When can I buy an electric SUV?

Question

I need a SUV because I am 6'7" tall with knee problems.

Answer 1

dont give in!   buy the biggest gas engine you can find and let it idle in the parking lot all day while your inside at work

Answer 2

Why would you want one? Get a Turbo Diesel and pollute less. Yes, I said pollute less.

A good Turbo Diesel will convert fuel to power at about 33% efficiency (Energy contained in fuel to Horsepower used).

The power plant that produces the electrical power is probably not over 30% eefficient at converting the energy in the fuel to electric power. Then you loose efficiency in the transmission and Transformers used to get the power to your house. Then there is more loss in the battery charger which changes to AC power to DC. THEN there are more losses in the battery itself before it gets to the motor, which also is not 100% efficient.

I just do not understand the facination with electric cars. In my opinion, they cost more and pollute more. I haven't even included all the environmental impact of the added power plants and transmission lines.

How could this possibly be better?

Answer 3

If you're willing to wait a year or two, you'll have some good options.

Available in late 2009, the ZAP Alias will cost $30,000, have a top speed of 100 mph, and a range of 100 miles per charge.

http://zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/el...

Soon thereafter the ZAP-X will be available at a cost of $60,000 with a top speed of 155 mph and a range of 350 miles per charge.

http://zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/el...

Phoenix Motorcars will start selling their SUT to individuals in late 2008 or early 2009.  It will cost $45,000 and have a top speed of 100 mph with a range of 100+ miles per charge.

http://phoenixmotorcars.com/

Answer 4

Well, you could try and find a used Toyota RAV4 EV, or will a cap on a used Chevy S10 EV pickup count?  You could also check out your local used EV market, to see if there are any EV conversions available to you.

I still do not understand why tall+knee problems = SUV, and a car with good front leg and headroom will not do, or with a good angled front seat...  If you were willing to expand your search a bit more, you could probably find an EV that can fit you much better.