Chevy Spark EV

[Joeggernaut]

All these new electrics cars are a joke. Battery technology is not ready for it in terms of mass consumers. The tax breaks come from people paying taxes so you can drive 100 miles. Add in the fact the batteries are made from precious metals makes it less attractive. If someone wants a electric currently they are buying it for the fact it is a more earth friendly car/status symbol and not economical reasons. The gov't should realize this and not offer incentives.

Currently technology favors diesels in terms of cost effectiveness. Gov't should be offering incentives on new cars with clean diesels.

On the topic of Spark Cd, that is bad given current compact/small/mid-size car standards. Most are .32 or below.

[Daox]

Originally Posted by Joeggernaut

All these new electrics cars are a joke. Battery technology is not ready for it in terms of mass consumers. The tax breaks come from people paying taxes so you can drive 100 miles. Add in the fact the batteries are made from precious metals makes it less attractive. If someone wants a electric currently they are buying it for the fact it is a more earth friendly car/status symbol and not economical reasons. The gov't should realize this and not offer incentives.

All I hear is a echo of what people said about hybrids ~12 years ago...

[NeilBlanchard]

Until you have driven one, you might want to hold any proclamations. As I may have mentioned around this forum before, my brother drives an i MiEV and his wife drives a Leaf. They both totally love their electric cars - they are quieter and smoother than any car you can think of. They both see estimated ranges of 100+ miles in the summer, and they have never been stranded, or even been forced into "turtle" mode.

My brother still owns a Tacoma for hauling stuff, and can borrow my Mom's Prius for long trips.

They are getting 26 solar PV panels installed (for ~$1400 down payment) and their electric bill will be $58/month for the next 20 years. Currently, they pay between $80 and $170 a month, which includes A/C and both their electric cars.