Fast Electric Car Still On Engineering Drawing Board

When electric cars were first being developed, the thought of a fast electric car was one that could zip along at a steady 10 or 15 miles per hour. That technology works well in many of today s electric vehicles such as golf carts and mobility transportation. However, will not attract many people who want to use it for running errands around town or driving to work or the kids to soccer practice.

The development of a fast electric car is still in the works and the technology is in place for a vehicle that can accelerate safely onto a freeway and maintain high speeds. Despite the short lifespan of General Motors EV-1 electric vehicle, many people do not believe that a fast electric car can be mass-produced that will turn enough of a profit for a car company to make further development economically feasible. The EV-1 had many supporters, as well as its share of detractors.

There are many thoughts on why the development of a fast electric car seems to be stuck on the drawing board of automotive engineers, but the apparent bottom line is consumer interest. Most companies are reluctant to invest potentially millions of dollars into a technology that will end up not being used. Car companies look at the return on their investment in terms of now, not what the return will be years down the road.

What Is Slowing Electric Car Development?

Other industries with an interest in the development of a fast electric car are the oil industries and automotive aftermarket companies who currently make their money on after sales products. Consider that the companies that produce oil for internal combustion engines have no future in a world of electric cars, and their interest for a fast electric car will be minimal, if at all.

Even some of today s hybrid models that boast acceleration of going zero to 60 in as little as six seconds haven t been able to entice buyers, mostly due to the vehicles cost. However, many environmentalists have been pushing for more electric vehicle availability, while retaining their gas powered vehicles for the speed they demand. Until the carmakers can produce a fast electric car that can sell to the masses at a reasonable price, the demand will remain low.

Manufacturers have been successful with the integration of gas and electric power in the hybrid models and once the technology of cheap batteries has been reached, their ability to manufacture and sell a fast electric car will greatly improve.