Lightning GTS, the Ferrari of electric cars.

The Lightning GTS, elegance and performance

Let me show you what I think the future of very high end electric car performance looks like.  The Lightning GTS is set to break all the rules and give exotic internal combustion engines, ICE a run for their money.

The gist is that if Tesla Motors got it right by going after the higher-end market in order to introduce the high-end electric vehicle, EV, the Lightning GTS is upping the ante.  This high luxury performance EV has what it takes to get attention with subtle hints of Aston Martin and Maserati, as well as a shade of Toyota 2000GT toward the back.

A Little History.  It all started when the Lightning car company wanted to create a very high performance car.  Originally, they had thought of using an internal combustion engine, ICE but the team came to their sense and realized they could shove four in-hub electric motors, i.e. inside the wheels.  Here is what LLC had to say: “…the electric Lightning prototype is being hand-built by a small team of passionate British engineers, designers and collaborators. Whilst the rest of the automotive world engages in the hybrid, hydrogen or electric debate, the Lightning Car Company firmly believes its 100% Electric Lightning GTS will help kick start the market for performance EV’s.”

Technically Speaking.  The Lightning GTS will have the Altairnano's  NanoSafe™ lithium-ion nano-titanate 36kW battery pack expected to last more than 12 years.  It will do 0 to 60mph in 4 seconds, with a top speed limited to 130mph.  With its Hi-Pa Drive™ technology, the electric motors on each wheel develop 120kW, times four is 480 kilowatt, roughly 680hp.  Of course, this high-end performance will include the technology you would come to expect, such as regenerative braking, traction control, as well as other creature comfort.

Pros and Cons of in-wheel electric motors are that they serve as both engine and drivetrain for the car, removing the need for a conventional transmission.  You can also control the entire vehicle through sensors and computers what each wheel does.  However, the cons are that it is a lot of unsprung weight, 55lbs each wheels.  Also, if one motor goes out, you have a lot of dead weight in one wheel which could pull to one side or another.

In Conclusion.  No, this won't be your starter EV car and no, it won't be priced at $20,000.  You could add another zero and you would be closer at $230,000.  It makes this high end exotic blow most of its ICE counterparts away, at least those at the same price range.  It should go on sale in the UK late 2009.  Why is it important?  As high-end battery makes it way into cars like that, it eventually trickles down the line to the more affordable ones.  This car will surely influence other companies in the industry.

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