Why So Few Electric Cars

The HEV, PHEV and the BEV - Not moving fast - but has the potential to move far, if car-makers stop clowning around! In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz created about the use and production of hybrid and electric cars. Although electric cars are starting to become popular, there are still many stigmas associated with the vehicles.

Many people believe that electric cars are incapable of traveling long distances or at speeds needed to travel most American highways.

In addition, many people still think of electric cars as box or bubble like contraptions. Although this may partially explain why so few electric cars are being manufactured and sold, there is more to the story.

Virtually every car-maker has plans on the drawing board and hopes of having hybrid power trains or totally electric powered cars on US roads within a few years. Cars like GM's Volt have gone from being an interesting sideshow to the model that could do more than any other to secure the ailing car maker's future.

The entire automobile industry and the American driving public must and will dissociate itself from mineral energy and head in the direction of electric-powered vehicles.

There are many reasons why so few electric cars are being sold. Although many do not purchase electric cars due to common misconceptions and aesthetics, the primary reason is cost. Most electric cars will cost consumers around $40,000 and up. For instance, the Tesla Roadster is costing consumers about $100,000 while the Chevrolet Volt is expected to cost consumers about $40,000.

Cars such as a Toyota Prius will only cost consumers about $22,000. Because the cars run on electricity, the batteries need to be recharged. The problem with this is there are a few recharging stations available for those who need to travel distances greater than 50 miles. The constant charging and recharging of the battery shortens its life. In addition, the costs of repairs and parts can be extremely expensive.

These flaws are not the only reason why so few electric cars are being sold. The infrastructure of the electric car company also plays a huge role. Companies cannot produce massive amounts of electric cars because there is not mass appeal. Although cars such as the Tesla Roadster, Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are drawing attention to the industry, many people still believe that electric cars are inconvenient, unattractive and expensive. In addition, charging stations have become a huge issue.

Even if recharging stations were to become available, there would still be the issue of charge time, which is between 6 to 8 hours in most cases.

The European Commission, as will our government, will exact financial consequences by the year 2012 on companies whose fleet cars have high carbon dioxide emissions.

With so many issues, it is no wonder why so few electric cars are being sold. Despite these roadblocks and setbacks, the electric car industry is beginning to grow and flourish. They are environmentally and financially friendly and will help rid many countries of their dependency on oil. With the manufacturers producing cars such as the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Tesla Roadster, the electric car industry is sure to see an increase in consumer interest.

No longer blue-sky philosophy, the automotive manufacturers are quietly lessening their cars CO2 and transforming fuel efficiencies for their vehicles. New automotive technologies enter the mainstream just as quickly as companies can get them on line. With any luck these not so niche market cars will play a vital role in the survival of US carmakers.