I’ve seen the future and it’s electric. But don’t be scared, it’ll be fun….
How do I know? Because I’ve recently spent the several days in Newcastle working with a UK organisation called Cenex, driving some electric Smart cars and helping others try them out too. Sounds like a recipe for insomnia? You might think so, until you try one out and get it into context.
First of all, the electric Smart isn’t a motorway car, but then, neither is a petrol Smart. It’s got a range of around 70 miles, then you need to find a three pin plug for a while. It’s power is via a 40Kw motor, it’s transmission is standard Smart, but locked in second gear. Sounds less than thrilling, doesn’t it?
Well stop worrying. Remember when mobile phones first hit the market? They were bigger than a house brick, lasted half a day and cost £1500? But, enough people bought them to kick start the market you see today, with handsets that live your life for you, batteries that last for days and handset pricing affordable to all.
So think of this Smart as an early mobile phone, but advanced along a little. It’s perfectly useable in town, it keeps pace with the traffic, in fact the engine torque is quite good fun if you give it a big foot full at the lights, with a pleasant supercharger type whine. Electric motors give 100% torque at zero RPM, remember… After a couple of days, I found it a bit of a giggle to give it some beans away from the lights, just to prove a point.
Sure the cars have limitations, principally range and charging time, but in the context that they are designed for, they’re actually a very good drive, with several guys who are petrol Smart owners commenting that they’re quicker off the mark than their regular drive.
The whole objective of the exercise was to break down some of the public perception of electric vehicles, principally that they’re going to be slow, have very little range and be pretty embarrassing to be seen in. In that respect, there’s no doubt that it worked. Charging misconceptions included ’special charging points’ – a three pin plug is all you need, plus how long it takes to charge – treat it like your mobile phone, stick it on charge any time you like, it’ll be fine. I believe they’re planning some more in the new year, so check out the Cenex website.
For me though, the best part of the excercise was at the end of the event when we had to deliver the cars to a workshop for some upgrades. Stashed away inside were some examples of what electric cars are going to be in future. How about a Range Rover with all the transmission and engine stripped out and two monster electric motors, one at each end, with enough torque to climb the side of your house? Or a couple of cool looking buggies, again with motors either end and long travel off road suspension?
The discussions with the tech guys about what they’re build if they made a World Rally Car could form a who new feature. I’m a happy bunny. I’ve gone from the doom and gloom of a potential Orwellian future to an optimism and a strong desire to know more. And of course, to get my backside into a Tesla, very soon…
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I’m with you Neill. I know a lot of fellow petrol heads are nervous of electric cars, but I think the technology will move very quickly, and we’ll soon be offered some amazing products. When you look at how far cars like the hybrid Lexus has come when compared to the original Prius, you can see what can be achieved.
Absolutely agree, Neill. First time I drove a ‘proper’ EV was a few years ago – sure, it was a Tesla (!!) but the same satisfying feelings of instant torque, no-vibe refinement and Benz-like wellbeing still apply. I even got a shot in the Nissan LEAF late last year: now that is set to be v special indeed.
Honestly, petrolheads, it’s going to be great. Don’t wait until the first time you’re left trailing at the lights to find out…
Richard