Le Monde: The future of cars is electric
According to a recent article by prestigious French newspaper Le Monde, the future of cars is electric. Yes, hybrids are successful, and plug-ins seem the next logic step, but the editor forecasts that cars on batteries will become a reality very, very soon.
His arguments? BMW and GM's plans to have EVs running by the start of the next decade (for instance, the Volt) and Carlos Ghosn's declarations about Project Better Place in Israel, which is arriving in Europe as well. There's also the list of upcoming EV projects from other manufacturers such as the Bolloré/Pininfarina's joint venture, and Norway's Th!nk.
The article, geared towards a French audience, gets into more details about Bolloré's Bluecar project, but finishes with a remarkable statement: "It'd be a shame if clean cars of tomorrow looked like electrified versions of current models."
[Source: Le Monde (thanks to my buddy Dominique for the tip)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TX CHL Instructor 11:23AM (3/28/2008)
Straight EV currently has a range limitation. Although I can live with a 70 or 80 mile range for most of my driving, long trips would require different arrangements.
I wish the Railroad Companies would try thinking outside the box. I would love to drive my EV onto a flatcar, and go sit in a comfy lounge while in route to a distant destination. The rail carriers could make tons of money that way. However, due to extreme short-sightedness of said companies back early in the last century, that arrangement is actually illegal. Here's a change that would benefit everyone with very little cost involved.
Reply
rgseidl 11:50AM (3/28/2008)
Auto trains may be illegal in Texas, but not elsewhere. In fact, Amtrak operates one along the East Coast:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Vertical_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081256321200&ssid=136
They also exist in Europe and are a popular way to avoid holiday traffic jams, especially in combination with sleeper cars. This example is from Germany, but similar service is available in Austria, Switzerland, Northern Italy and France. If you book early, the ticket for the car is just EUR 9 (obviously heavily subsidized). Alternatives include ride-and-drive packages offered in collaboration with rental car companies.
http://www.dbautozug.de/site/dbautozug/en/start.html
Austria even operates a similar service for heavy duty trucks to alleviate congestion and pollution at the Brenner Pass.
Reply
A.Brien 11:54AM (3/28/2008)
I will be more interrested if at least these vehicules have a small gasoline batteries recharger. A 1 cylinder 10 h.p gasoline engine bolted to a small generator must add 1000$ to 1500$ on the cost of the car and add let's say 50 pounds of extra weight. Autonomy for longer trip can be stretched to 500 miles and you will never be left on the road with a discharged battery.
Reply
DC 12:13PM (3/28/2008)
In regards to the statement "It'd be a shame if clean cars of tomorrow looked like electrified versions of current models."
I think the one-box design will become more common, and some interesting packaging will be possible with EVs. Pancake motors sould have some interesting applications. I'm looking forward to seeing what automakers can do creatively with EV design. Any other thoughts?
Reply
Phil L. 1:08PM (3/28/2008)
Further regarding the "It'd be a shame..." statement:
I don't particularly care what the car looks like. Auto companies put far too much stock in selling product based on styling. The car needs to do a good job of solving problems for me; otherwise, I won't buy it.
Give me a practical EV that solves a reasonable number of daily problems for a price I can afford. I'll buy it in spite of its looks.
Reply
paulwesterberg 1:09PM (3/28/2008)
Modular battery packs can be placed low to the ground to improve handling and in-wheel motors can provide 4 wheel drive with traction control without a transmission.
No more oil changes and regenerative braking allows brake pads last much longer.
Reply
MarkR 3:03PM (3/28/2008)
First, Le Monde is nothing more than a tabloid. I thought all it did was illegally obtain and release confidential information about atheletes that supposedly failed drug test at LNDD? Which in my opinion is the worst run WADA antidoping lab in the world and should have been closed down years ago. Instead the French rename it almost yearly to try and hide its problems.
At least thats all I've ever heard about Le Monde on this side of the pond till now. so basically my opinion on them is they are a garbage tabloid and I take everything they say as B.S.
Now if you had a REAL paper say that I'd take notice.
Never the less regarding rgseidl response, I had no idea there was a "auto train" service anywhere in the U.S. Now if they only had a route from Texas cities to Colorado, Wyoming and or Montana. I'd be one happy camper. literally. I'd even do it if they had "auto train" service on the San Antonio to Chicago or the rout to L.A.
Reply
BlackbirdHighway 3:07PM (3/28/2008)
Some new batteries can be recharged in 10 minutes. That's only slightly longer than filling up with gasoline.
Reply
Throwback 4:29PM (3/28/2008)
Phil, you are the exception. Styling is very important to car sales. I think eletric vehicles will open new styling options for car companies, I agree the one box look will probably become more common.
Reply
Altairian1 5:02PM (3/28/2008)
Altairnano batteries are ready for eval by the french postal services "La Poste" via Fiat Doblo this summer.(See previous ABG article )
NanosaferEv.com
Reply
GenWaylaid 6:58PM (3/28/2008)
I too would like to use an Auto Train service, if only it ran somewhere else besides Florida. If Amtrack really wants to attract new riders, they should try east-to-west Auto Trains across "flyover country." It may not be quite as fast as flying, but it's much easier than driving and there's practically no baggage limit. I find it interesting that the Auto Train is cited as Amtrack's most profitable service (which is not to say it actually turned a profit): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_train
Reply