Yesterday I read an interesting post on Engadget about the Nissan Leaf. I can't remember what the article said, but I noticed the advertisement used in the post: first 100% electric car. Now, I can't quite put my finger on it, but outside of the hippy-dippy crowd, there seems to be sizable amount of suspicion, distrust, and all around dislike for the electric car. I don't know why... but it's out there. Let's talk deal.
To begin, these are all Nissan's numbers. The car can go about 100 miles on a single charge. A single charge will cost a user about $2.50 (through their electricity costs). Right now, I estimate that your average driver pays that cost for around 20 miles. Double that if you're a lucky hybrid owner. Moreover, that price is only going up. And quick. Electricity costs will undoubtably rise, but probably not at the rate of oil.
Of course there are problems with this electric car problem (distance, chargers, untested on the mass market), but why aren't people crazy about the potential of electric cars? Is it that we're crazy about paying for gas? Crazy about the dependence on the Middle East and the necessity of involving ourselves in every security matter their in order to protect that interest? Oil spills? I'll pass.
Right now I don't have the means to pre-order the Nissan Leaf (not even close). However, one day I will. Until then, bicycle all the way.
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