Tesla Whitestar

EVM score: 6
Range: 250 mi
Speed: Highway capable, 0-60 6 sec
Price: $50,000-$65,000
Battery: Li-ion
Safe: Yes
If the Roadster is any indication of what the White Star will look like, then be prepared for a beauty. People will pay this price for an electric car and there might even be a waiting list, but, it still is not at a price that will meet the masses. That will probably be the third vehicle. Who knows, they may not be the first to get there but by building experience in the smaller luxury market they may be the best. And one more thing, Tesla will eventually have to switch to advanced Li-ion batteries. It will all depend on how seamless they can make that transition or if they are stubborn and stick with their battery.

ZAP-X

EVM score: 6
Range: 350 miles
Speed: 0-60 4.8 sec., top sp 150 mph
Price: ?
Batteries: Advanced Li-ion from ABAT
Safe: Probably
This is a pretty sexy little car with performance to match its looks. Problem is, you know that performance is going to be expensive. Four PML Flightlink in wheel motors aren't cheap. I'd say they will charge $72,000. Just guess. So once again, it's nice, people will buy it but it won't meet the masses. Maybe the next version will.