Re:Testing of Tesla Model S
by brc on Tuesday January 18, 2011 @11:39PM
(#2118632)
There's no doubt the Roadster changed things, probably forever, even if they disappear within a few years (or get swallowed up into something bigger).
Within 12 months of the Roadster actually being sold, both Audi and Mercedes showed all-electric sports car concepts. Neither had ever mentioned such a thing beforehand. A few manufacturers were dabbling with hybrid tech in some of their cars, but an all-electric sports car was not on the radar at all. Now every motor show has a major manufacturer either displaying an all-electric or hybrid-drive system. The gas turbine hybrid Jag was an awesome concept car. It's just great to see new thinking, and I give Tesla the credit for kicking the baggage of electric cars to the kerb. Building a sports car first was inspired just for the PR value.
BMW and Mercedes are scrambling to catch up with their electric tech. Being the engineering giants that both companies are, they will arrive later to the party, but what they produce will be properly good. I've read up on some of the tech BMW is researching for electric vehicles, and it's very promising. I believe the first models will be out in 2013, albeit in a small car format rather than a sports car. I guess we'll find out.
Within 12 months of the Roadster actually being sold, both Audi and Mercedes showed all-electric sports car concepts. Neither had ever mentioned such a thing beforehand. A few manufacturers were dabbling with hybrid tech in some of their cars, but an all-electric sports car was not on the radar at all. Now every motor show has a major manufacturer either displaying an all-electric or hybrid-drive system. The gas turbine hybrid Jag was an awesome concept car. It's just great to see new thinking, and I give Tesla the credit for kicking the baggage of electric cars to the kerb. Building a sports car first was inspired just for the PR value.
BMW and Mercedes are scrambling to catch up with their electric tech. Being the engineering giants that both companies are, they will arrive later to the party, but what they produce will be properly good. I've read up on some of the tech BMW is researching for electric vehicles, and it's very promising. I believe the first models will be out in 2013, albeit in a small car format rather than a sports car. I guess we'll find out.