And You Wonder Why EV's Are A Hard Sell? Maryland Dealership Advertises New Bolt Has An Engine And Requires Gas

It has long been suspected that car dealerships are part of the problem when it comes to electric vehicle adoption. Most of their business comes from servicing gas-powered cars and therefore, low-maintenance electric vehicles are not attractive to sell for them. It was demonstrated in several studies that they are not very good at it.

It was demonstrated this week in a new advert from a Chevy dealership in Rockville, Maryland trying to sell the all-electric Bolt EV as if it needs gas.

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atc98092 - 3/23/2017 11:29:56 AM

+4 Boost

Just gives Tesla more ammunition for its direct sales model. This is precisely the reason they have always given for not using dealerships.

However, I would think a Tesla only dealership would get things right. But perhaps a single brand dealership for that level of sales isn't feasible at this time financially.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 3/23/2017 12:40:50 PM

+3 Boost

Tesla could have a their own nation wide dealer network, it would just be smaller, 50 at most, one in each state perhaps. It would be more like a Tesla store and you could get a car, a whole home battery or those roofing tiles that are solar panels.

Agent009 - 3/23/2017 1:22:07 PM

+1 Boost

One in a state like Texas where it is 1000 miles from top to bottom and across? That wont work

MDarringer - 3/23/2017 8:30:19 PM

0 Boost

The Bolt isn't selling poorly because it doesn't have company-owned stores that price fix and cash rape customers.

It's the targeted customer base that is the issue.

EV's at Tesla's price point, have potential buyers that are likely to own several premium cars, so adding another is no big deal.

At the Bolt's price point, potential buyers are faced with a very expensive Chevy "Sonic" or a vehicle that is less green but many times more practical. They look at financing over 60, 72, and 84 months and being prudent with money means NOT getting the Bolt.

Even with the tax breaks in some areas deducted, the Bolt is still pricey for a small hatchback.

I actually think the Kia Niro is the better ticket. A small, "crossoverish" vehicle with a hybrid drivetrain that is not dramatically overpriced for what it is.

The Bolt is simply to little (literally and figuratively) car for the money.