..and they were correct at the time. In a few years the technology became viable and things changed.

When I can buy a decent $20k electric car that has a reasonable range and lifespan, I'll probably buy one too. In the mean time, it's still an overpriced toy.

Agree. The manufacturers give very optimistic battery life spec too I bet. It will be lower in colder and hotter temps.

I think most people buying them will have other, refuelable transportation.. so in effect it is a toy/recreational vehicle, which isn't necessarily bad.

AFAIK Tesla is using Li-ion batteries. Expensive, but lighter weight.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Just like color tv, quartz watch movements, personal computers, portable computers, video recorders . . .

Innovation isn't introduced for "the masses" but as products who see the potential for the innovation. Early adopters pay a price, but they also break the ground for the future.

Agreed, but in this case I'm not willing to write a $50k check to help break the ground.

300 miles on a charge with a 45min recharge is pretty impressive compared to say the Leaf which has a 100 mile range and a recharge time of what? At least a few hours.

Progress marches on, just like cars replacing the horse.

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2006 CL500
2009 C300 4matic
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

combined with a Bloom cell this will have same or better range than a internal combustion car. its a logical step and at a slightly higher price than a volt its far superior "looking", no data in yet to support all the claims. I wouldnt be surprised if one of the big three try to buy it, no matter what they pay it would give them an edge and reduce their own research costs to catch up

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1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)

I would question that 45 minute recharge unless you have the capability to run a 200 amp welder in your house.

that's using a fast charge station, which, if you have any electric car, you should have.

They are still used in Radio Control. Also, Nicads and Lead Gel cells. Mianly it is the cost, but also a saftey factor. There have been some LiPo cells catch fire. The cost of LiPo and LiFe cells have come way down. There is also a newer developement of NiMH packs by Sanyo, The 123 pack.
Also, there might have been initial charge problems with the LiPo packs. I think there were some with consumer products, like laptops.
NiCads took a while to develope so they would survive a fast charge. I think the development of NiHM and LiPo, LiFe and LiOn have been relatively fast. I think about 10 years ago, there were a few indoor flyers messing with them in Isreal. Now they dominate the market. That and the price of brushless motor comeing down. So, I see a reduction in the price of electric vehilces over a time span. Just like many electric products, VHRs, computers, camcorders etc.
Tom

I am guessing cost. NiMH is older tech and heavier but cheaper. Lithium packs are lighter but more expensive. Toyota and Honda will probably move to Lithium battery packs within a few years. The Chebby Volt and Teslas are already using lithium, which is the most efficient in terms of energy per pound

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

WHats wrong with the Volt? It only has 3 issues:

1) Too expensive
2) Doesn't work
3) Nobody wants it

Other than that, perfect.

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MB-less

I agree it's expensive. Disagree that no one wants it and that it doesn't work. Hopefully as they sell more they will lower the cost. Hell I'd take one if I wanted an electric vehicle.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

They sold 200+/- last month, I would say nobody wants it. Technology is not there. If you had a gas car that could only go 50 miles (I had an electric car, you NEVER get the quoted range, and that is when the batteries are new) figure half the stated mileage, then the fuel filler was so small it took 8 hours to refuel, you have a technology problem. And then drop the price on top of that. And something nobody mentions, the cost of replacement batteries.

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MB-less

The Volt reminds me of a 1980s Japanese car. Nothing special in the styling department, and the inside is kind of cramped. The black painted rocker panels that outline the shape of the door edges look like something I'd do to an old beater after filling in the rust holes. The fake grille out front declares the obvious - this car is a product of many committee compromises. People say it drives great though. Maybe the power train has a future in a different car.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

That's a bunch of crap, the Volt is a fantastic car for a vast majority of American drivers.

It is a bit pricey but that will change. Not everyone needs to take 500 mile road trips twice a week.

As an American I am quite happy to see an American company trying to get us off Foreign oil. Maybe it will create some more good jobs for my fellow Americans. I guess you are not very patriotic.

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2006 CL500
2009 C300 4matic
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200