Do Electric Vehicles Have Performance Benefits?

This post, part of a series we're running all about electric cars, was written by Patrick E. George from HowStuffWorks.com.

More and more, the future of the automobile is looking to be an electric one. That sounds great for the environmentalist crowd -- after it, it means cars with zero emissions and a greatly reduced dependence on fossil fuels -- but what about the horsepower-loving, speed-worshipping petrol heads? Will the electric future get to include those drivers who like to go fast?

Fortunately, electric vehicles do have performance benefits. In some ways, they're even superior to gasoline-powered cars. Let's take for example the current king of electric sports cars, the Tesla Roadster.

According to AutoGuide, the 2011 model Tesla Roadster 2.5S, a mid-engine sports car built on a modified Lotus Elise chassis, produces 288 horsepower and 295 ft. lbs of torque. Respectable numbers, but not enormous ones, right? Well, that's true, but there's more to this car than just horsepower quotes. The Tesla does the sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 96.6 kilometers per hour) in about 3.7 seconds -- that puts it about on par with a Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

That's fast, but the best thing about the Tesla is arguably how it delivers its power. 100 percent of the engine's torque is available right away, as soon as you step on the throttle, unlike on a gasoline-powered car where the engine revs have to build up during acceleration. Having an electric motor means the Tesla's power comes on as soon as you flick the switch. Think of it this way -- a light bulb is either on or off. There's no in between.

Due to the very nature of the power they use, all electric vehicles (EVs) share this same characteristic. Even the Nissan LEAF, an electric hatchback meant to be a family commuter car, delivers a "surprising burnout," says Car and Driver. Tesla is also planning a seven-seat sedan with a 0 to 60-mile per hour (0 to 96.6-kilometer per hour) time in the mid-five second range. You can bring some friends along for that electric blast.

If the future is indeed all-electric, we as drivers may one day need to reevaluate the way we operate our cars. We'll all have to get used to full engine power available as soon as we step on the pedal. Just think of what this could mean for auto racing events…