But despite all those new offerings, fewer than 7% of Americans say they would even consider buying a plug-in car according to a recent survey conducted by the automotive Web site Kelley Blue Book. Of those that may go electric, many people are unlikely to double-up on risk by buying from an unknown company.
The big automakers shouldn't be badly hurt. First, they aren't totally reliant on plug-in cars. Far from it. Gasoline cars still make the vast majority of their sales and their profits. Second, big carmakers like GM, Nissan and Toyota will probably capture most of the plug-in sales. Electric car sales will mimic today's hybrid car market, where one model makes up half of all sales with the rest of the field left fighting over the scraps.
While the Chevrolet Volt may sell in respectable numbers, Companies like Georgia-based Wheego, which only makes one model right now may struggle. The two-seat Life will cost about as much as the larger, better known, Nissan Leaf. Aside from customer service, specialization is one key factor that may help some start-ups to make it. Fisker Automotive, for example, has a good shot at making it because it's not challenging mainstream automakers. Its first product, the Fisker Karma, is a luxury sedan priced as an alternative to a Mercedes-Benz S-class or Jaguar XJ. Henrik Fisker, Fisker CEO and a former designer for BMW and Aston Martin, says he's confident in his company because he's able to make his product profitably even at low volumes and because the company's focus on green luxury makes it unique in the luxury car industry.
Besides being electric, Fisker cars will be appointed with leather from free-range cattle and repurposed wood.
this is good that automakers are bringing back EVs. they shouldnt have gotten rid of them in the first place. if they still had them, imagine how cheap and super efficient they would be. and if they mass-produce them or offer customers a trade in or trial offer, theyll sell more cars. but its good that theyre making EVs again.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jailbait, whoever that is. Bringing back EV's can be very beneficial to the environment. Why they got rid of them in the first place baffles me. I think it's also a good thing that they are starting to make them look more stylish for this may help with sales. What will the average cost of these cars be?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Levi that bringing back the electric car would be very good for this country. It could greatly help the environment and it could even help the common man out with money. I also like the fact that they are making the cars look more stylish and more appealing. i know that people said that they wouldnt buy the car, but if the car looked almost like a normal car, if not better, they will most likely buy it.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Leah. Dealerships need to start selling these vehicles because of the huge impact it could have. Even if it isn't as successful as we hope it could give us better ideas and hopes for a better solution.
ReplyDeletei definatly agree, bring back the electric car is just what this world needs, since most of the pollutants are put out by transportation, it would greatly reduce toxins in the atmosphere. also it should bring up the economy, so its a win win
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