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Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid Vehicles - Archived Discussions Will ethanol E85 catch on in the US? Will we Live Green and Go Yellow? 
2104 messages, Last post on Oct 27, 2006 at 5:34 AM
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Jun 22, 2006 11:49 am) In the US, these second/ additional cars seem to be either some sort of fun toy, or else some hauler of people and/or equipment (boats, jetskis, etc.). An electric car with minimal range and long refueling times doesn't make for a very good first or second car for most of us, otherwise they would already be marketed as such. Let's remember -- there is a reason why they aren't being sold today in large quantities. Automakers make cars in order to make money, and they would be betting on electric if they thought that the profit potential justified the risk. They don't see it, which is why they aren't doing it.
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Replying to: socala4 (Jun 22, 2006 11:55 am) Well, I'll try not to speak for most people - but personally I'd never consider a 100% EV in any way whatsoever. That being said, I think plug-in hybrids make a LOT more sense. One could realize virtually all of the benefits of a 100% EV vehicle (if speeds/trip duration are kept down) without giving up the range and quick refueling advantages of the ICE.
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Replying to: socala4 (Jun 22, 2006 11:55 am) Since most second cars (and first ones for that matter) are rarely driven over 50-75 miles a day an EV would be perfect for that. Even more so since it can be recharged overnight in someones garage or carport taking up far less of the drivers time than pumping 15 gallons of gas each week. |
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Replying to: rorr (Jun 22, 2006 12:05 pm) I believe that you speak for the vast majority of consumers. Pure EV is a choice driven by ideology, not by cost, convenience or cool factor, which leaves you with a very tiny market, and explains why you don't find everyone rushing in to sell them as is. That being said, I think plug-in hybrids make a LOT more sense. I agree that they will, now that the hybrid is moving toward the mainstream and people have learned from the pacesetters that the technology works well enough. Now, the main barrier seems to be technological: the plug-in version would require batteries that are much larger in order to hold a charge that would be good for any reasonable distance, so there's not much point to having a plug just yet. But as the batteries become lighter, smaller and/or more efficient, this could change.
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Replying to: rorr (Jun 22, 2006 12:05 pm)
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Jun 22, 2006 12:18 pm) Whether or not the daily commute requires a short range or not isn't (IMO) the issue. I think that the vast majority of buyers don't want a range limitation just for their own piece of mind. If everyone was a logical as you seem to think they are, very few pickups, or SUVs would be bought. Yes, their utility is great but it is needed (by most of their purchasers) for only very occasional use. Yet most folks don't want to rent a truck only when needed; they want the convenience of having that utility WHENEVER they desire. I see the same thing with EV's. Sure, 95% of the time their range might be fine. And I'm sure with a little planning/trading off, a 2nd vehicle would fill their needs for longer trips. But I don't think most folks could get past the 'what if' thoughts in their minds regarding running out of juice and not being able to refill. Having the onboard ICE and a fuel tank is really nice insurance. And if the battery issues are solved to the point where EV's are practical, then I would think it would be even more so for a plug-in hybrid.
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Replying to: rorr (Jun 22, 2006 12:51 pm)
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Jun 22, 2006 12:55 pm) I guess the only issue is whether or not there are enough snakeweasels out there to support a 100% EV industry. No offense meant.
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Replying to: socala4 (Jun 22, 2006 12:16 pm)
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Replying to: rorr (Jun 22, 2006 1:05 pm)
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