Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fiat

Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

They can't have it both ways. They pretty much set up the marriage. Now they are stuck with the decisions to keep Chrysler afloat. Fiat's plans are good, as far as I am concerned. They will keep/leave EV center of excellence in the USA, per their press conference.

 

Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

Looking back on chrysler's ev plans, they were not very good. They seemed rushed to get put out of the door so that they could get the loans and grants. In comparison look at ford, which has ev focus' out in testing. Chrysler would not even put out their two mode hybrid (they did for like a month then pulled it). I even will give gm credit for their volt program. Chrysler was still at the concept car stage 2 years later.

 

Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

If that were required, wouldn't the Fed's have to sue GM as well? After all ... hundreds of millions of U.S. tax payer dollars went to develope the EV1, only to have GM tear them away from the lease holders that were begging to buy them or at least let them renew their leases. Next thing you know it's crunch crunch crunch. At least Fiat will get some use out of their labor. GM, on the other hand simply made quick profits on Hummers in stead. And now? Where did THAT product end up. The icing on the cake is that GM re-hires Lutz after the bankruptcy. I love it.

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Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

I watched that program about the EV1 and it was fantastic. The thing that made the biggest impact on me was how the dealerships will lose so much money on EVs because you don't have all the maintenance - no oil changes, no transmission fluid changes, no spark plugs, plug wires, air filters, radiator fluids, no exhaust, no nothing.

I see all these companies now making hybrids/PHEVs, and I can't help but think they are pushing the hybrid more than the EV because they still make money on maintenance. Do you feel that the major car companies are not working very hard on EVs because of the total loss of revenue they will have? I just have no faith in the big car companies that they are actually trying to help the consumer.

 

Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

I think you hit the nail on the head with that one. An EV has a far reduced scheduled maintenance schedule compared to the ICE counterparts. Take for instance a Porche and a tesla Roadster. Before the Roadster even comes in for it's first visit, the Porche has to be in 4 times. That Trend continues through out the life of the vehicle.

 

Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

IMO, Occam's Razor leads me to believe that manufacturers are pushing hybrids because there is very little infrastructure for electric car charging.

This is a chicken-egg problem, but if you're an auto manuf,. would you bet billions on the infrastructure being created due to the release of your product? I wouldn't.

 

Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

As Borgs love to say, "Resistance is futile."
Prepare to go the EV (or EREV) way.
Pollution of electricity generation can be improved/addressed locally at the plants.
Sources can be diversified.

 

Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

Just one more reason why I hate Chrysler products!!!

 

Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

Pissing away government R&D money is nothing new. The only benefit the American taxpayers got on the Supercar program was the Prius.

 

Re: Chrysler was in the process of developing EVs for 2010, using $12.5 Bill U.S. taxpayer money. Fi

You know, I never really thought about it, but you're right. If it weren't for the EV1, Toyota and Honda would have probably never brought their hybrids to market.