ELECTRON is a proof of concept explaining how car culture should be designed in conjunction with more environmentally friendly automobiles. Evolution of this thesis can happen in several ways.
Implementation of the actual magazine would be the first. It would be like Wired! Magazine, but for electric cars. Eventually, ELECTRON would need a web-based version, taking input from enthusiasts and would contain a blog, classified section, forum, an events page, car reviews and technical information. Advertising would be taken from electric car companies, such as Tesla Motors and electric car conversion companies such as Evolve Electric. The magazine and website should also be an advocate for non-profit green events like the Inaugural Parade West, and electric car parade sponsored by Plug-In America.org. By being the central hub for electric performance cars, events such as car shows, races, enthusiast group drives, and the grassroots community will have a unified voice.
Although there are viral videos of electric cars out-accelerating gasoline powered cars in YouTube, ELECTRON could have a series of reviews, performance videos, and news much like Fast Lane Daily, a
mini news show about cars.
ELECTRON should also be the bridge between the electric car community and the automobile industry, providing research and data whenever possible to influence the car manufacturers. In this way, the consumer, industry and the environment can all win, and there will be some truly exemplary automobiles that are cherished for the long-term. I would want to collaborate with car companies to envision this culture an the future cars.
The ELECTRON project is not the end, but the first step to this future culture of car lovers, who happen
to also be green. Almost one year after the conception of the prototype magazine, car companies are
sprouting electric/hybrid concept sports cars everywhere. Porsche debuted the 918 Spyder, a 500hp V8
hybrid car that contains three electric motors and can achieve 90mpg when driven lightly. Even Ferrari had
to get into the hybrid game, with a green-colored Ferrari 599 concept car. With cars like this, the future
of motoring is bright again and eventually, this will lead to 0 emissions cars and ELECTRON is there first
to gain cultural acceptance.
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©2010 Yee Chan & Art Center College of Design
