What Do People Really Want In An Electric Car?
Choices in electric cars are right around the corner, and some are actually available as I write this. Major automakers might have the upperhand in future sales thanks to a history of trust and fans, but will they be releasing the electric vehicles that consumers really want? And what is it that consumers want from an electric car anyway?
Current offerings are commonly vehicles you can’t take on the highway, aren’t much for commuting, or lack power. Chevrolet’s plans for the Volt are to offer an electric car that still provides power (driving pleasure) with a total range of about 40 miles without the use of any gasoline.
But can we do without that power? Would you be interested in such a vehicle?
Even though advances have been made in fuel efficiency in the past twenty years, the average car in 1987 actually got better gas mileage than the average car in 2007. Why? Because while we are getting a little more out of the gas we put into our automobiles, that energy isn’t going to miles-per-gallon, it’s going to carrying a heavier vehicle (SUV’s) or more horsepower for more punch.
The Volt sounds nice, and I’m not dissing it, but is that extra power what people want? It’s an actual question, I’d love people to comment.
I know many car enthusiasts will reply “Yeah I want the power! Of course!”. But I also imagine others are thinking they’d rather extend that 40 mile range to 200 miles and do without some of that modern-day power. Imagine plugging in your car on Monday night, and not having to plug it in again until Friday. With a 40 mile range you’d have to plug it in nightly. How much are you paying for electricity as it is?
Fuel efficiency is a common concern in gasoline automobiles, but efficiency can get more out of an electric car as well. A stripped down electric with a long range, and solar panels, seems like a logical next step.
So let’s get the community together to perform a little not-so-scientific study. Answer the following questions:
Would you give up power for range?
What’s the minimum range you’d find acceptable for an electric car?
What’s the lowest maximum MPH you would accept?
Do you care about the time it takes to go 0 to 60?
Would you pay extra for some solar panels?
Would you give up power for range? - No
What’s the minimum range you’d find acceptable for an electric car? -That depends. Does it have an on-board generator? What type of car is it? Sports car, commuter, etc.?
What’s the lowest maximum MPH you would accept? - 80mph for commuter car, 120 for sports car.
Do you care about the time it takes to go 0 to 60? - Yes, live in DC area and try to merge off an exit. lol
Would you pay extra for some solar panels? - Definately.
I’m more of the “get the most out of the energy” type.
Would you give up power for range? Absolutely
What’s the minimum range you’d find acceptable for an electric car? 60 miles
What’s the lowest maximum MPH you would accept? 70mph
Do you care about the time it takes to go 0 to 60? as long as it isn’t 2 years
Would you pay extra for some solar panels? No doubt.