"Tim Watts" wrote in message
...
On 02/05/15 13:34, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Chris Hogg wrote:
Tesla have a track record in such batteries, with their Roadster car.

Oh indeed. Both the examples they supplied broke down on the Top Gear
test
track. To the point where the test had to be abandoned.

A replacement battery pack costs about $30,000.

Well - such things have to start somewhere - you'd not have a laptop if
everyone said in 1990 "ha, look at that "portable" computer - what a
joke..."

I'd love a Tesla for the kick-assness - the 0-60 on the 2 motor version is
insane. But alas, a bit beyond my savings...

However, as they all come:

http://my.teslamotors.com/en_GB/models/design

with an 8 year infinite milage battery and power train warranty, it's
clear that Elon Musk is aware of the worry that people have about the
batteries and has put the risk on Tesla's side.

So you have something, now, with does cost a bomb, but gives 275-310 miles
of range with the acceleration comparable to a Ferrari.

Given time (perhaps quite some time) the cost will come down.

Unlike previous efforts involving boat loads of lead acid batteries, the
Tesla has 3 advantages to give it a bit of impetus:

1) Mineral fuels are very expensive compared to electricity;

2) The government (not just ours) is "making a thing" about local
pollution in cities so loves electric with the various perks that entails;

3) The battery technology is used so widely with pressure globally for
smaller/lighter/more capacity;


I think the timing is fortuitous and electric cars might go somewhere this
time around.

Not a chance, you watch. For the same reason you don’t have one, the price.

Like all Li-ion, mustn't
be allowed to run flat. Which means in practice the car has to have
regular use and left on charge when not. Great if you wish to leave it at
the airport when going off on holiday.

Of course like all batteries, a better one is just around the corner. And
has been since lead acid were invented. Yet lead acid are still in use...