MLucas said:
Then they need to address the cost issue. Once consumers can get their minds around driving electrically, they have to next imagine driving something this expensive and how its worth it to them. That is usually the next comment I get, 'You'll never get your money back.' Or 'Why would you pay that much for a car like that?' They don't see the cost savings of not only avoiding gas pumps but maintenance as well.
I tell people two things.
One, it's a $30k car that I got for $20k with a tax rebate and dealer incentives. Anyone contemplating buying a new car is likely expecting to pay $25k or more.
Two, it costs me about $3 in electricity to go 100 miles. This point really gets them, especially with gas prices near $4 per gallon.
If they ask for the math, here is what I tell them: 13 cents per kWh times 16 kWh battery = $2.08 to "fill up". I average 65 miles per charge so 2.08/65 equals .032 cents per mile, or $3.2 per 100 miles, rounded down because the 65 miles doesn't use the full charge. I have found that giving a cost in terms of 100 miles really grabs people. Being able to go 100 miles for less than the price of a gallon of gas just blows them away. Maybe that should be the tagline, "you can go 100 miles for less than the price of a gallon of gas". I think Mitsu should hire me to market this baby.