Electric Vehicles: The Consumer Value Proposition

A long-time 2GreenEnergy supporter from Mexico City writes:

The change-over from oil fuel to electric vehicles has been slow because EVs and HEVs are expensive, and at present market price, only the rich find how to justify such an investment.

When the price drops and comfort zone shines and money is saved…..then the market for electric vehicles will take off, because the people can make money by saving on gas, and the vehicle is cheap to buy, and run free of service and qualify for long life.

Then and only then will the wind bend the tree.

Another aspect deals with the comfort zones created by burning cheap gasoline or diesel, and as of today, the game of EV or HEV’s is tinny and for weirdos and dreamers….like you and me.

That’s poetic!  You’re certainly right that the consumer has a vote here, and the value proposition isn’t too strong with gas prices where they are.  Having said that, it’s not horrible.  The Nissan LEAF and the BMW i3 are impressive cars for the money, and, while you can’t take them cross-country easily, I’m not sure how big a deal that is for most people.  I just turned 60, and I’ve never done that once.  The basic EV offer is improving with each passing month: more product options, better range, etc.

The real prize will be achieved when coal is no longer the go-to fuel for meeting the demands of incremental loads on the U.S. grid.  When there legitimately is a huge environmental payback, a great number of people will jump on board.  I’m convinced of this, for what that may be worth. When decent people realize they are making a decision that is either going to promote the vision above or the scenario to the right here, you’ll have very few people opting for dead fish.