I am sort of a volunteer evangelist for the Volt elsewhere online. All of us here are pretty much sold so I take what I learn here and spread the good news. However, people have legitimate concerns and I think honesty is the best way to build trust. One person I spoke with was concerned about the battery dying in the middle of nowhere with no ability to recharge and I put them at ease explaining the range extender. However I said there are some concerns especially initially that will only get fixed once the product is on the road and consumer requests, competition and ingenuity drives improvements. In the interest of truth I listed the following problems in the early stages:
1. First models do not have the same mass production benefits as other cars so the cost per car is about $40k. In the US the government will give you a $7,500 tax credit to help offset the cost. Plus you'll save on gas.
2. Many people like SUVs and vans. Current electric car technology isn't efficient for heavy vehicles so this technology is only available in smaller cars. I am certain in time ingenuity and competition will get it practical in larger models but not at first. The Volt seats 5 people, I guess 4 comfortably.
3. The battery will need to be replaced at around 100,000 miles at an estimated cost of $10K. However, like the cell phone and the PC I feel these costs will eventually come down and technology improved.
Is there anything I'm missing?
1. First models do not have the same mass production benefits as other cars so the cost per car is about $40k. In the US the government will give you a $7,500 tax credit to help offset the cost. Plus you'll save on gas.
2. Many people like SUVs and vans. Current electric car technology isn't efficient for heavy vehicles so this technology is only available in smaller cars. I am certain in time ingenuity and competition will get it practical in larger models but not at first. The Volt seats 5 people, I guess 4 comfortably.
3. The battery will need to be replaced at around 100,000 miles at an estimated cost of $10K. However, like the cell phone and the PC I feel these costs will eventually come down and technology improved.
Is there anything I'm missing?