Smart brand cars aren’t electric in the US - yet. They have a little three banger gas engine.
Norm, you and me both. I’m a tech nut, so these cars fascinate me. I just don’t think they’re there yet. I don’t honestly think they’re going to be anytime soon either.
If the Volt could be brought to market for about ten thousand less, and without government help, I’d snap one up.
I have been saying that we need a vehicle that could meet those parameters, for more than a decade. And here it is.
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.
I would like to have a solar array, and a couple of pallet jack batteries. Toss a converter on there, and you’re fuel is free, off the grid and gas station free.
It is a complete blunder to put all-electric cars on market. They are of limited practical use in terms of modern and near-future technology. They aren’t useful in American environment with longer daily commute, in cold or hot climate eating battery for heating and cooling. Not only electric ars are crap, hybrids are crap as well. Practical mpg for Pruis is awful comparing to larger conventional European diesel cars.
...well, it isn’t free. You pay for the system up front. I was off base there. Still...
The electric version of the Smart car is not yet available. Coming soon. Just checked the website to verify.
Until then, it won't happen no matter how much tax-payer money is thrown at it via subsidies...
“Obama Capital” picks all losers wasting taxpayers money, Bain Capital had 85% winners to the delight of private investors.
Perhaps Uncle Sugar will offload some Volts as ObamaCars. Then, we can have video of a crazed woman screaming about her ObamaCar.
“The reality is - that business model isn’t there yet,”
Its not a business model...its the cars that aren’t there yet.
In short, they don’t work.
No amount of modeling makes that different.
If its such a hot idea, let business invest in it anc keep taxpayer dollars where they belong....in China’s pocket. [ie, don’t borrow more money]
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 - $$$$$$$$$$