[quote=ocrenter]But then a used Prius is pricier and in general with a lot more miles on it.
if we are talking poor folks where every cent counts, are they really the types to turn on the AC in the golden afternoon peak generation period for TOU2?
The cost for EV is coming down rapidly and the used LEAF fleet does present a case for EV trickling down to the lower socioeconomic groups. I think the reason why poor folks have not taken to EVs have more to do with lack of information and knowledge.[/quote]You’re right, Prius is more expensive.
That’s the problem isn’t it? the poor folks who count every cents won’t be living in a house, so a Leaf would be useless to them, since they can’t charge it (no garage). Maybe that’s why the depreciation on the Leaf is so huge. You’re right, those who count every penny won’t be turning on the AC in the peak time because they’re working.
I don’t think the Leaf will ever be a useful car for the lower socioeconomic groups. I don’t think it’s lack of information and knowledge. I think the main reason is what I stated above. Those in the lower socioeconomic groups won’t be living in a place that allow them to charge an electric car. The only way EV would reach that group of buyers is if they can fix the charging problem (20-30 min for a supercharge isn’t good enough, it needs to be at 2-3 minutes). Once they fix that, then every gas station can sell electricity as well as petroleum.
Majority of people don’t live in a single family home. How do you expect them to charge their EV? This is why I think until the fix the charging problem, the lowest socioeconomic group EV can reach down to is the middle class who live in a SFR.
