Electricnick, The EV Revolution

A new study that should rejoice the folks over at Better Place.

The gist is that most are scratching their heads trying to figure out how to entice consumers to switch over to battery powered cars.  While decades of ho-hum look alike cars have left a majority of drivers feeling blah about cars, car makers are now facing the results, how to get drivers excited about them again.  So, how do we get car drivers to switch to electric cars?

The Pay Per Mile Plan.  The study we mentioned before from the University of California, Berkeley, Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology projects also points that a battery switching model and pay-per-mile contracts would account for 64% of US light-duty vehicle sales by 2030 and comprise 24% of the US light-duty fleet by then, via GreenCarCongress.  This is bound to be fuel for thought for Better Place as well as welcome news.

Technically Speaking.  Thomas Becker wrote a 2030 forecast that concluded a network externality model focusing on relative prices, operating costs, and the network effects of battery switching stations would eliminate the need for consumers to purchase the battery pack upfront.  Switchable battery vehicles are expected to be $7,500 less expensive than a similar gasoline-powered car when introduced to the market in 2012.  The total cost of ownership of these vehicles is expected to be between $0.10 and $0.13 lower on a per-mile basis than gasoline-powered cars, depending on future oil price.

It makes sense as it would seem half the driving population is more interested in a car that gets them from point A to B.  This segment would benefit from the Better Place business model.  While it might not be a one size fits all, it makes sense for a large proportion of drivers who are looking for the most bang for their bucks.