Electric cars can do more than just save the environment, advocates say. Watch as WTOP's John Aaron takes an electrifying ride on an indoor track at the Washington Auto Show.
Through twists, turns, hard braking and accelerating, automakers and advocates are trying to show that electric vehicles can appeal to a wider audience than just the environmentally minded.
Reporters got some especially spirited rides at an indoor track at the Washington Auto Show Thursday.
The vehicles showing off their tire-squealing chops included the Nissan Leaf, Audi e-tron and Hyundai Kona Electric.
“It does perform well,” said Nissan’s Yvonne Porter of the unassuming Leaf. “It’s not a granny car.”
The Hyundai Kona Electric has an estimated range of 258 miles.
(WTOP/John Aaron)
WTOP/John Aaron
Nissan touts the Leaf as the world’s best-selling electric car, with over 400,000 sold worldwide.
(WTOP/John Aaron)
WTOP/John Aaron
The Leaf goes from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, according to Nissan’s Yvonne Porter.
(WTOP/John Aaron)
WTOP/John Aaron
The Audi e-tron starts at about $75,000.
(WTOP/John Aaron)
WTOP/John Aaron
The e-tron accelerates to 30 miles per hour in about 2 seconds, says Audi’s Kevin Mangal.
(WTOP/John Aaron)
John Aaron is a news anchor and reporter for WTOP. After starting his professional broadcast career as an anchor and reporter for WGET and WGTY in Gettysburg, PA, he went on to spend several years in the world of sports media, working for Comcast SportsNet, MLB Network Radio, and WTOP sports.