Could the electric car be this generation’s next technologic innovation, like smartphones?

This new field of clean energy will be revolutionary, and car company Tesla, Inc. is releasing new technology making electric vehicles more practical. Tesla’s innovation will push the production of electric cars forward, sparking the fad of truly energy-conscious transportation.

Of course, such drastic change to the transportation sector will face considerable pushback from Big Oil, but the connectivity of Tesla’s vehicles, overall efficiency in regard to the gas they do use and sheer comfortability of the vehicles will disrupt the overall industry.

Consider, for example, the way in which Tesla utilizes everyday technology: Tesla provides a mobile application where you can track your trip, find charging stations and notify you when your vehicle is fully charged. The app can also route your trips with the most efficient charging stops and times in its algorithm. 

Being able to link your phone to your car in this way seems so complex in my mind, but I hope that potential level of convenience afforded by this technology is alluring enough that we adapt to such processes.

In terms of Tesla’s product mix, the firm offers two top-of-the-line electric cars, and both of these vehicles offer more to the driver than just being fuel-efficient.

Starting with the Model S, this option comes with anti-bioweapon air filtration for the cabin and adaptive lighting for taking sharp turns. In turns of overall efficiency, the 100 kWh (kilowatts per hour) wall connectors for the Model S will cut your gas price virtually in half. Traveling 230 miles would cost the Model S $20.34 in gasoline, while the same distance in terms of electricity runs around $9.23.  

The Model X offers a choice between five, six or seven seats in the vehicle. Also, this model provides an automatic emergency braking system, side collision warnings, lane detection and an autopilot driver assistance. With the longest traveling distance of 295 miles on a single charge, it would cost $10.93 to charge this model for 230 miles, or $19.10 using gasoline.

Becoming more aware of our environmental footprint will help move people into the electric vehicle world, and, given the drastic changes to the automotive industry enacted by Tesla, it seems like we may be on the brink of a desperately needed shift toward electric vehicles.

Kyle Fitch is a columnist, contact him at [email protected].