 at 11:13 PM
I guess Tesla had to delay production by about six month primarily due problems with the transmission.
Posted by: used computers | February 06, 2010 at 02:05 AM
a computer is kind of an essential tool in this regard, and this is only the second time I've ever asked for anything.
Posted by: used computers | February 06, 2010 at 02:11 AM
Made in China
Posted by: Made in China | March 29, 2010 at 11:41 PM
Made in China
Posted by: Made in China | March 29, 2010 at 11:42 PM
Impressive car, I love cabriolets :)
Posted by: green geeks coupon | April 28, 2010 at 05:40 PM
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Posted by: Live Longer | April 28, 2010 at 07:04 PM
Great article. How are the sales of the Tesla doing in the US?
Posted by: NP7-12 | May 25, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Great read, does anybody know if they have released the car yet. Looks great. Wonder if solar kits can be used to power the cars.
Posted by: Solar Kits | May 26, 2010 at 06:41 PM
Electric cars many advantages made me impressed.Not just being fuel efficient but environmental concerns should be a consideration in choosing stuff to buy.So why not start on your car?
Posted by: wheel balancing | June 04, 2010 at 11:28 PM
I saw the tesla being tested on top gear a couple of months ago and despite having very few parts compared to a normal car, it still managed to break down and then run out of electricity. So although it may look like the answer i think that there is still a little more work to be done. Plus it is NOT cheap either.
Posted by: Theo @ DIYHomeSolarPanels.org | June 20, 2010 at 07:53 AM
The roadster is really beautiful car. I did like the color and design.
Posted by: shipping vehicles | July 07, 2010 at 08:41 AM
umm.. i have something to say. i have got an idea to make another type of electric engine. hope u will like it..
Posted by: technotRON1024 | December 06, 2010 at 11:32 AM
It is nice to have Tesla Roadster and THiNK City in north America.this kind of cars will save money of the people which they spend on fuel and it will be also reduce the pollution ...
Posted by: Search used cars | December 23, 2010 at 04:41 AM
Tesla Roadster will rock the world. IT is super fast in electric model. People are eagerly waiting for glimpse of this car.
Posted by: Suzuki motorcycles | March 11, 2011 at 05:42 AM
Great news.Thanks for posting. I have bookmarked & share with my friends.
Posted by: used rvs in Missouri | March 14, 2011 at 04:54 AM
That is really the most awesome, Eco- friendliest, and awe-inspiring cars I've laid my eyes on. Great job for the manufacturers of those cars.
Posted by: plumbing supplies | April 14, 2011 at 10:25 PM
@Tom G
Jay Leno's would have been an awesome review, if only they had delved into the important parts. How long is the recharging time of the batteries? How far can it travel in a single charge? How economic is it, versus a conventional car, and against its insane price. I know people will be clamoring for the aesthetics, and the fact that it's a full- on sports car, but you've got to admit, not everyone will be able to afford the price tag on it.
Here are some from Top Gear UK and Fifth Gear. And yes, I know, there were speculations about the reviews, especially from Top Gear's side, but these are the ones that have asked the important questions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXfV2hw_2Xo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6cQLR6uHaM&feature=related
More power to the FraserDomain!
Posted by: Leisa Dreps | May 03, 2011 at 03:18 AM
The roadster looks like a great little car.what is the oil storage,they give the stuff away.Thanks great post
Posted by: Honda motorcycles | June 09, 2011 at 01:25 AM
What’s with no Miles sedan? I know it’s boring, but it’s familiar looks and good safety will be a huge plus in the mainstream market. Personally, I love crazy looking electric cars. Unfortunately, most people don’t.
Posted by: Semi trucks | August 05, 2011 at 07:34 AM
Aside from using electric cars, installing Solar Panels can greatly help in improving the environment from global warming since it uses the sun's solar energy to make electricity. This is free and renewable energy that has remarkable benefits to mankind.
Posted by: Solar Panels | September 13, 2011 at 08:59 PM
I agree..I wanna buy an Electric Car soon.
Posted by: Balulet Palmero | September 23, 2011 at 03:07 AM
You are great! But I still did good! Hey!
Posted by: Microsoft Office | October 26, 2011 at 09:57 PM
Now a day the price of gas is rising day by day. To Overcome out of this problem,finally focusing on environment consiousness Telsa roadster has finally decided to produce electric car.as per production survey report it was observed Telsa Motors has achieved goal by starting regular production of the Telsa Roadster.it is time for Telsa Roadster have to prove their identity in front of other competitors.
Posted by: Used Cars for sale | October 31, 2011 at 07:29 AM
Its sound great. When will electric cars will arrives Sri Lanka. What will be the engine capacity and how much it effective when considering the price of the other type of vehilce
Posted by: Tharindu | November 01, 2011 at 11:46 AM
That little car is so cute but I haven't seen them around, did they end up bringing them to North America?
Posted by: Dentist Los Angeles | November 16, 2011 at 05:20 PM
I'm happy to see more and more hybrid cars around but still haven't really seen many electric cars... why is that?
Posted by: Therapist New York | November 16, 2011 at 05:29 PM
I want one of each of those! If only I were rich...that Tesla is gorgeous.
Posted by: Car Lease Broker Los Angeles | November 16, 2011 at 05:36 PM
I live in California but have not seen this car yet...guess it didn't work out? Though I do occasionally see strange cars I'm not familiar with, I suppose I could have seen one of these at some point.
Posted by: Tours in Venice | November 16, 2011 at 06:19 PM
I would really like an electric car but we're pretty eco-friendly in our office as is, I walk to work and one of my co-workers takes public transportation! I would not mind having the Tesla or the Thnk, though.
Posted by: Rug Cleaning Los Angeles | November 16, 2011 at 06:33 PM
I would like to see more electric vehicles on the roads. I am already excited to see charging stations around town.
Posted by: Tours in Venice | November 22, 2011 at 01:43 PM