Range extenders: I see your point and get the idea. Unfortunately, plugging in to recharge while doing errands is not an option in most places most of the time. Hence, the need for the range extender to run while the car is parked outside.
A few years back some friend and I were talking over a few beers what would need to happen/be set up here in NYC to make an purchasing an electric car make sense, both practically and financially given the real world limits of its use.
some of the the things we came up with:
1. No sales/excise tax of any kind.
2. No fees for inspection or registration. No license renewal fees for all insured drivers.
3. Exemption from all tolls and all parking meter fees.
4. Use of all car pool lanes even w/just driver in the car.
5. Free parking in all garages/lots and free recharging provided.
6. Financing would have to be essentially interest-free.
Honestly, I'm not sure this would even be enough. Although many/most only drive their car short distances M-F, weekends are a very different story. One would have to save a serious amount of $$ to consider an electric car, IMO.
As far as the SmartCar goes (went?), I test drove it and loved it except for the tranny. It really seemed to be designed for tall drivers. Contrary to rumor, there's more than enough cargo room for 2 guys to go away for the weekend. Personally, I'd like to see it redesigned as follows:
1. 4 doors
2. 4 cylinder motor in the back dropped to 2 cylinders and keep the RWD. reg gas used, not premium as at present.
3. Front wheels driven by electric motors, making it a hybrid using primarily electric motors to go.
4. A "snow mode" to allow AWD when needed.
5. Full use of the 2-cyl gas motor as range extender.
6. The transmission for gas motor chucked in favor of a smooth, quiet CVT like my Nissan Cube has.
That is a car I'd buy in a heartbeat!
7. Solar panels on roof for both climate control and to recharge the batteries.
