Electric car sales falling short of goal

SFGate.com ^ | 10/17/12 | Angela Greiling Keane - bloomberg

[Pining_4_TX]

Ha, ha, my mother-in-law won’t own a computer or a microwave oven. She thinks they put out “rays”. :-)

[Pining_4_TX]

Yes, and if they make sense from an economic standpoint. Electric cars are absurd.

[al_c]

Hmmm ... electric cars are expensive. People that can afford expensive cars can afford these gas prices. Maybe that has something to do with it?

Make them affordable w/o looking like an egg with wheels and maybe ... just maybe people will buy them.

I’d love to have one. Specifically, the Tesla Model S. Sweet car ... but dang - $$$$$$$$$$

[JoeFromSidney]

Where does the Constitution authorize the President to even have goals?

[nascarnation]

Didn’t the Volt owner understand that he has a gas engine and fuel tank to operate on when the battery is discharged?

[BallparkBoys]

I just acquired a Nissan Leaf (probably the only conservative in the country driving one). I got it on a TWO year lease (never thought I’d lease a car), but I got it for $30/month more a month than the gas that I was paying. Plus my employer will pay for the charging at my building, so the cost to charge is going to be VERY minimal for me (weekends, etc). I just went from $.17/mile for gas to $.025/mile electric assuming that I do ALL the charging on my own and not through my employer. Felt like it was almost a draw when you take into account maintenance on my current car that was needed. I did it for the economics, not to save the planet.... :)

[nascarnation]

Hey if the economics work, go for it.

I’m you understand that the company (Nissan) is subsidizing this lease to “move the metal” as they say in the industry.

The free juice at work makes it a great deal.

[BallparkBoys]

The free juice at work makes it a great deal.

Absolutely...I think I'll probably lose 500-800 over a two year period if my current car had no unplanned maintenance, so I see it as I get a new car for about break even.... . It has some surprising "off the line" power....Nice computer/radio and neat technological toys......We shall see...

[nascarnation]

Electric motors make their max torque at zero speed, so you’re in good shape for the stoplight drags.

I’m not in favor of everybody driving a govt mandated electric car but I’m glad to see a FReeper posting some actual experience and cost numbers rather than random comments.

[EVO X]

Most folks need one long distance vehicle, and one short distance vehicle. Use the long distance one to travel. Use the appropriate ones for short and long commutes.

You sound like a central planner. I couldn't even begin to tell you what my coworkers, family and friends auto commute requirements are.

[DoughtyOne]

No, just a thinker. I don’t want big government involved in this.

I want folks to make their own choices. Obviously if they’ve got long commutes, these cars wouldn’t work for them. I understand that, and I support their specific choice based on their needs. A lot of inner city folks could use this sort of car. I would like to see one or more of the cars succeed.

I’m not in favor of all cars being green. I do think some green cars in the right circumstances could be a part of the overall solution to U.S. self-sufficiency.

[DoughtyOne]

The Fisker Carma (gag me with a pitchfork) looks great. I hear it has real problems though. And it has gone under from what I understand.

It’s displays blinked. It’s inside was super tight, due to the batter down the center.

I sure like the exterior styling. That isn’t going to move you one foot though.

[nascarnation]

The whole scheme with the Karma was concocted with Biden to use an old vacant GM factory in Delaware.

[DoughtyOne]

I suppose I should be shocked, but that’s about par for the course isn’t it.

Thanks for the mention.

[EVO X]

I’m not in favor of all cars being green. I do think some green cars in the right circumstances could be a part of the overall solution to U.S. self-sufficiency.

Edmund's has a true cost to own web site. The Volt is on par with a Camry hybrid only after subtracting the $7500 tax credit. A Golf diesel has a similar TCTO as the Camry.

[DoughtyOne]

In California I could get $7,500 federally and $2,500 from the state. Of course that’s deductions...

If I thought the Volt would be improved drastically each year over the next five years, I might buy into the idea that supporting it would serve to help develop a new niche vehicle class.

I don’t expect the Volt to be improved much if it lasts a few more years. It’s a waste of money to subsidize it.

There are those who make the case that it would never be a good thing for the government to subsidize a vehicle. I think they’re on sound ground with the argument.

[B.O. Plenty]

Sorry, you are so right...What I meant were cars like the “Leaf”..all electrics. I get confused about the “green” agenda cars, but I did read this conversation, and it sounded reasonable to me.

[EVO X]

There are those who make the case that it would never be a good thing for the government to subsidize a vehicle. I think they’re on sound ground with the argument.

The Volt received Motor Trend's car of the year award and all the various tax credits. It still hasn't come close to matching the sales numbers of the Pontiac Aztec which was a total disaster for GM. At some point somebody has to say this car isn't ready for prime time. The only hope for it is if gas goes north of $6 a gallon..

[DoughtyOne]

I don’t disagree with that. I wish the science behind cars like that was farther along, but I think you’re right here.

[BallparkBoys]

Thanks....I dont believe in “mandated” cars either, but as you know, this was my choice, not theirs!
.
IF what they say is true and a full 0-100% charge is in the $1.00/charge range, my costs per mile go down from 17 cents/mile to 2.5 cents/mile (minus the lease payment)....Plus, as i say, I hope to charge at work quite a bit to start with.