Category: Observed:
August 19, 2008
Electric Cars get sexy with The Tesla
Finally, a 100% electric car, smart design begins to look incredibly attractive. Introducing: the 2008 Tesla Roadster. It is encouraging to see that someone in the automotive industry is placing as much emphasis on looks, as they are on performance. Uh, and an emphasis on price, I suppose would be nice:) The Tesla starts at $105k+. But at a calculated TWO CENTS per MILE, it seems like the thing would pay for itself rather quickly. If not in cash, then, in "good times".
Back to the looks. . .the Tesla looks fast and nimble. Its got sweet lines. Gentle curves. Its just plain sportier than any other EV option out there. I mean, compare the tesla to Chevrolet's VOLT (Which isn't even available until 2010!). Chevy's hulking electric version looks good, but a bit like it still wants to be an SUV/Sedan. Might have more carrying capacity than the Tesla, but doesn't look to offer good visibility. Looks more like a cage. A heavy delivery truck.
I've often wondered how such incredibly FAST, and near-completely SILENT vehicles fair with people who ride bikes, motorcycles? Or pedestrians? Or the blind? Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks of these things: Here's an article on just that!
And lastly, my good pal R. Cowie WAS on the waiting list for one of these suckers. I just found out he's taken his name off the list because its taking way too long for Tesla to get to the sedan version and, as Rob says, "there are other options out there." And hes right, there's the Zap "Alias", and then, if you want something a little less sexy, try the Zenn. And, ew, this Trio by Chrysler is one reason to want a Tesla (why do auto designers pinch the rear window like that? Talk about a blind spot!)
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Posted by klaus