Not Logged In Log In   Sign Up   Points Leaders
Follow Us    6:10 PM

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Daily News Article Discussions > Topics Add to favorite topics  
Author Topic: Market tepid for electric vehicles Post a Reply Back to Topics
aservant

Champion Author
California

Posts:14,210
Points:1,385,990
Joined:Nov 2008
Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 11:17:11 PM

Eighteen months ago, Philadelphia entrepreneur Norman P. Zarwin opened an electric-vehicle charging kiosk at a gas station he owns on Columbus Boulevard. If he built it, he figured, electric vehicles would come.

They haven’t.

"There’s not a lot of use on it because there’s not a lot of vehicles," Zarwin said.

Despite the enthusiasm for electric vehicles, the marketplace has not exactly caught on fire. PhillyCarShare received a $140,000 state grant in late 2010 to build 20 vehicle charging stations, but it only deployed its Chevy Volts in recent months. It will have 20 of the hybrid electric sedans in the field by the end of June.

"It’s kind of an early educational period where customers are learning to drive the things," said Ned Maniscalco, a spokesman for Enterprise Holding
Visit Philly.com for full article
REPLIES (newest first)
Profile Pic
gasokie
Champion Author Oklahoma

Posts:3,448
Points:1,326,225
Joined:May 2007
Message Posted: Jun 3, 2012 11:26:14 AM

Well we talk a good fight but last week when I went over and bought a new car, I didn't even look at an electric. I might have if they were cheaper than a conventional car and/or if the liberals would only make my neighbors pony up more of their taxes (not mine) to pay for it out of their pocket (not mine) then I would have at least looked. In my humble opinion, over the life of a car, these electrics will do OK the first 7 or 8 years -- then become a dollars/cents maintaince nightmare. Just sayin'.
Profile Pic
remay
Champion Author Houston

Posts:6,968
Points:2,118,365
Joined:May 2006
Message Posted: Jun 3, 2012 11:09:34 AM

As I have stated all along, EVs are NEVER going to make it without infrastructure IN PLACE!
Profile Pic
DrCashFlow
Champion Author Massachusetts

Posts:7,074
Points:1,628,200
Joined:Jun 2008
Message Posted: Jun 3, 2012 5:22:49 AM

early adopters don't want to pay the high prices. payback and roi not nearly high enough
Profile Pic
Alfied
Champion Author Riverside

Posts:7,945
Points:1,757,235
Joined:Jun 2001
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:05:12 PM

No EV for me.
Profile Pic
NanaNJNJ
Veteran Author New Jersey

Posts:280
Points:56,025
Joined:May 2012
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 1:03:00 PM

They're just so expensive! Hopefully in time the price will go down.
Profile Pic
CVA19
Champion Author Salem

Posts:2,393
Points:610,325
Joined:Aug 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 11:07:08 AM

These articles, bemoaning the fact that actual EV purchases aren't matching expectations, are getting tiresome.

Very, VERY few people want these things (they aren't practical for most applications) and even fewer people can afford them (in spite of tax rebates and credits).
Profile Pic
sciotosix
Champion Author Dayton

Posts:2,754
Points:667,100
Joined:Apr 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 9:50:01 AM

No surprise here.
Profile Pic
Night Owl
Champion Author Toronto

Posts:7,555
Points:1,787,575
Joined:Jul 2004
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 9:46:51 AM

EVs are too expensive and battery technology is too primitive.
Profile Pic
dgerst
Champion Author South Carolina

Posts:2,715
Points:557,000
Joined:Aug 2008
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 9:30:12 AM

They are too high priced and can't go very far without a recharge.
Profile Pic
blupupher
Champion Author Houston

Posts:3,555
Points:749,020
Joined:Feb 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 8:55:25 AM

just not gonna work I'm afraid
Profile Pic
batloverNM
Champion Author Albuquerque

Posts:3,938
Points:1,393,365
Joined:Oct 2007
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 8:28:28 AM

It is better for the US economy to use USA made electricity rather than importing so much oil. Go electric!
Profile Pic
mike1881
Champion Author Fayetteville

Posts:1,300
Points:565,400
Joined:Feb 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 8:13:43 AM

Once the price of electric vehicles comes down, then these stations will be a good investment.
Profile Pic
pscamp
Champion Author Ottawa

Posts:3,285
Points:475,960
Joined:May 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 7:41:45 AM

tepid, I get it!
Profile Pic
Pramodsharma
Champion Author Richmond

Posts:1,974
Points:388,140
Joined:Feb 2012
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 7:14:44 AM

Don't get discouraged, Give it time
Profile Pic
ClarkSC
Champion Author South Carolina

Posts:3,083
Points:1,012,380
Joined:May 2010
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 6:33:31 AM

Too expensive.
Profile Pic
36_ACRES_4_SALE
All-Star Author Appleton

Posts:999
Points:338,815
Joined:Oct 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 5:11:56 AM

:)
Profile Pic
Pozole
Champion Author Portland

Posts:9,603
Points:1,595,495
Joined:Mar 2005
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 4:59:28 AM

...they need to have more range, charge faster or have standardized interchangeable batteries, and cost lots less...
Profile Pic
trinda1
Champion Author Fort Worth

Posts:2,011
Points:544,795
Joined:Dec 2010
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 3:37:42 AM

People are always copy cats, so just wait they'll come running needing a charge.
Profile Pic
humblepie
Champion Author Toledo

Posts:34,265
Points:2,372,345
Joined:Mar 2006
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 2:57:24 AM

they couldnt give me one
Profile Pic
OHMS
Champion Author Orange County

Posts:13,722
Points:1,692,855
Joined:May 2005
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 2:32:02 AM

The good ones will be HOT-electric chairs.
Profile Pic
RNCII
Champion Author Michigan

Posts:2,482
Points:643,855
Joined:Jun 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 2:05:40 AM

Somehow it just comes as no surprise to me that nobody needs the charging station.
I saw a Chevy Volt for the first time on the road today.

Profile Pic
BlueberryFocus
All-Star Author Rochester

Posts:553
Points:128,760
Joined:Feb 2012
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 1:04:58 AM

EVs will improve through trial and error. A time will come when their sales will take off
Profile Pic
swkcpi
Champion Author Madison

Posts:1,200
Points:103,745
Joined:Nov 2010
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:28:52 AM

If Nissan is "all in" for the Leaf they're going to go down. Who's going to buy a car that has such a limited range? Electric vehicles are not ready for the average consumer and that's the reason no one is buying them. Anyone who was excited about them has already bought one.
Profile Pic
1momsunshine
Champion Author Ottawa

Posts:5,495
Points:1,001,555
Joined:Mar 2010
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:28:13 AM

ok
Profile Pic
EZExit
Champion Author Phoenix

Posts:10,455
Points:1,709,605
Joined:Aug 2008
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:22:48 AM

If electric vehicles were built for consumers, they probably would sell more. However, since they build them as shelter to funnel taxpayer money to corporate buddies, the flip side will definitely be lower vehicle sales. The Chevy Volts that they refer to in the article were hastily designed, perform poorly, and the average Joe that has to live within a budget, unlike Washington, has to make wise purchasing decisions. It's not rocket science.
Profile Pic
hotrod_brother
Champion Author Tampa

Posts:12,606
Points:2,232,195
Joined:Oct 2006
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:15:59 AM

pgerassi wrote:

"Your gas car costs >10CPM. A DIY EV costs between 0.5 to 2CPM. At 15K miles/yr, thats $1,200 and up in annual "fuel" savings. Then you save even more due to the low maintenance of EVs compared to a gas car. No tune ups, radiator flushes, oil changes, air filter swaps, fuel filter changes, muffler repairs, belt changes, starter repairs, alternator repairs, nor catalytic system repairs. Less frequent hose changes."

How about initial inflated costs? How about battery replacement? How about depreciation? Maybe just a few factors to also consider !!!
Profile Pic
Tundralimited2009
Champion Author Dallas

Posts:38,812
Points:1,447,425
Joined:Feb 2009
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:14:42 AM

Interesting
Profile Pic
10k
Champion Author North Carolina

Posts:21,262
Points:2,254,995
Joined:May 2006
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:13:29 AM

$140k in a grant..wonder if i can get $140k for my solar panels..
Profile Pic
jkpsr
Champion Author New Jersey

Posts:4,084
Points:1,102,880
Joined:Jun 2005
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:13:22 AM

EV's are not ready for Prime Time.
Profile Pic
72_Monte
Champion Author Twin Cities

Posts:7,775
Points:1,997,435
Joined:Aug 2005
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:12:59 AM


That's because true innovation is still elusive, & we haven't shaken our oil addiction.
Profile Pic
salgood
Champion Author Twin Cities

Posts:4,204
Points:953,055
Joined:Jun 2008
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:12:46 AM

Ya think - who did we really think was buying these cars.
Profile Pic
grouch311
Champion Author Peoria

Posts:6,378
Points:1,573,905
Joined:Jun 2007
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:11:32 AM

the government is trying to shove these EV's down our throats and into our wallets, no thanks
Profile Pic
hotrod_brother
Champion Author Tampa

Posts:12,606
Points:2,232,195
Joined:Oct 2006
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:11:25 AM

They mean to say "Market tepid for everything, including food, shelter and the basic essentials. This country is in deep, deep BS !!!
Profile Pic
OilOnTheCheap
Champion Author Ventura

Posts:2,102
Points:451,135
Joined:Jan 2012
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:11:24 AM

I don’t know anybody that owns an EV outside of a golf cart.
Profile Pic
no8c
Champion Author Ohio

Posts:2,809
Points:705,825
Joined:Jul 2008
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:09:53 AM

Thanks for posting!
Profile Pic
Mowerman08
Champion Author Milwaukee

Posts:4,760
Points:1,217,995
Joined:Aug 2008
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:09:20 AM

One of Obama's nightmare for this Country!
Profile Pic
Cachase1
Champion Author Oklahoma City

Posts:11,455
Points:2,381,080
Joined:Aug 2003
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:09:12 AM

I have only seen one charging station here.
Profile Pic
GassyKat
Champion Author Wisconsin

Posts:10,079
Points:2,069,170
Joined:Sep 2005
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:08:42 AM

shocking
Profile Pic
JSX515
Champion Author St. Louis

Posts:3,714
Points:802,345
Joined:Feb 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:07:54 AM

Waste of time energy and money
Profile Pic
jtfftj
Champion Author New Hampshire

Posts:2,180
Points:1,249,135
Joined:Sep 2005
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:07:10 AM

"Tepid"? Are you nuts? Downright frigid. And please do not insult my intelligence by trying to tell me it's because there is not enough production. "Educational period"? Are you nuts? the American public has already learned all it wants or needs to know about electric cars.
Profile Pic
windows7isfast
Champion Author Winnipeg

Posts:2,414
Points:492,225
Joined:Nov 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:06:28 AM

cool
Profile Pic
Bezalel
Champion Author Oklahoma City

Posts:12,103
Points:2,291,745
Joined:Oct 2006
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:06:20 AM

How many 'greenies' like Al Gore drive them instead of gas vehicles?
Profile Pic
Quick68
Champion Author Columbus

Posts:8,228
Points:1,226,775
Joined:Dec 2009
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:06:11 AM

Electric vehicles & Obama have somrthing in common,they both suck.
Profile Pic
Gas Thirsty
Champion Author Los Angeles

Posts:4,877
Points:3,229,445
Joined:Mar 2003
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:04:51 AM

Lower the price tag and increase the range, then EVs will take off.
Profile Pic
otherdave
Champion Author Indiana

Posts:3,398
Points:1,270,135
Joined:Oct 2008
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:04:19 AM

NO EV FOR ME!
Profile Pic
TheeRedRam
Champion Author Hartford

Posts:3,168
Points:673,610
Joined:Jun 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:03:53 AM

.
Profile Pic
lll4386
Champion Author Seattle

Posts:3,900
Points:599,675
Joined:Apr 2007
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:03:21 AM

OK
Profile Pic
dave1745
Champion Author Gary

Posts:1,262
Points:739,000
Joined:Dec 2010
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:02:01 AM

not suprising
Profile Pic
BWALL2700
Champion Author Illinois

Posts:2,174
Points:195,735
Joined:Apr 2011
Message Posted: Jun 2, 2012 12:00:42 AM

ok
Profile Pic
Matt G
Champion Author Boston

Posts:4,538
Points:2,774,015
Joined:Jun 2004
Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 11:55:56 PM

Ok
Post a reply Back to Topics