[Amc-list] Re; ELECTRO-RAMBLER =revisited=

["Swygert, Francis G MSgt 436 CES/CECM" <Francis.Swygert3@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The used Saturn cost just $900, the batteries were $1,700 and the 
conversion kit was $6,700. Charles says the cost of the conversion 
will be paid off in gas savings within two years. By his math, a 
daily commute costs between 30 and 60 cents. With his gas vehicle 
it was $10.
--------------------

The problem I have with this equation is that for $6,700 I can buy 1,340
gallons of gas @ $5/gal (inflation over the next few years). That's
40,200 miles @ 30 mpg, 33,500 @ 25 mpg... so let's figure 36,850 miles
(average). If the guy drives a five speed older Saturn and keeps it up
(I allowed the $1700 in batteries for minor repairs, assuming the car
was in reasonably good driving condition). If he drives conservatively
(like he HAS TO with the electric) and just uses it for short trips
(like the electric) he should average closer to 30 mpg OR MORE though.
We'll go ahead and have him use part of that $1700 in repairs for
synthetic oil in everything, and just do a once a year oil change. After
all, he's only driving it 50-60 miles a day. Five days a week, 52 weeks
a year at 60 miles is 15,600 miles. So he can buy at least 2.5 years of
gas for the Saturn for less than the conversion kit price, and with
careful driving (like you have to for the electric) three years. Not
only that, but he'll have to replace that battery pack in three years --
conservatively $2K with modest inflation. But we'll call that a wash --
the Saturn engine will likely need some maintenance over the three years
that the electric wouldn't. Timing belt changed, and the oil changes,
tune-ups. Assuming no major repairs, he's not going to pay for the
conversion in two years -- the math is flawed. If it was cost effective,
there would be more companies making conversions. Now there are some tax
incentives, especially in CA, that add up to about $2K a year. 

So if Charles changes his driving habits and thinking, he'll save more
by NOT converting the Saturn. Note that his time to do all the work was
not figured in, and I'm sure there were lots of nickel-dime (well, more
like $50-$100) parts needed for the conversion not included also -- like
battery racks and cables (not usually included). 

An electric is like the new hybrids -- more a statement than anything
else. Conservative cars and driving at the very least make up for the
difference in price. That's the only thing that has kept me from
building one. It would be a fun experiment, but I can get a 60s-70s
Rambler/AMC and all but totally restore it for the cost. Putting a turbo
2.3L four with five speed in a 62 American will net much more fun and be
as cost effective over a five year period as building an electric --
depending on how I drive it. It will be more salable in the end to boot.

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