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Topic with no new replies

Why did you buy a hybrid or electric car??


Poll
Question:
Main reason for purchasing car
Evironment
 
2 of 4 replies (50%)
Low tax
 
0 of 4 replies (0%)
Low running costs
 
0 of 4 replies (0%)
Government subsidies
 
0 of 4 replies (0%)
No one reason
 
2 of 4 replies (50%)


Author Message
Written on: 11 June 2010 [11:49]
NickFraser
Topic creator
registered since: 11.06.2010
Posts: 1
Hi guys

I’m new to this forum but I am a strong supporter of electric vehicles and alternative energies. As a result of this passion I’m currently writing an economics extended essay on electric vehicles and hybrids. I was wondering if you guys could help me out with some research on why you bought (or will buy) an electric car.

Did you purchase it for environmental reasons?
Or was it because of low taxes or low running costs?
Did you receive any government subsidies?
Which car did you buy?
Where are you based (location)?
*optional (please don’t take offence) – What is your approximate household income?

If you could answer the poll and maybe add a comment I would be extremely grateful

Thank you very much in advance.

Nick Fraser
Written on: 11 June 2010 [22:25]
iamian
registered since: 23.02.2009
Posts: 110
NickFraser wrote:

Did you purchase it for environmental reasons?


That was one factor , but not exclusive.

I vote my values with my dollar $... same as everyone else.

NickFraser wrote:

Or was it because of low taxes or low running costs?


Low running costs was one factor, but not exclusive.

I cut my vehicle operating costs in half.

Someone asks me why I don't drive car X that gets ~30 MPG ... I say because it would more than double my vehicle operating costs ... maybe someone else has that kind of disposable money ... I don't... and if I did I would finish my PHEV , or EV modification... and do better than I already am ... not blow it doing worse.

NickFraser wrote:

Did you receive any government subsidies?


Not me... not even $0.01

NickFraser wrote:

Which car did you buy?


2000 Model year Honda Insight

NickFraser wrote:

Where are you based (location)?


Have moved several times sense vehicle purchase.

Bought the car in Location A... move to Location B... moved to Location C ... Moved to Location D ... moved to Location E ... moved to current location F ( RI ).

NickFraser wrote:

*optional (please don’t take offence) – What is your approximate household income?


~$25,000 / yr

- - - - - -

Technically I also have a HEV in my E-Bike ... but that was more of a project than a purchase ... but it is even cheaper to operate than the Insight.


RE & Efficiency enthusiast
Written on: 16 June 2010 [21:02]
ecoadmin
Administrator
registered since: 20.07.2007
Posts: 583
Hi Nick,
To answer your questions:
- Yes, I went electric because I wanted to get away from my oil addiction
- Running costs are lower, but purchasing price is higher, at least for now...the low taxes I pay (actually I pay nothing) is a nice goodie
- No government subsidies received icon_frown.gif
- Bought not really a car, but a Twike (3-wheeler electric vehicle)
- Location Mostly Switzerland, occasionally UK
- Income good enough to afford a regular mid-size car, but I guess it largely depends on your priorities

Cheers!
Stefan



Twike 890 http://images.spritmonitor.de/461746.png
Written on: 22 June 2010 [21:41]
ElectricThrust
registered since: 10.06.2010
Posts: 1
Nick,
I have a number of electric vehicles, including a Porsche 959, Rav 4's and a Tesla. The main reason for my owning these vehicles is because of the cost to charge a full battery pack, (Less than $4) just made the most sense to me. I also have a family vehicle used for more long distance traveling, but these cars are PERFECT for driving around town. I currently have a company, Electric Thrust, where we convert gas anything to electric. We're currently working on a Mini Cooper, 2 1933 Ford Hot Rods, and a Harley Davidson sportster. Our main drive is to show the public that electric is really the right change this world needs. And people at home can follow our video blog to convert their own cars using off the shelf parts The battery packs we build are powerful enough to make the Harley cruise faster, and the Hot Rods to completely tear up a race track. A lot of people see EV as a weak sort of "novelty". It's incredible how easy and cost efficient it really is, I don't understand why it's taking the big car makers so long to hop on this wave! I hope this helps, good luck with your research. We are located in Broken Arrow Oklahoma.
Written on: 18 July 2010 [13:32]
insight
registered since: 26.04.2008
Posts: 34
Hi Nick, several reasons and in no particular order. looking at my car buying history I have always been "out side the box" in my choice so new technology was an attraction. Living in the UK with high fuel prices economy is important and the time was right (ten years ago) for choosing a more eco friendly form of car.
All three of these reasons make it a no brainer today, especially the last, unless one is in denial, irresponsible or ignorant.
The economy and environmental issues are tied together even if a buyer chooses economy as the reason for purchase so is it really hybrid efficiency/economy or cost of a gallon that is in question?
I suppose what you should be asking owners is....if a gallon cost 50 cents would you still buy a hybrid.
this would separate the issues of fuel cost verse's environmental reasons.



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