Up Close with the Tesla Model S
One of the most talked about electrically powered cars at this moment in time is the Tesla Model S. This is an electric car that is turning heads and changing minds with regards to the future of auto mobiles. Yes, it is a touch on the pricey side, however, some of the more innovative designs featured within the Tesla Model S, will eventually find their way into a number of other similar cars. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at what makes the Tesla Model S such an important step for the auto industry as it moves towards more environmentally friendly vehicles.
Battery Life and Travel Distance
One of the major downsides to electric vehicles at the moment is the low amount of distance you can get out of the batteries before you need to recharge them, plus the fact that the recharging times can be a bit on the lengthy side. However, this is one area where the Tesla S comes into its own, as it has a system whereby some of the power is returned to the battery in order to recharge it; this means that the Tesla can go for longer without a charge than other electric vehicles.
It is Whisper Quiet
This may be a bone of contention for those people who love to hear the throaty roar of a gasoline powered engine, but as with the majority of electric vehicles, the Tesla Model S runs without a sound. Obviously you are going to hear motion sounds when traveling at faster speeds, but engine noise? Not a peep. So quiet are electric cars that experts have expressed fears that there will be more road traffic accidents involving pedestrians, simply because they do not hear the car coming. There are rumors that owners of electric cars will be able to download a sound to their car, pretty much in the same way that you can download a new ringtone for your cell phone.
It is Smarter than the Average Car
These days, keyless entry in cars is becoming more popular in the industry and it is something that comes as standard with the Tesla Model S, but it is also taken one step further. Unlike a traditional car, with this particular vehicle there is no start button as well as no keys to unlock the doors – so long as you have the key fob in your possession. You can just get in and drive, with not waiting for the engine to warm-up or any other delays you might encounter. When you are driving the car, all of the info you could ever wish for is right in front of you, from GPS navigation to the settings of the car as well as the speedometer and battery power indicator.
It is Easier to Maintain
As good as gasoline powered cars are, there are so many moving parts in a typical gas-powered engine that there is always likely to be something that goes wrong. Gearboxes, clutches, differentials, and other parts can wear out over time, or suddenly stop working. With an electric car, all you have is a simple electric motor and just one gear, which connect the motor to the axles. Aside from the steering mechanism and shock absorbers, there is not much else to the car, and there are certainly no exhaust systems to rust, or oil changes needed.
All in all, if the future of the electric car looks anything like the Tesla Model S, then it is going to be a very bright one indeed.
David Lye is the founder of Private Fleet. He lives in Sydney, Australia and apart from cars he counts business, online marketing, photography and surfing among his many varied interests.
