If you have any interest in car factories, electric cars or something a dit different, this is well worth a watch.

In my opinion it's better than the GT-R one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVktbM6jZxg

That's seriously impressive...

And I actually like the look of the Model S

A bit random, but I wonder how left foot braking effects the regenerative braking or drive motor?

Yes I want one!

Superb electric motor engineering but still short of useful range.

Superb electric motor engineering but still short of useful range.

Rated 300 miles, but likely 220-240 driven at the NSL.

A lack of useful range? :wonder:

Like everything it depends on our use of a car, but I''d say most of the population don't need to drive more than 240 miles in a day very often.

For me that is a useful range.

Interesting programme. I do a 40 mile round trip h-t-w every day and an electric car would seem to be ideal. I can't afford one though and doubt I ever will, so that's my stumbling block.

Gaz

I just bought a LEAF to do a 42 mile each way daily trip.

Nissan are flogging off the LEAF on the cheap as a new one is due out.

£18k or £199 per month over three years on a PCP.

If it fits in with your life, it's a good price.

Rated 300 miles, but likely 220-240 driven at the NSL.

A lack of useful range? :wonder:

Like everything it depends on our use of a car, but I''d say most of the population don't need to drive more than 240 miles in a day very often.

For me that is a useful range.

The 1st. version was supposed to do 120 miles but on a track only managed 9 miles, think it was Top Gear.

Brings you to the question whether a performance electric car is viable and useable.

I remember getting excited at the volt, or whatever the vauxhaull named one is. Mainly as SWMBO could of got it for almost free on her work lease.

The range etc, I thought it was the magic ticket, alas it's not. For me I will on the odd occasion drive to Scotland, can be upwards of 300miles, can't be stopping at Glasgow to recharge.

I think electric will make it when the engine on board is a generator. Which the volt so nearly is, or is, but not in the right way.

Drop a light weight bio genny, job done.

We borrowed a 3008, nice idea, shame the diesel engine was as thirsty as a parched oxon in the desert. The eleccy drive was nice and smooth... don't think the auto box helped either.

Tesla, that project so nearly broke him (Musk)... good little documentary out there, netflix etc, revenge of the electric car, talks about the leaf too

The 1st. version was supposed to do 120 miles but on a track only managed 9 miles, think it was Top Gear.

Brings you to the question whether a performance electric car is viable and useable.

You've lost me a bit.

Track use is not really what electric cars are for is it?

I doubt they would be rated for X number of miles in typical driving and then get anywhere near that on track.

My GT-R will do 25mpg driven economically and 3 on a track.

Look at the LEAF.

We rate it around 110 miles, the USA test (which is better) rates it at 72 miles.

I could get 72 miles out of it without any concern, but I did get it down to 55 by driving like a complete loon. Surely that's to be expected. Drive it fast and hard and economy drops wether than MPG or MPC (Miles per charge)

When Top Gear tested the Tesla they made a point.

Clearly quite well as people remember. Some of which was faked... alledgedly and the BBC admitted some points.

The Tesla Model S will come here in two battery options.

230 miles and 300 miles. Judging by owner's experience they have a real world range around 180 miles and 240 miles.

OK, that's not going to be great for everyone, but for a lot of people it makes sense.

I wouldn't drive from London to Scotland, I'd fly. (for example)

Being negative about electric cars because they have a poor range on track is just daft.

Fine, they don't suit your personal needs of a car, but they will suit a lot of people.

80% of the population probably don't drive over 200 miles in a day and if they need to go further have an alternative means of transport. That being a 2nd car, the train, air travel etc...

That 80% probably don't use their daily drive on track either.

I am pretty confident I can manage 420 miles of commuting every week for around £8.

So I am putting my money where my mouth is and buying one.

My wife has a Yeti we always use for holidays anyway... it has a nice big sunroof. (she averages 2000 miles per year!)

My point really is, why have a very expensive Super car that is powered by electric, it just doesn't make sense to me. The whole point about Electric and other Hybrid cars is to be economical and save the planet, as you have just done. I don't think you'll be going and buying a Tesla at the suggested price in preference to the GTR. I can only see the super rich buying a token Tesla and pretending they are have a fast and 'Green' car. Most purchased will be a status symbol and will be locked up in a garage or private museum, a bit like when the Prius was realeased, all the superstars of Hollywood bought one so they could be self righteous saying they have bought one but not actually use it.

I don't think I'm being negative with electric cars, as you say it's horses for courses, I would buy one as well for the daily commute, or rather the missus commute but the the economics of them are not quite on par with with an economical fossil fuel car yet but the gap is closing.

The Leaf is tempting, but the range is the problem. Croydon to Brighton and back. It might not make it.

The Tesla range is much better. I rarely do more than 240 miles in a day. I just can't afford one of those right now.

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