A while back we somewhat cynically informed you of an Acura TL converted to all-electric that was being made available for the low low price of *cough $185,000. It seems no one took advantage of the offer but that has turned out to be a good thing for Luxury Electric A.K.A. Potential Difference, the company behind the vehicle. Why? Because today, at the Democratic National Conference, where electric cars are getting all kinds of love, Luxury has announced they will take their prototype car, "The Electric," on a transcontinental trip to promote the potential of electric vehicles. According to Luxury Electric founder and Nevada Democratic Party Delegate Elliott Small, "The coast-to-coast drive will show that all-electric automotive technology is ready today. We're eliminating the biggest barrier to mass-market acceptance of electric vehicles by showing that they are not only practical for daily commuting, but deliver outstanding performance, range, comfort and durability as well."
Along the way they have a planned stop in Atlanta to demonstrate some rapid charging technology for which they hold patent licensing from Georgia Tech Research. No word on how quickly they can re-charge their lithium ion phosphate batteries but Engineering VP Bill Rowling, who also runs Truckcity CB & Solar, claims they can get 140 miles to a charge. The transcontinental trip announcement lacked a start date though it did mention they are still seeking sponsors for the event. If you'd like to help them out perhaps you can buy this prototype, since it's still being offered for the reduced price of $150,000 on Autotwins (who also feature it on Craigslist). With that kind of cash we suspect they could convert another TL and still have funds with which to electrically traverse America. The company's ambitions don't stop with conversions either. According to their website, they have their own original design they intend to offer in 2010. Hit the jump to see their 2010 design, a quick tire squealing video of their prototype and the official press release.
[Source: Luxury Electric]
PRESS RELEASE
Luxury Electric Announces Completion of World's First Full-Sized, Long-Range, All-Electric Luxury Sedan at 2008 DNC "The Electric" to Embark on Historic Transcontinental Drive after Convention
The founders of Luxury Electric, one of America's first electric car companies, today announced at the 2008 Democratic National Convention plans to take their prototype car, "The Electric," on a record-setting transcontinental trip, the first for an electric luxury sedan. "We will demonstrate that electric cars can perform as well or better than gas-powered cars," said Luxury Electric founder and Nevada Democratic Party Delegate Elliott Small. "The coast-to-coast drive will show that all-electric automotive technology is ready today. We're eliminating the biggest barrier to mass-market acceptance of electric vehicles by showing that they are not only practical for daily commuting, but deliver outstanding performance, range, comfort and durability as well." "Most people commute easily on 30 to 50 miles per day, the average distance electric vehicles can go between charges," said Engineering VP Bill Rowling. "To achieve our goal of driving cross country, we've improved that to about 140 miles per charge." Luxury Electric has an exclusive license for two rapid battery re-charge patents from the Georgia Tech Research Corporation and will demonstrate that technology in Atlanta during the coast-to-coast drive. "The new battery technology will allow full charges from any outlet in as little as 10 minutes," said Small. "The cost of the electricity will work out to about $4 per 150 miles. Future motorists will be able to buy electricity from wind or solar power sources, resulting in a virtually zero emissions vehicle that performs as well as traditional autos." Throughout the convention, Small will be assisting with Colorado Delegate Nate Vanderschaaf's Electric Vehicle Rolling Showcase. About the Luxury Electric Company Based in Las Vegas, Nev., the Luxury Electric Company is dedicated to bringing the first all-electric luxury vehicles to the American marketplace. Luxury Electric is seeking sponsors to support the first transcontinental drive in an electric luxury car. The company is currently taking orders, with down payments placed in escrow to leverage funding opportunities and to encourage investment in developing this technology, critical to solving the global energy crisis. See www.luxuryelectric.com for more information.
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