How Far Can Electric Cars Go?
Photo by Nissan
A new world record has been set for the longest range traveled in an electric vehicle at highway speeds on a single charge — and the winning car might surprise you. On April 1, 2017, the tech company IT Asset Partners (ITAP ) conducted a highway range test of four electric vehicles, including three commercial cars — the Tesla Model S P90D, the Chevrolet Bolt, and the Nissan LEAF. The fourth vehicle in the test is known as “The Phoenix.” This BMW was slated for the scrapheap until ITAP reclaimed it and upgraded the car with 88 percent recycled materials, including the controller and the battery. Altogether, the vehicle and its improvements cost ITAP less than $13,000.
For the range test, each vehicle was required to drive as far as possible along a 362-mile round-trip route in California, from Chatsworth to San Luis Obispo. The Nissan LEAF ran out of juice first, after 81 miles. The Tesla Model S P90D faltered after 238.2 miles. The farthest-reaching of the commercially available cars was the Chevrolet Bolt, which traveled 271.5 miles before dying. The biggest surprise was The Phoenix, which traveled an astonishing 340.3 miles before stopping because of a blown fuse. The vehicle still retained 32 percent battery power, so that ITAP estimates it could’ve traveled more than 400 miles on a single charge.
The success of The Phoenix is a powerful testament to the potential for sustainability in future car designs. If a car destined for the junkyard can be upgraded with recycled materials to outperform the newest technology, there’s no telling what other “trash” could do when put to appropriate use.
Related Content
MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR
Next: September 14-16, 2018
Seven Springs, PA
Whether you want to learn how to grow and raise your own food, build your own root cellar, or create a green dream home, come out and learn everything you need to know — and then some!
LEARN MOREMoney-Saving Tips in Every Issue!
At MOTHER EARTH NEWS, we are dedicated to conserving our planet's natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. You'll find tips for slashing heating bills, growing fresh, natural produce at home, and more. That's why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of MOTHER EARTH NEWS for only $12.95 (USA only).
You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $17.95 for 6 issues.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
International Subscribers - Click Here
Canadian subscriptions: 1 year (includes postage & GST).
what is the cost of the electricity that these cars are using?
I am currently seeking investors who are passionate about sustainable development to help me bring my prototype Klean Air Trike (KAT) to production model. These are a 3 wheel "car" (hatchback) and micro-pick-up in both city (75 mile range) and freeway (150 mile range) versions. KATS design is two wheels in front and one in the rear for enhanced stability. Both models are 2 seaters. Production models will come standard with AC, Tilt Wheel, No Clutch, PW, Pdriver seat, Heated leather or Hemp seats, FWD, LP Heat & Defrost. Contact oasisjoeinc@gmail.com for further information. Be The Change
Should publish a parts list and a how to for the Phoenix.
They should publish the conversion specs for the Phoenix and a "how to".
Wow, I'm impressed with the chevy factory car. Was the Phoenix stripped of weight from the factory?
The plug-in hybrid that has a range-extender like the Chevy Volt is the best of all worlds. Mine gets up to 80 miles of battery-only range on a charge, which covers over 85% of my daily driving as it does for most drivers as reported by EPA. When I need to go farther on vacation trips, my range-extender gas engine kicks in and I get unlimited range as long as there's a gas station for fill ups. Overall this provides much greater efficiency than a simple hybrid. So for most people, a very good idea.
Solar cells could be incorporated into the roof and even trunk and front hood to provide some charging during daylight. Or how about a windmill generator/charger with the fan blades in the grill to provide a charge while driving - with all of the wind at cruising speed it seems a waste to not capture some to charge the batteries.
Solar cells could be incorporated into the roof and even trunk and front hood to provide some charging during daylight. Or how about a windmill generator/charger with the fan blades in the grill to provide a charge while driving - with all of the wind at cruising speed it seems a waste to not capture some to charge the batteries.
We need pictures of each vehicle as used in the test. Also more information on the Tesla than "it faltered". The Phoenix may be the next big idea or it might have been a six passenger BMW that was stuffed so full of batteries that only the driver could fit in the car.
You can pack a car full of batteries to get more range. But you still have to recharge it, and that takes a lot longer than a ICE car. If your driving habits permit it, EVs are a good deal. Range extender (motor-generators) are expensive, take up room and weight, and may not be as efficient as just getting a hybrid. Usually not a good idea, but OK in an emergency. I haven't seen anybody build a system for charging a car in an emergency from a tow truck. That would be better than towing.
@PanamaDave, that's a really good question!
@PanamaDave, that's a really good question! I've often wondered how you could extend the trip charge between plug-in stations. Since the Phoenix will inevitably be out if my budget, gonna take a look at the Bolt. The Fiat gets roughly 85-90miles only but love it's look.
Could a small honda generator, be used stock or modified to charge the car batteries in the event you are on a trip and be between charging stations?
not "fake news" at all, if you know how to search: https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/itap-recycled-bmw-ev-news-video-specs-range/
tranquilgarden: learn to search the 'net before emitting the cheap excuse: fake news. https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/itap-recycled-bmw-ev-news-video-specs-range/
So where is the source for this report? Can’t find anything online? Fake news?