Will electric cars ever be available for the middle class?

Question

...Electric cars really intrigue me. It seems that they may be the way to solve or at least help a huge amount of issues with environment, oil dependency..... But, the ones that are actually practical (can go over 30 MPH and farther than 30 miles on a charge) are just way too expensive for most people to actually purchase. Does anyone have the inside scoop on the future of these vehicles? Maybe some links that I have not found?

Answer 1

electric cars are efficient, battery technology has advanced. the car makers could very easily make available on existing platforms. did you watch the movie Who Killed the Electric Car? ultimately, the consumer is going to have to make demands. do check these sites.

Answer 2

Just one little tidbit to consider about those electric cars:

Somewhere, someplace, electricity is being generated to charge those batteries - and that electricity is most likely being produced by one of several methods:  Coal, natural gas, hydroelectric, nuclear, with a slight chance of solar or wind energy...

Electric cars are NOT emission free, regardless of what other people may be saying...

Answer 3

I guess this depends on how you define middle class.

Hybrid cars that run on gasoline or electricity (whichever is available) can now be purchased new for about $5,000.00 more than new cars that just run on gasoline.

These cars have been around long enough to now be in the used car market.

I had been considering getting one for my next car.

My interest is in such things as

Suppose we are on an ordinary highway with lots of other people ... can this car have the pick me up & maneuverability to compete? YES

Suppose I want to drive cross country to visit friends in another city ... does this car have the long range stamina to get me there, or is it likely to run out of electricity 50 miles from home ... IT CAN CROSS THE NATION just like any other car

What about operation cost ... wear and tear

well some things better, like it is far more green, use much less energy to get around, stuff not war out so fast ... like when we slow down, instead of brake pads tetting worn out, the forward energy is transferred to like a fly wheel or energy storage, then released when we leave stop

some other stuff, they probably not been around with enough consumers to gather reliable statistics

I suggest you make the rounds of the auto dealers in your communtiy, to ask about the hybrids they sell.

There are many different kinds.

Answer 4

Electric cars may work out better than petrol cars but better still is no car at all.  Find work where you live.  Travel by walking, pedalling or by public transport.

I know many people will say I can not earn a decent living where I live.  Well if you cut out the transport costs and stop buying stuff you don't need, you might find that local wages are enough and that life becomes more fun.  Certainly my money worries ended when I sold my car nearly 40 years ago.  And my health is so much better as a result of cycling that I can dance twice as long as most people half my age.  A simple life has proved much more fun for me.

Best wishes

Answer 5

Yes, if we have enough money.

Answer 6

there are some yahoo groups if you search for electric vehicle

UK groups battery vehicle society http://www.batteryvehiclesociety.org

electric cars should be cheaper to mass produce than infernal combustion of similar performance, because fewer parts, no catalyctic eaxaust or radiator, no high temperature high pressure composite alloys, no complex clutch & gearbox.

lower running costs, lower maintenance.

the "middle classes" just need to demand their electric cars, and not put up with noisy clunky smelly items advertised to them or one-upmanship company cars & SUVs for shopping & school runs (SUV-slow ugly vehicle)

Answer 7

Indeed I do, but to save me some trouble, just check out this question where I discussed them a couple days ago.