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Comment by americandesi333 | Hacker News Reader

This prediction only holds true if the market has enough viable options of electric cars. As for now, Tesla and Nissan are the only two all electric cars.

I just purchased a diesel car and diesel fuel IS at around $4.40 per gallon... I would have gladly purchased a electric car.

Tesla's price point is too high and their lower priced model is still a little ways away from release. Nissan Leaf can run only for 100 miles before it needs to be charged. This makes it a difficult substitute for a regular gasoline car because it will not be able to satisfy most Americans driving needs.

Therefore, for this prediction to hold true, its important to have enough viable options in market.

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> "100 miles ... will not be able to satisfy most Americans driving needs."

Most Americans commute 30 miles per day. 100 miles per day covers something like three quarters of all drivers. Range anxiety is a largely psychological concern; it has little to do with actual needs.

Note that 100 miles is the ideal range under ideal conditions. Consumer Reports did some preliminary driving tests [1] of the Nissan Leaf and found in extreme cold they barely got 8 miles of range on a full charge in 10 degree (F) weather. Typically they were seeing an average of 65 miles in 20-30 degree (F) weather. This is probably why the 2012 model will come with a built-in battery heater that keeps it warm while charging.

So I would definitely not recommend the Leaf unless you live in Hawaii or California. I believe range is also compromised in extreme heat as well. Basically, you've got to live in paradise to expect a 100 mile range year-round from the Leaf.

[1] http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/01/second-drive-20...

Renting a car sucks. I would not want to do that once every month, which is about how often I drive over 100 miles.

Services like Zipcar will be strongly complementary goods to electric cars.

> Renting a car sucks.

Now that I don't quite understand. I find renting a car to be a lot of fun. The salespeople are always super friendly, they get you in and out quick, the price is relatively low (~$70/day after taxes), and you usually get to drive a brand new model.

Maybe doing it once per month would be a headache for some. Personally, I like it and if it saved me money to drive an electric car, I would happily take this deal.

It's fun, if you're on a trip and have a lot of time. But as a semi-regular thing:

- I have to drive to the car rental place unless I live close enough for a pickup, in which case I have to wait around to be picked up.

- I have to arrange my trip so that I both depart and return during the rental place's hours. If I come back late, I have to pay a penalty and either take time off from work the next morning or drive the rented car a whole extra day.

- Unless I rent from a 24-hour airport location, which is usually twice as expensive and does not do pick-ups, so I also have to pay to park my electric car at the airport.

etc. Essentially, it's just not good for routine use.

If you are a member of the frequent renter programs (e.g. Hertz gold club) it is a lot easier, too -- no need to fill in paperwork or even talk to a human each time, since your car should be waiting for you in a stall. Still not quite zip car.

The thing I hate about zip car I'd that the cars aren't maintained between users, so they are often dirty.

The thing I hate about both is that I like having a comprehensive trauma kit, tool kit, zombie/civil insurrection, wifi and inverter, nav system, etc. in my car, so it is not really convenient to transfer all of that between vehicles.

My solution will be company shared f-350 diesel and leased electric, shared at the office for work/personal use.

Heh. I live within walking distance of an Avis and a Hertz, so perhaps my perspective is different.

Most rental places will let you drop the car off after hours, though, for what that's worth.

Ford will have an all-electric Focus available soon. I think automakers are gearing up for significant hybrid/electric vehicle demand.

http://green.autoblog.com/2011/01/10/ford-vp-electric-drive-...

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