5 to Drive: Fuel-Efficiency of the Future
From the wind-cheating, teardrop-like shape of the Aptera to the hard-core sports car performance of the Tesla to the 4-seat convenience of Mitsubishi's i MiEV, a new batch of cutting-edge, battery-powered electric vehicles is — or soon will be — here. They may come in all shapes and sizes, but they all produce low emissions at a remote source (just how low depends on how that electricity is generated). But let's not forget about two other very fuel-efficient propulsion technologies, represented here by the latest gas/electric hybrid (Toyota Prius) and a car that is fueled by clean-burning natural gas (Honda Civic GX CNG).
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2009 Tesla Roadster (MSRP est $109,000)
The all-electric Tesla Roadster is as potent a performance car as it is an all-out green machine.
With 6831 lithium-ion batteries feeding juice to a 248-horsepower electric motor, the Tesla has plenty of performance on tap, so much so that this 2-seat sports car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds — that's quicker than General Motors' high-performance sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette! What's more, this sleek-looking electric dynamo handles as well as it accelerates: We achieved a lateral acceleration rate of 0.92g when we circled the skidpad out at the test track; for comparison, a Ferrari F430 pulled a 0.94g rating. The Tesla's low weight (2750 lb.) and high levels of torque inherent with electric motors are major contributors to the Tesla's exotic sports car-like capabilities.
But in addition to its head-snapping, tire-burning acceleration, the Tesla exhibits a couple of characteristics that may take a little getting used to. For one thing, it's whisper quiet; aside from the aforementioned tire noise when doing a burnout, there is just a low-volume, high-pitched hum produced by the electric motor and gearbox. Additionally, the only shifting involved is going from forward to reverse.
Five reasons to buy:
1. Entirely electric propulsion
2. High-performance sports car
3. Very fun to drive
4. Handsome styling
5. Ultimate eco bragging rights
2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV (MSRP est $30,000)
What Mitsubishi's i MiEV electric vehicle lacks in barn-burning performance, it makes up for in with a high degree of utility and convenience.
While compact by most standards — the i MiEV is only a little more than 2 feet longer than the ultra- compact Smart Fortwo — this Mitsu makes the most of its interior packaging, providing four doors and seating for four passengers. Engineers cleverly placed the car's lithium-ion batteries under the passenger floor to maximize interior volume.
Weighing a lithe 2400 lb. and powered by a rear-mounted 47-kilowatt electric motor, the i MiEV is actually quicker than the gas-powered version sold in its home market, thanks no doubt to the electric motor's substantial 132 lb.-ft. of torque.
On the down side, Mitsubishi says that the i MiEV's range is only about 100 miles, so extended out-of- town excursions are likely out of the question. But on the plus side, this 4-door minicar can be charged by a standard household electrical outlet, making it an ideal candidate for that commute to work for most folks, grocery runs or a local night out on the town with friends. The i MiEV went on sale in Japan in late July.
Five reasons to buy:
1. Entirely electric propulsion
2. 4-door/4-seat versatility
3. Attainable sticker price
4. Batteries under floor for space savings
5. Recharges from household outlet
2010 Toyota Prius (MSRP $22,000)
Now in its third generation, the Toyota Prius is the car that ushered in the gasoline/electric hybrid movement. And with a completely new drivetrain, improved efficiency, more space and neat new tech features, this is far and away the best Prius ever.
Although its engine is now the largest ever to power this distinctly shaped hybrid vehicle, improvements to the batteries and electric motor and a more aerodynamically efficient exterior make this not only the most fuel-frugal Prius yet, but the highest-mpg vehicle sold in America today. EPA ratings are 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway.
A new front seat design makes the seatbacks thinner for improved rear passenger leg room; additionally, the car's comprehensive redesign also makes for increased rear cargo space. The green factor extends beyond the Prius' improved fuel efficiency; Toyota engineers have incorporated a more environmentally friendly type of plastic for much of the interior trim.
Other welcome technological enhancements include a new air purification system and improved safety and convenience via an optional lane departure warning system that alerts the driver if he starts to wander into another lane. And Toyota's Intelligent Park Assist (IPA) system detects an open curbside parking space and parallel parks the car in that space — all the driver has to do is apply the brake at the appropriate time.
Five reasons to buy:
1. Stellar fuel economy
2. Roomier interior
3. Very affordable
4. Neat new tech
5. The gold standard of hybrids
More at Road & Track
Slideshow: Fuel-Efficient Cars of the Future
