Electric Cars - Take Two
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About a year ago, I asked “Are electric cars ready for primetime?”
It seems the answer was a resounding no.
Let’s see where each of those three stand today.
- Tesla Roadster - A year ago I said that this one had the best shot at being produced. I still think that’s true, although they are looking more and more like a marketing firm than a automobile company. After a tough spell with transmission troubles that were remedied by doing away with the transmission, production is claimed to be in progress. I’d be scared to put down a deposit with these guys until they deliver at least a dozen customer cars.
- Lightning GT - Last year they were taking deposits for “2008 delivery”. They haven’t delivered (or even built) any cars yet, but they are taking deposits for “2009 delivery”. Don’t hold your breath.
- Chevrolet Volt - Chevy’s holding firm on their 2010 on-sale date for the Volt. Almost everything else seems to be changing, though. Last year the car was slated to sell for $30,000. It was to have a 40 mile electric-only range and a 600 mile range on gasoline (at 50 mpg). Fast forward to today and the projected price is $40,000 plus. The gas-powered range has shrunk to 360 miles, as well.
- New to the list this year is the Zap Alias (pictured). Zap is mostly known for low-speed golf-cart type electric vehicles, but the Alias is slated to be capable of 100 mph. It’s range is said to be 100 miles, and the price $32,500. Zap is taking reservations for 2009 delivery. Again, I’d be worried about depositing my money with them until they built (and delivered) a working car.
While I’m certain that they are coming, it doesn’t look like this is the year for the electric car. Barring any surprise developments, I’ll revisit this topic next year. See you there (then?).
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July 27th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
[…] Electric Cars - Take Two […]
July 28th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Yeah, yeah.
“I’ll wait until they produce their first car.” “I’ll wait until their first ten.” “…their first dozen.” “First fifty.” “First year of production.” “First year of full-scale production.” “First five years.” “It’s just a phase.”
Is there some reason that automotive journalists feel the need to crap all over electric cars?
Actually, I can kind of understand the impulse. High-performance cars will always need gasoline. Right now, the mass commuter market also runs on gasoline, which means that all those daily drivers are subsidizing the enthusiast market. Once daily drivers shift over to batteries, gasoline engines will become rich men’s toys and be priced accordingly.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Density duck said “Is there some reason that automotive journalists feel the need to crap all over electric cars?”
It’s just that companies have been promising them for years and haven’t delivered yet.
My daily commute is 75 miles round trip. Mostly 55mph. Mostly flat.
Not even the mighty EV-1 would have been able to reliably make the round trip, especially if I wanted a/c or heat.
Believe me, I want these to work out, I just don’t think we’re there yet.
Hopefully I’m wrong. If the dollars and cents add up (total cost of ownership), I’ll buy one.
July 31st, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Had the EV1 been equipped with a generator, a la the Volt, then it would have easily handled a 75-mile round trip.
July 31st, 2008 at 1:58 pm
But then it wouldn’t have been an EV. The generator needs something to drive it.
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:02 am
Thanks for the post
March 25th, 2009 at 4:08 am
Excellent information- 5 stars! I’m always jealous of people with Electric Golf Carts!
April 14th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Thought this might be of interest, another MIT discovery. www.gizmag.com/lithium-ion-battery-breakthrough-mit/11244/
This would make li-ion batteries on par with ultra capacitors with charging in a matter of seconds. And the good news is that it should be available in only a couple years!
June 24th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
http://www.kittycompare.co.uk/Insurance/car-insurance/
Review and compare the market for the cheapest car insurance.
Many Meows (thanks),
Kitty