Feb. 2 - Tim Cipullo from the Embassy's Environment, Science and Technology unit recently accompanied me to the Aoyama section of Tokyo to test drive a high performance sports car called the Tesla Roadster.

You might ask what this activity had to do with the environment. A few months ago, I would have asked the same question. But we drove a zero-emission vehicle designed in California by Tesla. This new firm strives to apply a Silicon Valley business model to the automobile industry by rapidly developing cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. It is also trying to change the way we think about automobiles by designing zero-emission vehicles that are fun to drive.

As we rode around Tokyo, I was surprised by the power of the Roadster's engine. Because we were in central Tokyo, I did not test Tesla's claim that the Roadster will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in under four seconds, but we did get a good feel for its rapid acceleration (while staying below the speed limit).

The completely quiet engine also surprised me. Climbing into the car, I thought we needed to start the engine. Imagine my surprise when we took off without making a sound! This quiet "feel" meant we experienced the sounds and sights of the city without ambient engine noise.

Tesla's Director for Asia Pacific, Kevin Yu, told me that Tesla looks for the world's best technology when procuring its components. For example, Tesla is working with Panasonic to develop the next generation of battery packs for its electric vehicles. It also co-develops electric vehicles with Toyota. As I drove around Tokyo in this high performance two-seat sports car, I was amazed at how fun it is to drive an environmentally friendly car that brings together leading American and Japanese technology.

Until next time,

Jim