Phil:
I totally agree the new pupose built tech is the way to go. The glorified golf cart technology will only be a niche market. But a Camaro golf cart is really cool, in a hillbilly way. So why is it the commuter electric market is geared to the high end user? Tesla, Volt even the truck is high priced. People at this price point could burn gas all day. The only affordable purpose built solutions are NEV's. They aren't going to cut it. I feel sad we haven't designed something for the regular guy to use for his say 60 mile a day round trip. Just seems really ignorant. Most people in urban centers commute less than that. So I guess until the designs catch up with the market, the regular guy will have to eat it, or come up with his own solution. These solutions may get better as junkyards start selling Prius or other oil rehab car parts. To an engineer, I can imagine this project seems coarse at best!!! LOL It will be a good day, when we only use petrolium for recreational purposes.