“The 370MPH ‘Bullet’ Fueled By Batteries”
Monaco-based Venturi Automobiles and engineering students from Ohio State University have partnered to create an electric car that is looking to take the crown from the current record holder – their previous model. This new car is capable of making 3,000 horsepower and an estimated top speed of 372 mph. This project is not just aiming to set records but the technology is being transferred to many industries. For example, the knowledge is being used on Formula E and the battery technology is being applied to Ford and NASA.
While technology increases efficiency and performance, it takes away that special emotional and qualitative aspects away. Many car enthusiasts still prefer manual transmission over automatic transmission; they prefer hydraulic steering instead of electronic; they prefer the exhaust sound of a larger displacement engine instead of the more efficient (energy and power) turbo charged engines.
I am also a huge car fan and I have dreams and goals of owning different number of cars in the future. However, the features that I loved since my childhood are becoming dated and being replaced with newer technologies. For example, turbochargers in cars allow the engines to be smaller which saves fuel, weight, and efficient in terms of mechanics. However, there is something special about large displacement engines in terms of the power delivery and the sound – driving these cars are an experience rather than a mode of transportation.
To my surprise, however, these technological advancements were not the problem. Rather, it was about how well that can replace the traditional methods without losing anything – including emotions. Before, all I could picture was a Prius when the word “hybrid” was used on cars. However, with the introduction of “hybrid hypercars,” my concerns were cleared away. Although these cars are on the opposite end of the pure mechanical cars, the electronic gadgets (batteries!) make the driving experience much more exciting.
This idea relates back to how sustainability must speak great first and then green second. As discussed in class, pricing is only one element of the consumer’s total cost of acquiring, using and recycling or disposing of a product. However, looking at this word “cost” from a different facet, sustainable solutions should first take a look at what our traditional solutions have to offer. “Naturally” aspirated engines actually have some desirable features for particular audiences.
Article: http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/05/motorsport/venturi-world-land-speed-record-electric-370-mph/index.html?sr=fbCNN020516venturi-world-land-speed-record-electric-370-mph0615PMStoryGalLink&linkId=21015730
