Don't forget that the higher energy density gets in new-fangled batteries the more consequential the flamey stuff gets when things go wrong. These fires produce their own oxygen and will burn full blast under water. The combustion byproducts of battery fires are also mucho nasty.
Safe and very high energy density batteries are a one or the other proposition right now, and for the foreseeable future. Present electric automobiles are relatively safe with proper handling and charging. One production or consumer mistake can change that in an instant. Remember the exploding laptops? Multiply that by a thousand for potential harm.
As far as sheer driving quality goes, electric is a kick in the pants. Crack the throttle and instantly your motor is at full torque, blowing away any internal combustion car short of a Formula 1 race car. Maintenance costs should be much lower. The lack of noise is amazing. If we can come up with a high drain lithium based battery good for more than three years of life now, we'll be golden. And we need a lot better battery stability.
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