Comments From Electric Vehicle Demand Survey
(updated 3-13-01, newest at top)
My company (an electric utility) has had 25 Ranger EVs on order for almost 2 years. Will we ever see them????
I stopped at a Toyota dealership to ask about the RAV4EV and was told they will never be sold to individuals. I asked them to impress upon their mangement and upline that there is a demand for such vehicles. I was told by the staff that I didn't want an electric vehicle anyway. Sigh! It turns out that I knew more about the vehicle than any of the salesmen. I do want an electric vehicle! Please help us consumers to make our voices heard. Show the manufacturers there is a demand.
I would only need one vehicle; although I have never seriously tried to get an EV before. I once asked a rep. at a dealership about them and was told, within minutes, that I didn't qualify to buy one.
I live in Detroit. I would love to see an electric car option available in this area. If there was the range and speed capable of managing the highway (55-65 would be fine) then I would be all for it in an instant.
I have a number of friends who are in the same position. They would like to see something, but there's nothing available and/or there's questions about driving range and speeds.
Personally, I don't think that they need to drive 80mph, but neither do the State Police! If you can get 50 Miles on a Highway (60-65mph) then you would have something for this area!!!
I have been looking into purchasing an electric car, but have not been able to locate one. Even the GM or Honda options are not available. I even considered converting my own car.
As it stands, I will not purchase any new vehicle that is gasoline or diesel powered. My next car purchase will be hybrid at worst, fully electric at best. I will wait until these vehicles are produced -- for as long as it takes.
For now, I use my 1971 stationwagon that gets above the CURRENT industry mpg. I must add that my family makes a combined income of ~$125,000 annually. I expect this to increase 5-10% annually for the next 3-5 years since I am early in my career stages now. I also hold an MBA. I use public transit to go to and from work to avoid using gasoline powered vehicles as much as possible.
Have ev-1, want four seater!
We have leased an EV1 for 2 years, then it was recalled. That was last March. We are still waiting for the "release program". We never had any problems with the vehicle -- my husband drove it to work (37 miles round trip each day), and we overnight charged it, with increased our electric bill about $12 per month. We are on the waiting list for a new EV, also. These are great commuter Zero Emmission Vehicles, and there is a market for EVs.
I have been to two dealers, galpin and Airport Saturn. Both say that there is about a six month wating list for an EV1. There is no pressure to buy the car or make a deposit in order to secure one of the new cars. I am worried that when the six months are up the dealers will not remember me or that I wanted a car. Very strange.
My limited experience indicates that it is pretty much impossible to get an EV in Colorado or any other state, as the focus so far has been California & Arizona. I would love to turn Boulder, CO into an electric car city, but so far have run into roadblocks just trying to get a car for myself (any variety). I've studied up on the Ford TH!NK vehicles and am looking forward to their introduction into the U.S. I just hope I can get one! The time is ripe for change, especially in the world of transportation, oil & gasoline.
I called 2 different EV1 dealers in the bay area, and left voice mail asking for a call back. None of my first 4 calls were returned. I finally reached a salesperson, and after 3 months of trying to get in touch, I got a test drive of the EV1. They wouldn't do the test drive on the weekend when it was convenient for me; they explained that they were too busy selling gas cars on the weekends. I had to take time off of work to do the test drive during the week. I got my name on the wait lists for either an NiMH or Lead Acid EV1. It has been 2 months that I have been on the waitlist and I just checked back asking about possible delivery dates. They have absolutely no idea of when or if either kind of EV1 will be available.
I can't believe that in a country where fuel prices are about 30% more than the next country and twice as much as the US, that there is absolutely *no sign* of any electic car - we even go to the extent of scathing reports in the media, including frequent complaints on 'Top Gear' that has only ever shown a EV Peugeot 106 with lead acid batteries and a 50 mile range, and consider all electric vehicles to be the same! We are constantly told there is 'no demand', but so many of us would buy vehicles just to get away from the fuel escalator - why can't we get together and import vehicles from the US?
I'd take an 80 mile PbA sedan if it offered some ACP "Fahrvegnugen?"...The 20kw option would only be of interest to me if it didn't cost much more than 6kw since it would be used infrequently.
I manage with <3 kw now in my Solectria...charging is not my big issue...it's speed & acceleration!
I've been on the waiting list to get an EV1 for almost a year now... they promised me delivery "by mid June of 1999" and only when they could not get me a car did someone inside the company finally admit to me that GM isn't making them. I'm still on the list, hoping for a car!
Great range, wonderfully engineered, dependable (except for some electronics problems with take longer to resolve since the mechanics are not electrical engineers). Been driving EV+ for almost 2-1/2 years, handling virtually all (100%) of personal and family driving needs in the SF Bay area. Range of 75-80 freeway miles per charge works great for reaching San Jose, San Rafael and even Walnut Creek from Alameda and back without having to recharge. Have logged over 50k all-electric miles without any problems from the batteries nor mechanics.
Honda engineers designed and build a first class vehicle, able to leave most ICE cars behind from a stop up to 30mph without having to floor the pedal. Quiet, roomy (4 adults max) and easily gets to and from the diamond lanes. Unfortunately, Honda management has done it's best to down-play the success of this vehicle. Last November Honda invited all the Northern California EV+ owners to Moscone Center in SF for Honda's 2000 model show (and for survey/feedback time). They had us park our EV+s in a nearby underground garage rather than display them in the special parking out infront of Moscone for everyone to see! All the owners would love to own them, rather than lease. And anyone we talk to about the merits of EVs keep asking how they can sign up. But Honda's not making any more, and is trying hard to kill the program.
Again, great car! Using for daily commutes with family childcare dropoff, for 100-120 miles/day. Recharging without problems at work. Been able to drive a couple 150 mile days by incorporating multiple recharging times (with 220v). Weekly averaging 500-600 miles/week without any problems.
I would pay a premium to buy an EV capable of my 56 mile around trip commute. However here in the UK there isn't a suitable vehicle EV available and I don't have facilities to homebuild one. I'm still looking...
We have had a dozen Ranger EV's on order since January, 2000. Still no indication from Ford as to when delivery can be expected. I have personally generated a great deal of interest in the marketplace, for the Ranger EV. But due to problems with timely delivery of product.....interest is waning. I have a University that has been waiting since January of this year as well. There is NO on-road OEM EV product available in the Mid-West, Central, and South Central areas of the US other than the Ranger EV. But with the dramatic delays in getting a Ranger and the vast UNDER-marketing effort by Ford, for this product, its as if there are no Battery EV's available at all.
I have a Honda Insight, now I want a 4-door, totally electric.
I would just like to see a variety of vehicles available. I am really tired of the spin that the manufacturers have given because we know how inaccurate their comments are. In fact there are two manufacturers I will never buy vehicles from again because of their bald face lies.
We are evaluating the cost and benefits of using electric rangers and CNG pickups were applicable throughout our larger operations in the U.S.
We are "EV" Ready, but still have only one type of vehicle for sale in our state. The Ford Ranger. We have worked with the manufacturers, set up infrastructure, and have some legislative incentives. We now want vehicles.
Tried for 2 years to lease a GM - EV1. No sucess. Tried to lease a Ford EVRanger, couldn't even get on the waiting list. Finally was able to purchase on of the few EVRangers that came off lease and were sold to the private sector. I love it and would buy a second one if any were for sale. I use it for 85/90% of my business driving in Phoenix, AZ.
Our company (Georgia Power/Southern Company) has tried to lease or purchase EVs by the hundreds from every vehicle manufacturer in the United States. Three of the manufacturers, Honda, Nissan and DaimlerChrysler told us flat out, NO. Toyota has supplied about 10% of vehicles ordered annually. GM has rejected any discussion of more EV1s (we have 50 Gen IIs with PbA and hopefully a return of our 25 Gen Is with PbA) although we have asked for 50 to 100 units in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Ford has been the only manufacturer to take every order we have submitted for the Ranger EV. We now have 180 Ranger EV's either in service or on order from the 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 model years. I drive a Gen II EV1 with PbA every day. It is my sole vehicle for both business and personal use. I have driven the vehicle to Birmingham, Alabama and back (400 mile round trip) over two days and to Macon, Georiga and back (250 mile round trip) in one day from Atlanta, Georgia. A NiMH EV1 would be much more useful
I was able to be part of a SMUD EV loaner program for a few weeks last summer. I drove a Honda EV Plus and fell in love with it. I was disappointed to learn that they are no longer making these vehicles. Driving this EV in the Sacramento area I can tell you the interest is there. Everywhere I went I was approached by people with questions and comments about the Honda EV Plus. They were very interested in knowing as much as possible about the car...where they could get one,how much they cost, how far could I go, etc. I think if these were more readily available people would definately be in line to purchase them.
Its practically impossible to get an EV. I ended up buying the Toyota Prius hybrid (after waiting on a list for 4 months), but would like to see more choices and stock of EVs and hybrids at dealerships. We had a gen 1 EV1, but had to wait months to get on the list to assume someone else's lease. And now we're waiting for the recall period to end to get the EV1 back. Its always wait, wait, wait... Its definately worth the wait, but I dont think many people are willing to delay their purchase, or lease, like we had to. It really too bad because everyone I talk to about EVs would love to be able to buy one, but they just aren't available. Honda's EV Plus and Toyota's Rav4 EV are very cool and would do great in this SUV loving society, but where are they? Supply must increase because the demand is definately there!
Too frustrating to go into details over. Basically felt like I was asking to do something that was next to impossible. Saturn wouldnt even open up the vehicle and let me sit within to chek vehicles ergonomics, EV-1 was the first vehicle I wanted to choose.. Saturn dealer pointed out how limited ev was compared to one of their much more affordable gas powered vehicles. When I strongly pointed out I suffer from Asthma, and do not wish to contribute to bad air quality, hence I want a Zero Emission Vehicle, I was greeted with silence and the Dealer walked away.
The process of attempting to lease a Honda EV-Plus was also a disappointment. The experience was much kinder and gentler as far as the person helping us, but I felt we were being taken into Honda's secret Beta test program. The paper work to apply was way too indepth, I felt like I was participating in something way more involved then if I was going to lease a vehicle.
3 months later, we were contacted by Honda that we were chosen to participate in their program. 2 weeks later, Honda pulled the EV-PLUS program from the state of California. Pithy excuse given, "We supplied all the vehicles we were required to provide, case closed." Well, I've got news for Honda, I didn't get the vehicle I wanted, so - No, you didn't supply vehicles to all who wanted one, and gosh darn it, I wanted to buy and own the darn thing. Leases are for suckers! Repeat after me:"Leases are for Suckers!"
The Honda EV-Plus was the perfect vehicle to meet my Wifes and My needs. The 4 seater with Hatchback design was perfect for one person commutes to work, with plenty of room for 2 person weekend errands easily met with the user friendly Hatchback.
In short a great Utilitarian Vehicle. But Honda didn't recognize this, because they didn't care or bother to ask the end-user what they want from an electric/sero emission vehicle.
But that's okay, Honda wishes to operate in a shortsighted manner, some other innovator will step up and meet our demand, such as the innovative people at TH!NK with the CITY, or perhaps Volkswagon teaming up with AC Propulsion, or perhaps NISSAN with a North American version of their HYPER-MINI.
"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." The car company that meets my needs as an end-user is the company that gets my business, in short, I'll be deciding your success with my money.
I have talked to every major vehicle manufactor that has either proposed or developed an electric vehicle. Most of my conversations get slowed down as I try to explain to the person on the phone what I am looking at on their own website. I have talked to Toyota about the E-Com and RAV4EV, Nissan about the Altra EV, GM about the EV1 and most recently to GM about the Chevrolet Triax. The conversations end abruptly when I finally talk to someone who understands what vehicle I am calling about, they state "we are studying the feasibility of the vehicle and hope to be able to offer it in a couple of years". The Toyota RAV4EV and Nissan AltraEV have been on the road for over "a couple of years". This is the same message I got 2 years ago when I called about both of these vehicles.
The Chevrolet Triax is my most recent attempt to gather information about a vehicle that is supposedly in development. GM claims that the Triax will be available in one of three modes, either a gasoline version, a hybrid-electric version or an all electric version. The claim is that by building them using the same platform they can create the economy of scale needed to produce these vehicles at an affordable price. When I called to ask about this vehicle and it's identical twin, the Pontiac Aztek, to find out when they expect to be marketing the electric version now that they already have a production facility and are all producing the platform. When you call in to any of the numbers listed, including the Alternative Fuel hotline, you get someone on the phone who does not know what vehicle you are talking about. When I tell them I am looking at their website they tell me that they do not have access to the internet. When I contacted my local Chevrolet dealership and the sales rep admitted to me that the
If you look at the websites of the manufactors you see them patting themselves on the back for producing these vehicles and how they are currently driving the streets of America, but they do not say that no matter how much you are willing to spend they will not sell you one and it would be almost impossible to lease one either. Offer it up for sale, at whatever they think would be reasonable to charge and let the public decide which product or price is best able to meet the demand that is built up and waiting. How long can they test these vehicles in the perfect weather locations before they try them in Minnesota or some other state who happens to have weather in which the temp drops below 32 degrees. The choice should be mine, I understand the limitations and the benefits to cold weather climates to battery technology and I shold be allowed to make my choice in vehicles and pay my money and live with that choice. The manufactors do not want electric vehicles, whether or not you believe the varies reasons
I am still waiting for an electric vehicle that holds at least two people and can get me back and forth to work, have a range of 50 miles and maybe be able to get on the highway if need be, that sells for less than $25,000. Point me in the right direction and I will buy it gladly.
Hundreds of thousands of famililes here in Austin, TX have at least one vehicle that they operate WELL within the envelope of a modern day electric vehicle. However, there is not a single manufacturer that will sell us one (not even Ford, believe me - I have tried).
I have emailed Ford and received a package for the alternative fuel options. My first choice of vehicle is the Ford EVRanger. I contacted my local dealer. He informed me that the purchase of an EV was not an option. only leasing. I am currently looking into conversion of my 1993 Saturn. I like the size and style of the SL2.
My drive is approximately 21 miles each way, so the 80 mile range would be ideal. I contacted the local EV club of the South, and when I find a suitable vehicle and sufficient funds, I will join. I have also inquired with the Clean Air of Atlanta. I subscribe to an EV mailing list which keeps me informed on matters concerning Batteries and other EV/electrical situations. There are no options to purchase an true electric vehicle. My needs are for a reliable transportation, 45 mile range, speed range to include 80 MPH for highway use, and an e-meter to monitor my use.
I tried to purchase a Toyota Rav4 EV for a state government fleet and was told that none were available.
Saturday (11/25/00) I visited the San Jose Saturn dealer and they said there was a waiting list for any EV1. There were four parked on site.
We're a two EV family (EV1 and EV Plus). We're looking for a nice 4 or 5 person, 4 door EV to replace our EV Plus when its lease expires. Fast charging isn't that critical. We do just fine with a daily range of 80 - 100 miles. What's more important is a single charging standard, and just general vehicle availability. We'd hate to think that we're getting close to the end of our ZEV days.
Yes! I want an EV today...not tomorrow...actually 7 years ago I wanted one.
I was involved in the 1990 GM Sunrayce as a lead design engineer for the electrical systems group. If a bunch of college kids can design, build and race these vehicles, why can't the big three, federal and state gov's figure out how to? Really? Don't you think that at this point at least ALL postal vans, garbage trucks and other non-emergency vehicles be electric, OR at least hybrids...? Or should we open up the alaskan wildlife for no reason.
I have been trying to get a Ranger EV here in Minnesota for Two years (Ford claims they are available Nationwide until you actually go to a dealer and try to get one.
There IS a demand for these vehicles, I am sure it is not as great as for SUV types but nonetheless there is a market that is currently not being satisfied.
My wife wants a Honda EV+ and I want a RangerEV
"Build it and they will come"
A 4-door sedan, with low-cost lead acids, an 80 mile range and a 20 kW plug-in-anywhere conductive charger that I can BUY not lease, would be perfect for me. The EV Plus with it's 80 mile range meets 99.9% of my driving needs, but I would prefer to buy it and not lease it. However, it has to be affordable, $25K is the upper limit on what I want to spend on a car. If someone can meet these requirements, I would buy one TOMORROW! That $25K is the amount after any incentives. So, in reality I could see buying a more expensive car if incentives existed to lower the price to $25K.
I would have leased an EV1 or an EV RAV4 if they would have let me here in Portland Oregon. I tried to buy an electric Ranger and couldn't get a dealer to sell me one. I was going to convert a Mazda pickup, but then Corbin came out with the Sparrow and I bought one of those. It's cool and fun, but I really want a vehicle I can take a passenger with. Even so, Corbin can't keep up with demand for them...
Have previously tried to lease an EV1, but gave up after six+ months of GM and Saturn saying they weren't ready to lease. This was after GM's web site had announced the new Nimh battery. I was able to take one of the original EV1's for a short test drive, but it became obvious after a bit that GM wasn't going to support this vehicle much longer.
Would love to get hold of a 4-door with your technology, or might consider a 2-door.