by Colleen Mart

Created on: September 11, 2009   Last Updated: September 12, 2009

Could the electrically powered Tesla Roadster ever become the family car?

Nikola Tesla, born in Croatia in 1856, became a renowned physicist in America after relocating to the United States. He was the inventor of the electric motor and generator as well as being recognized as the designer of the tesla coil circuit. The tesla coil produces high voltage with high frequency alternating current but low amperes or current. Nikola Tesla used the tesla coil circuit to power his

induction electric motor. A fascinating example of the electrical sparks produced by a tesla coil, which resemble lightning bolts, can be seen in a plasma globe.

What has a plasma globe got to do with the family car? In the search to design an electric car that Americans would buy, many downfalls have been discovered. The maximum speed of many electric car designs are less than 45 miles per hour and have a very limited travel range before they need to be charged for several hours. Electricity produced by the sun also has limitations, such as the need for a massive bank of batteries to store energy and they aren't really feasible for traveling at night. So what is the solution to the problems associated with a viable electric car design? The tesla power plant, an electric induction motor eliminates many of the problems other electrically powered car designs face.

In 2008 the Tesla Roadster, produced by Tesla Motors, debuted in California. Powered by a 3 phase, 248 horsepower electric motor, housed in a sleek and sexy made over Lotus Elise body, this powerful little two seat speed demon will make car fanatics drool. But with a price tag of over $100,000.00 for a basic model, and with a cost of a replacement battery pack at $20,000.00, you won't be seeing many of them on the road and they are totally out of the question for the biggest majority of American families.

So that brings up the question of whether or not the Tesla Roadster could ever become the family car. Most families will need a vehicle that will seat at least four people with extra room for all the baggage and toys that go along with four people and/or children. Around 1960 a vehicle fitting this description was called a station wagon or a van and later these vehicles evolved into mini-vans and SUVs. Whatever they are called, they are the most practical form of transportation for an entire American family. The family car also needs to have a reasonable price tag, somewhere around $20,000.00 to be affordable to the average American

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