Even though there has been great interest in cars that are powered by electricity, as opposed to depending on burning gas, there are still not many choices that could be called a truly electric motor drive.

Most of the electric cars that can be seen driving around the neighborhood streets are those that are called hybrid electric cars. These cars utilize two different modes of power: gas motor power and electric motor power, which work in tandem to conserve the amount of gasoline consumed to propel the vehicle.

electric motor drive
This headway could soon lead to people being able to enjoy having their own all electric car tucked away in the garage and ready to take them on their daily commutes or errands without adding any pollution to the atmosphere.

There is good news within the auto industry and word is quickly seeping out to the public. There are some promising all electric car models that have been on the drawing board for some time and have progressed to the point that the manufacturers are expecting to have them on showroom floors and out on the streets within the next 12 to 18 months.

battery electric car
Of course, many people caution against becoming overly optimistic over these reports. Auto manufacturers behind these innovative new electric cars have somewhat of a reputation for underestimating the timelines to work out all of the kinks and get the vehicles fully into production.

The first of the all electric car models expected to be on the market is the Zap Zebra. It is said that the Zap electric car is really more of a golf cart that has been pumped up to make it street-legal for roads with a speed limit of 45 MPH or less. This electric vehicle is expected to retail for under $10,000 and will boast a top speed of 40 MPH. However, it will have a rather limited range of 40 miles before needing a boost.

Another interesting option in the all electric car category is the Tesla Roadster that runs off lithium ion batteries that are commonly found in laptop computers. The Tesla Company claims that it’s electric roadster will have a range of over 250 miles and that it can accelerate from zero to 60 in just 4.5 seconds, which makes it competitive with gasoline powered cars.

electric cars
It is interesting that speed and acceleration are featured in this small electric car, an area that has not been well addressed by other manufacturers of electric cars. The fact is, electric motor power have the capability of powering a vehicle with sports car attributes, because the torque curve and the RMP range of the electric motor power is actually much better than that of combustion engines.

There are two questions from industry experts. How will the Tesla manage the heat thrown off by their battery array? And two, what is the expected life-span of the batteries?

The biggest challenge to developing viable all electric car options boils down to the same issue: current available battery technology. Experts claim that if the lithium ion batteries can develop to the point where they are inexpensive, long-lasting and safe, then perhaps they can open the door to truly revolutionizing the automotive industry and all lives that are impacted by it.