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The ultimate problem with these kinds of cars is that they're generally intended for city driving. This is fine, except most city dwellers don't have a place to
by bane 7y ago
The ultimate problem with these kinds of cars is that they're generally intended for city driving. This is fine, except most city dwellers don't have a place to park electrics that also happen to have an outlet.
This leads most ownership to be on the outskirts/suburbs of cities where people will more likely have a domicile with some kind of garage or spec right where they live so they can drive to/from the city or to a mass transit station that serves the city and happens to have parking, yet too far out and it's more likely that those people will need a more robust vehicle for their driving needs.
There's definitely a market for these kinds of vehicles, but it exists in a fairly thin band right at the edges of urban areas.
- telesilla 7y agoFor such a small car, perhaps it fits into a motorbike spot in a parking garage, there are plenty of these to rent in European cities, a moment's walk from the apartment.
- Zach_the_Lizard 7y agoHere in NYC, a parking spot in a garage can cost more than a car payment AND it won't have an outlet in most cases. There is a small electric car charging pilot starting soon, but the rates are so ridiculously high (2x retail electric prices) that gas cars would be much more economical. Source: I live in NYC and thought about getting an electric car to save money when visiting family + make a few road trips cheaper
- michaelbuckbee 7y agoAgreed -> which is why I think that they were seeking to do the hybrid leasing/car-on-demand style of sale as well with these.
- bane 7y agoYeah, the car-on-demand price was incredibly appealing.
- ohiovr 7y agoIf we can get the speed to 35 mph I could see myself buying one and parking it behind the car I have now. I could see myself parting with 7500 to get it. Or is something like that already in the us (new I mean)?
- Gibbon1 7y agoThey could be useful for rentals like zip car. I have a few hold out friends in San Francisco without cars. The thing that all say sucks for them is shopping. Being able to rent a small car to go shopping would be a big boon for them. The other thing I think is a big issue with cars in urban cities is parking. There are simply not enough. Smaller cars would help a bit.