What would make you buy a plug-in electric car?
USA Today writes today from Detroit, where a three-day conference is going on about the future of plug-in hybrid electric cars. The big question going around is: Who would buy one?
The concensus among industry people and observers is no one, unless they're fun.
Fun?
Wouldn't the answer be people who 1)care about the planet and 2)care about saving gas and 3)have a lot of extra money to spend and 4)don't have a super long commute.
But maybe the thrill is the No. 1 thing for drivers. That would explain sports cars capable of going 50 miles over the speed limit. And maybe even Nascar.
The car guys did acknowledge that the plug-ins would be expensive, at least until the cars are bought in large numbers. And that people wouldn't want them if they couldn't rely on them to make it from home to work.
So, what would make you buy one of these plug-ins?
AFP/Getty photo of a plug-in hybird car from this year's car show in Japan
Comments
Assuming I was in the market for a new car, I'd buy one if 1) The price difference vs. a gas powered car was small enough that the fuel savings paid for the increase in my monthly payment, and 2) Safety, reliability, and range were on par with a standard automobile.
Posted by: Jeff Tunkel | October 22, 2009 2:18 PM
I live in a city rowhouse neighborhood with no off-street parking. A plug-in would do me no good without an infrastructure such that I could plug it in anywhere on the street that I was parked.
Posted by: Hal Laurent | October 22, 2009 2:49 PM
When it becomes *both* affordable and matches my driving habits.
Until then, it's a rich man's vanity. No offense, mother earth, but I have to get to work.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | October 22, 2009 3:06 PM
As long as it isn't a huge difference in price/gas savings my next xar will be some sort of plug in/hybrid. But remember you'll have to pay for the electricity. But as of now plug-ins are too expensive
Posted by: JB | October 22, 2009 4:48 PM
I am not in the market for a new car of any kind, but I agree with Hal - I live in a 4th floor condo, so without major infrastructure change, a plug-in electric would not work for me. I think a lot of people would be in a similar position - no place to recharge it.
Posted by: Les Arthur | October 22, 2009 5:24 PM
This would be perfect for June Cleaver.
Plenty of space in the driveway and garage to store it, the kids walk to and from school, it never rains or snows and all you ever hve to carry is one sack of groceries or a new dress.
Who has a lifestyle close to June these days?
Posted by: MrRational | October 22, 2009 8:04 PM