Cap'n, just as the EV-1 was created to satisfy the California mandate, this one will as well. With a 20-kWh battery, the range will probably be under 100 mi. This is just a commuter car. I say this about the range by comparison with the Tesla Roadster, which has a 53-kWh battery. That car has a reasonable range, but you still have to worry about finding charging stations.
It is important for the car companies to build and sell these types of vehicles, if only to collect data on the type. On the other hand, you won't make money on them. Once battery technology improves dramatically, or fuel cells become practical, this will change. That may be a ways off.
Thanks for the slide show! The interior looks great. Nicely done. The body, like most EV's and hybrids, is stale and unattractive. With the exception of the first car from Tesla, there's nothing inspiring on the road.
EVs have to do better than 100 miles per charge going forward. As a Californian, that may not be enough for a very busy day. Especially down south in the Los Angeles area. This is a BIG state.
Naperlou, many auto execs agree with you. Several of the vehicles coming out now are regarded as "compliance cars" -- cars that are being built to satisfy the California ZEV mandate. That would include the Fiat 500e (story to appear soon).
Not being from the West Coast, how does that mandate work? Do the manufacturers only have to have a certain percent of their fleet available as ZEV, or do they actually have to find buyers for a percent?
It is surprising that they are introducing this without mentioning range. While you can get away with waiting on some features, one would think that range is still one of the first questions that would be asked by anybody even remotely considering one of these.
Most of the states that have or are in the process of adopting emission standard regulations are on the east coast. California has the strictest standards. Other states are looking at following CARB.
The website-How Stuff Works has a pretty comprehensive explanation.
Nice to see A123 getting some use. It's ability many other Lithiums don't have of very fast charging is a good advantage.
The Cal mandate also applies to IIRC 13 other states that have adopted it.
Because of it's lighter weight, thus rolling drag, 20kwhrs might get it more than 100m mile range.
As far as range 60 miles handles 90% of US car trips easily. Yet all these need for this size EV is a 10kw generator for unlimited range. They all should have a space designed to use such as a well done one need only weight 50-70lbs or so.
I just built one at 4.5kw in 40lbs using a stock engine. Could even fit on a trailer hitch and owned or rented for longer trips would make it a one car small family, stident or retiree vehicle that costs little to run.
Along with range, they didn't mention how that the car is heated or cooled. Isn't that a factor? I keep wondering about the draw from the heater/AC in an EV. But it is never mentioned.
I guess we could live with AC....I did while growing up and never minded. But here in the northern and mountain states a heater is a necessity half the year. For that matter, in parts of Calif. as well.
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