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Tango Electric Car
It's small, but don't be too quick to judge the Tango electric car by its size. This little powerhouse, made in Spokane, WA by
Commuter Cars
is definitely NOT a neighborhood electric car.
What was my first clue?
Well...
- 0-60 in 4 seconds. Yep, just like the famous Tesla. And if you've still got your stomach with you after those four seconds are up, you'll finish the standing quarter mile in 12 seconds.
- Steel roll cage like a race car. Since the Tango is designed to run on the freeway, and is small, you'll want the best protection you can get in the event of a high-speed, low-mass collision - a roll cage. No other electric car on the road today has this feature.
- 80 mile range. You can charge it in 3 hours, too, using the dryer plug-in at home.
What does the Tango electric car look like?
Luxurious...and also tall, skinny, and compact. The designers of the Tango wanted to solve several auto-related (or traffic-related) problems at once, so they made a car that was narrow enough to "lane-split", tall enough to be comfortable for an average-sized commuter (and a passenger) with battery storage under the floor, and compact enough to park perpendicular to the curb.
- Lane-splitting. This just means they can run side by side in a freeway lane like a motorcycle; in fact, the Tango is narrower than those big Gold Wing bikes. Not that it's legal to "lane-split" in every state, of course...but it probably should be. It's legal in California, and other states are working on it.
- Tall. George and his Tango electric car are pretty much of a size...and this is so that you can put George inside, and a passenger, and still have room for batteries under the floor. Don't let the top-heavy appearance fool you, though - because the batteries are down below, the Tango is very stable, earning an equivalent 5-star rollover rating.
- It's short-coupled, so you can park it nose-in to the curb. For those of us who are parallel-parking impaired (me), this is a blessing. Saves time, too.
- Luxurious on the inside. The Tango has a high-tech and glossy interior. The appointments all appear to be top of the line.
- You can park it in those tiny little motorcycle spots. You know, the ones close to the door; ) And for those of us who are ferry commuters (me again), you take up less space in your Tango, so they put you in the motorcycle row.
How do I get one?
Right now, if you want a Tango electric car you've got to go to their website and place an order. They're only taking orders on their T-600 luxury model, and it will set you back $108,000. The less expensive models are expected to be available in 2008 or 2009.
Still, it's got every indication of being worth the money...
...and worth the waiting list.
Look out for this one!
What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.
- Theodore Roethke
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