Choosing the right electric car!

The aim of this report is to give you an overview of the electric cars that will be on the market starting next year. We will review the various models that have generated the most buzz over the past 12 months. These flagship models will, for the most part, be ambassadors for major manufacturers in the electric vehicle market, which is why they are of considerable importance to them.

We will present these vehicles in the order of their future market launch, and for each one, we will provide a summary of its main features to facilitate comparisons.

Electric cars: not a new fad

Electric cars have never been the subject of so much discussion as in the last two years. And this trend was undeniably confirmed this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Fueled by the new wave of environmentalism, this type of vehicle is increasingly attracting manufacturers eager to “green” their image. Indeed, at a time when a vehicle’s CO2 emissions are becoming one of the main criteria, even the primary one highlighted by manufacturers, what could be more appealing than proudly displaying 0g of CO2 per kilometer?

Another criterion, certainly linked to the first but which also explains the rise of electric vehicles, is of course reduced fuel consumption and running costs. With an electric vehicle, driving 150km will cost you only one euro, roughly eight times less than with a reasonably priced diesel! Not to mention the virtually nonexistent maintenance costs of an electric motor. The economic (and marketing) appeal of this type of vehicle becomes immediately clear…

Note: as this article focuses exclusively on electric vehicles, we will not be discussing hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius or the Honda Insight.

Electric cars: Lumeneo Smera

The Smera has been generating a lot of buzz lately. This French city car is a clever blend of motorcycle and car. Indeed, even though it has four wheels like a car, it stands out thanks to its ability to lean into corners, like a motorcycle. Furthermore, it’s as wide as a two-wheeler and, consequently, only accommodates two passengers seated one behind the other.

This very appealing little vehicle is already available for purchase. The first deliveries will take place at the end of 2009.

Electric cars: Bolloré Pininfarina Bluecar

Presented for the first time at the 2008 Paris Motor Show under the codename B0, this electric car will initially be offered for lease starting at the end of next year. Reservations are already open on the manufacturer’s website.

• Designed in partnership with Pininfarina, this car stands out thanks to its unique Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP) battery (patent pending), which, for the same weight, can store up to five times more energy than a traditional battery (manufacturer’s data). Furthermore, it incorporates solar panels on the roof and hood to increase its range.
• Technical specifications of the Bolloré Pininfarina Bluecar:
• Dimensions: 3.65 x 1.72 x 1.60 m
• Weight: N/A
• Number of seats: 4
• Power: N/A
• Torque: N/A
• 0 to 60 km/h: 6.3 s
• Top speed: 130 km/h (electronically limited)
• Batteries: Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP)
• Charging: 6 hours on a standard outlet. 2 hours on a fast charging station. 5 minutes for 25 km.

Maximum range: 250 km

Availability: immediate. Deliveries June 2010

Price: €330/month

• Electric cars: Nissan Leaf
• Unveiled to the world on August 2nd, the Nissan Leaf could single-handedly embody the electric revolution undertaken by all manufacturers. In fact, it is the first vehicle from a major manufacturer to have been specifically developed as an electric vehicle from the outset. Indeed, for the moment, most manufacturers are simply adding an electric motor to an existing vehicle.
• Nissan Leaf Specifications:
• Dimensions: 4.45 x 1.77 x 1.55 m
• Weight: N/A
• Number of seats: 5
• Power: 107 hp
• Torque: 280 Nm
• 0 to 100 km/h: N/A
• Top speed: 140 km/h
• Batteries: Lithium-ion
• Charging: 8 hours on a standard outlet. 80% in 30 minutes

Maximum range: 160 km

On-sale: Early 2010 in the United States and Japan. A little later in Europe.

Price: Approx. €20,000

Electric cars: Chevrolet Volt / Opel Ampera

• The Chevrolet Volt has been generating buzz, and rightly so, for over a year now. This car is a series hybrid, meaning it’s a 100% electric vehicle, but its unique feature is the use of a small internal combustion engine to recharge its batteries while driving. Charging is, of course, also possible when stationary using a standard electrical outlet.
• This system gives it a significantly greater range than a purely electric vehicle, as well as much lower fuel consumption than a conventional internal combustion engine. The best of both worlds?
• Initially planned for 2010, the Chevrolet Volt will finally be launched in 2011 in the United States and Europe. The European version will be rebadged as the Opel Ampera.
• Technical specifications of the Chevrolet Volt / Opel Ampera:
• Dimensions: N/A
• Weight: N/A
• Number of seats: 5
• Power: 150 hp
• Torque: 370 Nm
• 0-100 km/h: N/A

Top speed: 160 km/h (electronically limited)

Batteries: Lithium-ion

Charging time: 3 hours using a standard outlet

Maximum range: 65 km on battery power. 480 km with battery power and gasoline.

Market launch: early 2011

• Price: approx. €35,000
• Fisker Karma Electric Cars
• To conclude this feature, let’s indulge in a bit of dreaming with this splendid electric GT. The Fisker Karma, like the Chevrolet Volt, is a series hybrid, but we’ll stop the comparison there, as the Karma is far more exclusive than the Chevrolet.
• This GT is powered by two electric motors located on the rear axle for a total output of 403 hp! A powerful internal combustion engine with Q Drive technology recharges the batteries when needed. It’s a 2-liter GM engine producing 265 hp. Of course, the batteries can also be recharged from a standard electrical outlet, making it completely fuel-free.
• Note that a convertible version has also been announced.
• Fisker Karma Technical Specifications:
• Dimensions: 4.99 x 1.98 x 1.33 m
• Weight: N/A
• Number of seats: 4

Power: 403 hp

Torque: N/A

0 to 100 km/h: 6 s

Top speed: 153 km/h on battery power. 200 km/h (electronically limited) with the combustion engine active.

Batteries: Lithium-ion

Charging time: 8 hours using a standard outlet

Maximum range: 80 km on battery power. 480 km with battery power + gasoline (4.2 L/100 km).

Availability: Immediate. Deliveries expected in 2010.

Price: Approximately €90,000

Electric Cars Conclusion: Electric cars, yes, but…

So, that concludes our overview of all the new electric vehicles coming next year. While the development of this type of vehicle may seem exciting for the future of the planet (and our lungs), several problems still need to be solved…