Are Tax Breaks The ONLY Way Electric Cars Will Get A Foothold?

I believe there are other ways. For example:

(1) Create an EV that competes well with internal combustion cars. Specifically in terms of acquisition cost, total cost of ownership, refuel time, and range. This could be a tough one.

(2) Transform the nation's culture and infrastructure from the current long commute to work (suburbs where we sleep, and towns/cities where we work and have fun) to combined living/working communities. Hmmm, this could be a tough one, too.

(3) Drive the cost of internal combustion fuel so high that EVs look attractive by comparison. I suspect that gas at $10/gallon would make EVs look a little better. $20/gallon would get them selling for sure! We could also accomplish this by imposing heavy taxes on internal combustion cars, SUVs, and non-commercial trucks. Say 25% of new vehicle price per annum, so folks driving a $15,000 Honda feel a relatively similar pinch as those driving a $400,000 Rolls Royce. Hmmm, this one looks REALLY tough, as the people's will isn't on this page :-)

See, there *are* ways, just arguably not feasible or practical ones.

NO!!!

Electric and/or Hybrids can increase their market share if manufacturers can create a vehicle that does not seem like it is compromised in some way(s) in order to be electric.

In other words:

- Don't make it look like a toy

- Price the vehicle to look like a competitive upgrade package to the car
- Price and ROI seem to be huge factors that drive consumers

- Market the idea that you don't have to be an environmental douche to drive one

- Give the car performance so it doesn't seem castrated

- Integrate the technology in cars that people want to buy
- Don't make consumers compromise their wants to buy the car

- Work out a deal with local municipalities to increase the number of charging stations in heavily populated areas

- Show consumers that they don't need a car that drives 400 miles on gas when they drive 40 miles or less a day.

Once they become more affordable