(An idea to help Automakers sell EVs)
OK so Automakers do not want to make EVs for several reasons. One of
which is that in the $20k 100 mile price/performance target market has
pretty much sewn up by Nissan. So, an Automaker making Production
Conversions in low-quantities is not going to have the large-production
cost-effectiveness, nor vehicle-efficiencies (as a purpose built EV
would have).
Along the same lines as in the 1990's of Production EV companies having
a contract to buy ice-less gliders from major automakers, I was
thinking, it looks like Nissan is the best source for Production EVs.
Until demand and sales grow to where production by each Automaker is
cost effective, it does not pay for each of them to spend the R&D$ and
produce their own EV in small quantities (this is what Chrysler already
knew and has so stated).
Small quantity production of compliance-car / Production-Conversion EVs
by Automakers of their ice vehicles (Spark, Focus, Active-e, Fit,
e-Golf, etc.) is not only not cost-effective from a manufacturing
stand-point, and it affects many other aspects down the line. I have
already seen where sales and service departments are not interested in
small quantity sales especially when there are additional cumbersome
paperwork to be done with them as well as trying to find and bag a sale.
So, what if Nissan sold a body less Leaf (or nv-200), in that it had all
the EV internals (just no outside skin). Each Automaker could tailor the
'Look' of the EV to fit their needs. Adjustments to options could be
done too. Nissan would benefit in that they would have higher production
numbers. The Automaker would get the advantages of selling EVs at a
lower cost.
Example:
Ford might take that body-less Leaf, and put a Mustang-ish styled body
on it, changing the interior to mainly a two seater with room for a
couple sacks of groceries or a car seat and baby bag. The Automaker
could call it their own, sell it to garner their CARB credits and
continue to sell their ice vehicles.
Sales of the various Automaker-trimed Leaf EVs could be sold using the
Tesla approach to dealerships (dump the inefficient-costly old-school
outmoded methods that have not changed since the 1950's). Online sales
delivered to the local dealership could help with vehicle transport
costs.
Anyone have any thoughts on this idea?
{brucedp.150m.com}
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