What’s the most important factor that could influence the uptake of electric cars – well, according to a new survey, most customers rate price as more important than range.
Electric car maker THINK found that 50 per cent of potential buyers would be willing to accept range of 70-80 miles if it meant that the cost of the electric car was reduced by $5,000.
An online survey, conducted by a team of MBA students from University of Michigan Ross School of Business, found that whereas 100mile range had long been considered a customer requirement, buyers were willing to accept less. It also indicated however, that customers could be willing to pay more for extended range with 55 per cent stating that they would pay a $5,000 premium for an electric vehicle with a 150-160mile range. Only nine per cent said they were interested in reducing their range below 50miles for a larger discount.
According to Richard Canny, the company’s CEO, offering different sizes of batteries for different customers could be an intriguing idea.
Currently, the THINK City electric car has a range of 100 miles on a single charge
