Although it may have been the case once upon a time, being green no longer has to mean being boring when it comes to cars. A perfect example of this are two similar but very different automobiles, the Cadillac ELR luxury hybrid coupe and the all-electric
Tesla Model S full-size sedan. Unlike earlier eco-friendly offerings on the market, both examples are fully feasible as daily drivers that can take you to work, the supermarket and even the beach. Below is a closer look at each vehicle and why you should be interested - if the record-high fuel prices in Canada aren't reason enough.
All new for 2014, the Cadillac ELR is a front-wheel drive plug-in four-seater hybrid with a powerplant based on GM's other popular electric model, the Chevrolet Volt. Making 207 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the ELR (debuting as the Converj Concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit) bears a strong family resemblance to the rest of the brand and looks a bit like a smaller and sleeker version of the ATS coupe.
Utilizing Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology, the ELR can travel approximately 56 kilometres on pure electric mode, and almost 500 km with the assistance of the gasoline engine-generator that recharges the lithion-in battery. Full Level 1 charging — via a standard household 120-volt wall socket — takes about 12 hours. If you visit a charging station or upgrade the system at home, a full level 2 charge at 240 V reduces that time down to about 4.5 hours.
Packaging a sports car, family sedan, and electric vehicle all in one, the vaunted Tesla Model S is arguably the benchmark in its segment. The product of well-known entrepreneur and inventor Elon Musk, the Model S is a rear-wheel drive full-size premium sedan. Available with three battery options, the highest 85-kilowatt-hour Performance model features 416 horsepower/443 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 210 km/h and will go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. Maximum range is estimated at 480 km.
Made from an aluminum body, there are plenty of other standout specs such as 50/50 weight distribution, an all-glass panoramic roof and a hidden taillight-embedded cover for the charge port that automatically opens when it senses the plug. Inside, a giant 17-inch touchscreen dominates the dash replacing conventional knobs and buttons, allowing control of the car's various functions as well as displaying stats like energy consumption.
Whether or not your lifestyle better suits a hybrid or fullly-electric vehicle, you can't go wrong with either the ELR or the Model S. Take one for a spin - the environment and your pocketbook will thank you!