If you’re into electric vehicles (EV), this year’s LA Auto Show won’t disappoint, especially compared to the last few years. Here’s another glimpse of some welcome EV news at the show.
LA Auto Show Finally Embraces Tesla — or Vice Versa?
Alright, this one is the big one and we would be remiss not to mention that the Los Angeles Auto Show has finally embraced Tesla … or is it that Tesla has finally broken down the auto show’s reluctance to bring Tesla on the main floor? Or did Tesla just finally decide it was worth the time and money to have a notable presence at the show? Either way, Tesla is next to the big boys.
It was indeed a surprise to see the Tesla booth, and even more so, the Model 3. Also, indeed, the Model 3 is much bigger in real life than on paper or picture. In fact, seeing it in the flesh makes it very clear how Tesla was able to shove the battery pack into it.
The Model 3 has a definite Model S aura to it, and although it is smaller, we would wager most people on the streets won’t notice that difference at first glance. We’ll leave you in the capable hands of our other writers to keep you up to date on the Model 3.
Propella Electric Bicycles
Now, here’s another electric bicycle (e-bike) producer we hadn’t heard of that we’re very, very excited to introduce to our readers.
Is Propella the Apple of e-bikes? Maybe a touch too pretentious, but Propella does make a stunning, real bicycle that happens to have an electric motor and battery yet still feels like a bicycle — with a beautiful design to boot.
Let’s get to the point — the bike is elegant, fun to ride, includes electric assist that isn’t too “in your face,” has great design, exudes attention to quality and details, and for the best part, is a blast to ride and truly affordable considering the technology. At $1,199, the new version of the Propella is still a great way to get started on an e-bike if you come from a biking world.
We had a lot of fun riding and can’t to wait to review it in greater detail.
The Redspace Phenomena
Keeping the best for last, the Redspace is going to treat you to a complete mind whirl. We will write a more in-depth article series on it … yes, series, because it would take easily three articles to describe this paradigm shift of a working prototype called REDS.
The REDS EV is a project developed by Chris Bangle and his team for the CHTC (China Hi-Tech Group Corporation). The EV redefines interior living space on an electric platform. The design cues are so important that we can only brush the surface and a paragraph won’t do it any justice. This is a car that wants to help millennials who don’t have a lot of space at home and want a mobile extension. The seating arrangement, the windows, the hung swung door, and so much more make this car as futuristic and trendy as can be.
Simply put, my interview of Chris Bangle was the best I’ve had in the past 10 years and I can’t wait to write about it in more depth.
For now, know that the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show has more electric cars than ever before and that it won’t leave you feeling hungry as it has in the past.
Oh, and yes, as to the “big guys,” well, they’re still displaying front stage their muscle cars, pickup trucks, and beefy SUVs. You will find their EVs and PHEVs tucked away if you go looking. Although it’s a shame to see them abandon what was a truly revolutionary wakeup from normality a decade ago, it does leave space for smaller players and startups to surprise, make you dream, and show you what the future is all about.
Stay tuned for more on Chrysler, BMW, VW, Volvo, and more
Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!
Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
Former Tesla Battery Expert Leading Lyten Into New Lithium-Sulfur Battery Era — Podcast:
I don't like paywalls. You don't like paywalls. Who likes paywalls? Here at CleanTechnica, we implemented a limited paywall for a while, but it always felt wrong — and it was always tough to decide what we should put behind there. In theory, your most exclusive and best content goes behind a paywall. But then fewer people read it! We just don't like paywalls, and so we've decided to ditch ours. Unfortunately, the media business is still a tough, cut-throat business with tiny margins. It's a never-ending Olympic challenge to stay above water or even perhaps — gasp — grow. So ...
