While the idea that this design is all about reducing costs does make a lot of sense, it doesn't explain the near-bullet-proof windows. Also, while the stainless exo-skeleton reduces some manufacturing costs, it seems like it would increase weight significantly which would increase battery requirements. Considering batteries are still one of the biggest cost components of these things, that doesn't really sound like a cost reducing measure.
I try not to read motivation behind events, but personally, I'm down with buying a vehicle designed for the apocalypse. Maybe he's trying to target the prepper demographic here. Once you add in the solar option, this thing becomes fully self-sufficient (with the obvious caveat that it's only recharging 10 miles per day)