(Rinspeed)
This electric subcompact is an Urban Commuter. You see? Aside from the conceptual name, the UC? is practical -- measuring just 2.6 meters and intended to fit onto European train systems for more commuting options. The trains would have custom railcars that would charge the vehicle in transit, and a 3G internet connection, phone service and video would allow passengers to work while en route to their destination. The vehicle is designed to be fun, with a bubble shape and a joystick rather than a steering wheel. It would top out at about 60 mpg and have a range of about 65 miles per charge.
-- NWautos staff
4 Comments
By Notso Green on November 23, 2010 10:41 AM
Clown car!.... a global warmers wet dream. Electric cars will only lead to higher electricity prices and shortages. Think it through for once.
The green movement is nothing more than a cult for the clueless.
By It Ain't Green on November 23, 2010 2:46 PM
Why do people think electric cars are green? They use electricity. Electricity is generated, mostly, by burning coal in giant incinerators. This produces more pollution then the gas cars. Then you have to dispose of the batteries, which are filled with heavy metals. To think electric cars are green is to not understand electric cars.
By MrGreenJeans on November 24, 2010 8:47 AM
Oh, it's imperfect? Scrap it. Let's all agree to never try to advance technology ever again.
By WhatsUp on November 24, 2010 9:16 AM
To the naysayers:
1) Even if all electricity was generated by coal and gas, these plants are far more efficient when you look at "Energy produced per ton of CO2". And don't forget that EVs consume no energy when waiting at stoplights - your car continues to pollute. And don't forget that your fuel "burned fuel" to get to your local gas station. Electric energy, of course expends very little energy (line loss) in getting to your house.
2) We need to stop supporting countries that suppress human rights and allow harboring of terrorists through the purchase of crude oil.
3) The EV battery from the Nissan Leaf is owned by Nissan and after it is 50% depleted will be used in bulk energy storage farms - temporarily storing wind and solar energy for peak usage.
4) Your children will thank the early adopters of green technology. Yes expensive and exotic and imperfect today, but common place and cheap tomorrow. The short-sighted folks of today can't see that small changes in behavior amongst many people can have a profound effect.