<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> among other wrote:
>True, for a variety of reasons. The Think may have had a better chance
>in europe, though I don't know why they would fare better than other EV's
>that have been offered there. The issue though is why Ford dropped them
>for the U.S.
Well, bullshit. I'm from europe (Slovenia to be exact) and neither Think
neither any other EV was offered to me. Neither can I get one factory
made even if I try.
Only PSA, RENAULT and SKODA at my knowledge have working EV's that can
be bought somewhere - over the hils and far away - in europe. Think is
new but as it seems, history. They *newer* advertised it here. No jumbo
posters, no tv ads, no magazine articles. Nothing. NO COMPANY CAN SELL A
PRODUCT THAT IS NEITHER ADVERTISED NOR AVAILABLE. I did touch it and sit
in it once. Nice car. Small and sufficiently roomy. There did get one
here for "presentations". They couldn't hide it better even if they
tried. I had to *beg to let me see it.*
VW had golf EV and there was some minor advertising about ten years
ago. I believe golf EV production died. PSA EV's are present mainly if
not only in France. Same for Renault. Skoda did seem to produce several
of EV pick-ups, but I believe they sell to fleets only. Citroen
saleswoman didn't know there are such things as electric vehicle.
Renault dealers just looked odd at me asking why on earth would I want
an an electric vehicle. They are slow, expensive high maintenance and
they didn't import any because of low demand. There isn't any EV model
certified for our market yet from renault ant probably won't be because
of the above reasons. So I was told. To summarize: renault EVs are so
crappy that nobody would even think about buying. There is probably
something wrong with me and i should better set myself straight instead
of trying to buy an electric. WELL UNTIL NOW NOT A SINGLE DEALER EVER
TOLD ME THAT THEY WON'T SELL ME THEIR CAR BECAUSE ITS A PIECE OF CRAP!
For a matter of renault i can easily buy used renault 5 (i believe US
knows it as renault lecar) Not a piece of fine technology i tell you.
And even renault 4 (won't even start about it). But EVs are so inferior
that they by all means should decide instead of me i should rather get a
clean diesel or maybe a new eco friendly clio 1.2 gasoline that is -by
the way- wery smart buy. I began to fell like i'm banging my head
against the wall and just mentioned "it ain't very fast is it?." "Well
we do have a 2.0 sport for sportier people..." "Does by any chance get
the same milage?" You can't have it all they told me.
As for every car this holds true : YOU CAN'T HAVE IT ALL. EVs have some
limitations, but not so major as they keep telling us.
I can't drive a fridge home in a MGF but it is stil a nice car.
I can't do 7 sec 0-60 in a skoda pickup but fridge fits nice.
I can't go more then 400 miles in my car if i don't plug it in(to a gas
station)
I can't turn the heat on in a cold morning in a cold ice.
I can't cool the hot car on a hot afternoon because of lack of AC and
some stupid ECU that keeps putting more fuel on fire.
I can't even accelerate fast without making major noise.
I can't fill my car at home. The moment i buy it i'm bound to buy gas at
least every 400 miles. Useless toy without it.
I can't run my car in my garage. Well i can, it is afteral eco friendly!
Why is it i'm feeling dizzy if i do that?
I can't (shouldn't) leave the lights on for more then few minuts when
the engine is off.
These are all important limitations and I don't see people yell about
it.
The mayor *percieved* issue about evs is still range. Anything else can
be made better in an EV. It is more advanced concept than ICE on such
level as is ICE against colm/steam.
Few (extra) words makes a difference. Especially if you're advertising
(one or another way).
A) It can only go about 60 miles on a charge. It can crawl 10 more. You
must recharge then. It can take several hours. Fast chargers can do it
faster, but they are rear if any. It has AC but the range will suffer.
Often needs watering. 'Watering light' will warn you when to bring it
back to the dealer.
B) Even errands as distant as 60 miles are no problem to this cute and
safe car. At opportunity you can charge via normal household plug, like
you plug in your hair dryer or your cell phone. If you run by a public
charger, you can do it faster then it takes to have a decent meal.
Imagine your fuel gauge advancing towards F while you eat. It's magic!
The car can be either pleasantly cool or warm when you come back because
air conditioning can be on while plugged-in. If you run out of juice it
will still carry you some needed extra miles. And then you can charge it
all you want! Name one person you know that doesn't have electricity!
Know one? You could let him use your front lights for the evening. They
can stay on for as much as a day and the car can still be driven! This
advanced car doesn't run on electricity solely. Water is the other
thing. Yes water. The first 100 owners to turn on the watering light
will get a free car perfume at your local dealer! We'll make sure your
car gets the prime water it deserves. You can do it yourself if desired.
As it seems self-service is fashionable lately. Short free one afternoon
course will show you how your car prefers it to be done.
My english is kind of rough, but you must get it!
To sell EVs, major B type of advertising is needed. As it is to sell
ICEs. Type A won't sell much. Still would be better then today's
nothing.
Well someone asked about european opinions some time ago and i felt like
typing...
Janez Svetlin
P.S. - There is a strong Bigger is Better in europe also. But some have
small driveways others small garages, some with limited budget and there
is stil some sort of unwritten standard of what is too small, what is
just right, what is big enough, and what wont fit anywhere. There is
also this SUV mania. Luckily NO leaf springs or live axels. Except very
few imported from US.
