[ausev] hi im a newbie here with a question(s) for mark farver....

[Brian Lasseter]

On 2/20/07, Christopher Robison <eeyore at phototropia.org> wrote:
> It seems to be the usual case that a converted EV sells for
> substantially less money than was spent to create it. I think in general
> this is because of the difficulty in evaluating the quality and
> longevity of a conversion. With the normal used-car market, you're only
> concerned with determining how well the previous owner treated the car,
> and there are standard things to look for, and companies that you can
> hire to look for these things for you.
>
> A custom-converted car brings a whole list of new things to be concerned
> about, such as weld quality, maintainability (is that bolt head behind a
> corner where I can't reach it without removing a rack of batteries?),
> weight distribution and handling, wiring, etc.  I think it's because of
> this uncertainty that it's hard to command a high price for a completed
> conversion unless you're in the business of building them and can build
> a reputation of quality over time.

Since used EVs do not sell for as much as was spent to create them...
most owners are quite happy driving their vehicles until they are no
longer able to be driven anymore.  That makes the used market pretty
small.  (Along with the obvious lack of many EVs to start with.)
Also, as someone with no EV knowledge, the ability to evaluate a fair
price on a used car, and what repairs would be required is beyond my
abilities.

I would be quite happy to buy a used or even a new EV (as my car
knowledge is lacking); however the availability of cars that would
suit my needs is lacking.  I need a 4 door car (for the kids), but
most conversions are 2 door cars or trucks.  I'll likely convert a
Saturn SL, or a Toyota Matrix or something else small and with 4
doors.

If any production cars can fill the niche between the $10k Zap Xebra,
and the $60k AC Propulsion eBox... Then I would totally put down
$20k-$30k on an electric car.  As is, the Zap is too slow, and the
eBox has expensive Li-Ion batteries.  (My range needs would suffice
with Trojan batteries.)


-- 
TTFN,
Brian "Lasso" Lasseter

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