For those who think all this recent fuss about electric cars is new and that it's state-of-the-art technology, it's time for a reality check. The fact of the matter is that it's "old tech," as in about 100+ years old.
Yep, back in the early 20th Century, there were electric cars on the road. Check out the Detroit Electric, which was produced by the Anderson Electric Car Company, and was produced electric cars from 1907 to 1939...
Full story here along with other links pertaining to electric cars. ...And in a somewhat related story: What happened to ZAP's fleet of "Green cars?"
ateixeira says:
06:25 AM, 03/28/08
I think what's new is clean, renewable energy. You don't necessarily have to burn coal to charge them up any more.
That's what makes these more viable nowadays. That and far superior battery technology.
bumpy says:
08:14 AM, 03/28/08
Detroit Electric? Bunch of Johnny-come-latelys. Lohner-Porsche AWD series hybrid with in-wheel motors:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohner-Porsche_Mixte_Hybrid