Re: Sell the "sizzle" (was: SCIENCE FRIDAY on NPR)

["Thomas J Webster" <ford1929@frontiernet.net>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Tromley" <chris_t@microtrac.com>
To: <ev@listproc.sjsu.edu>
Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2002 2:45 PM
Subject: RE: Sell the "sizzle" (was: SCIENCE FRIDAY on NPR)


> Rick Pryor wrote:
>
> > From: <BillDube@killacycle.com>
> > To: <ev@listproc.sjsu.edu>
> > Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2002 10:48 AM
> > Subject: Sell the "sizzle" (was: SCIENCE FRIDAY on NPR)
> >
> >
> > >          In a nutshell, we must think more about making EVs
> > that are
> > > more marketable, and a little less about making EVs that are more
> > > practical. If no one buys them, EVs won't do a thing about
> > pollution.
> > > Let's work on the "sizzle", just like Kamen has done.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >     _ /|        Bill "Wisenheimer" Dube'
> > >    \'o.O'     <billdube@Mega-Cycle.com>
> > > =(___)=
> > >         U
> > > Check out the bike -> http://www.Mega-Cycle.com
> > >
>
> <snip>
>
> > So, how do we link this to the next step? Ask people we know
> > what would cause them to buy an EV?
>
> Hi Rick,
>
> I strongly agree with Bill's thoughts.  In business it really doesn't
> matter much what makes sense.  Trying to make sales by using a rational
> hook is very tedious work, involving a lot of education.  Only a few
> will get it.  The way you make sales is by appealing to people
> emotionally.
>
> In my opinion, the best way to put EVs on the map is for someone to
> market a seriously kick-@$$ sports car.  It can be sold by a small
> company in small volumes at a high price.  Make it fast and sexy and
> they will come.  It doesn't even have to be all that refined.  I think
> the first Dodge Vipers had side curtains instead of windows, and still
> sold for over $50k.
>
> Rick Woodbury's Tango is close.  The performance is there and it looks
> pretty darn good for a brick on edge.  The only disadvantage it has is
> the narrow profile.  Of course, that's only a disadvantage in a
> marketing sense.  It's unusual - so the car buying public will take a
> while to get used to the idea.  In reality, that level of performance in
> an ultra-narrow package makes the Tango the ultimate Urban Assault
> Vehicle.
>
> The Tzero also comes to mind (if only ACP really wanted to sell them),
> but I would have done it with a real roof and real doors with side
> windows.  Replace the unobtanium drive system with a massaged Kostov and
> a 'Zilla, swap that ridiculous stainless steel frame with a simpler
> steel version, and plan on 100 cars per year.  I'm thinking a retail
> price of $50-60k.
>
> THAT would get EVs noticed.  A "normal" car that is seriously fast and
> just happens to be battery-powered.  It's possible *now*.  Why hasn't
> anyone done it?
>
> Chris
>
> Hey guys,
      how about this? When are we going to be able to build EVs with a 200+
mile range? That would get my father to consider one?

Tom