[NavVet]

Range isn’t the problem with electric vehicles Tesla has one model that will go 250 miles on a charge and recharge in 30 minutes, and their second model the “S” will travel 300 miles between charges and has fast charge capability. The problem is the cost. To get a 300 mile range you currently have to pay about $70,000 dollars. Although, batteries are coming down in weight, increasing in energy density and lowering in cost every year. The latest technology, now in large scale testing will, if it holds up, more than double the energy density, while lowering the cost by 2/3. At that point a 300 mile range might come down to 25 -30 thousand and be a more practical option.

[Jack of all Trades]

On the contrary, range is one of the big problems with electric vehicles. Compounding the range problem is the extreme variability due to driving style and environment.

Charge up an EV in a cold climate, let it sit for a couple of weeks, then drive it with all accessories and see what the range is. Even a gas guzzling SUV will go at least 300 miles. The core problem with EVs is that they are optimized for only a few performance parameters: conversion efficiency, and regenerative braking to name the biggest. Fossil fueled IC engines are a mix of many compromises that make them, over all, the best personal transportation solution.

[wbill]

The problem is the cost.

Respectfully, that ain't the only problem.

I'd like to see how Tesla gets 250 miles worth of electricity down to a battery in 30 minutes. Must be running on 480V? (which still would be a stretch) Or, the PR flacks at Tesla are stretching the truth a bit? Either way, the average household isn't equipped with 480, so the thought of just going home and plugging in your car after work, isn't much of an option. I'd also like to see how much faster the battery breaks down while using the "fast charge" option.

Then, I'd like to see how an already overtaxed, under-developed, and overregulated electrical infrastructure, currently dominated by NIMBY environmental activists, would handle millions of cars all running a fast recharge near-simultaneously.

If engineers ever solve these two issues, then I'll be listening. Until then, electric cars are destined for nothing more than filling a niche.

[taildragger]

Although, batteries are coming down in weight, increasing in energy density and lowering in cost every year. The latest technology, now in large scale testing will, if it holds up, more than double the energy density, while lowering the cost by 2/3. At that point a 300 mile range might come down to 25 -30 thousand and be a more practical op

Volt battery @ 435lbs ='s 1 gallon of gasoline @6.8 lbs...

We need a 64x increase in battery techology to get the same power density, I am not holding my breath for all those breakthroughs...

[thackney]

The Tesla high-power, fast-recharger takes 4 hours, not 30 minutes.

http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric/charging