The car giant doesn't see an Ev in every driveway--yet.
Last week, BMW upset electric vehicle lovers everywhere when Jim O'Donnell, the company's North American chairman and CEO, said that EVs won't work at their current battery range for at least 90% of the population--and that the U.S. government should end the $7,500 Ev tax credit. Does this mean these cars aren't going to be in every driveway in five years?
Actually, people are pretty excited about electric cars--as is BMW, which is making them. So now the company is rushing to do damage control lest we think that it is not behind its own entry into the market. Fast Company had the chance to talk to Tom Kowaleski, VP of Corporate Communications for BMW North America, to find out what the company really thinks about EVs--and other alternative vehicle technologies.
So how about O'Donnell's comment that EVs may not work for 90% of the population?...
Last week, BMW upset electric vehicle lovers everywhere when Jim O'Donnell, the company's North American chairman and CEO, said that EVs won't work at their current battery range for at least 90% of the population--and that the U.S. government should end the $7,500 Ev tax credit. Does this mean these cars aren't going to be in every driveway in five years?
Actually, people are pretty excited about electric cars--as is BMW, which is making them. So now the company is rushing to do damage control lest we think that it is not behind its own entry into the market. Fast Company had the chance to talk to Tom Kowaleski, VP of Corporate Communications for BMW North America, to find out what the company really thinks about EVs--and other alternative vehicle technologies.
So how about O'Donnell's comment that EVs may not work for 90% of the population?...
- 5/4/2011
- by Ariel Schwartz
- Fast Company
Sometimes it seems like a new flashy electric car is announced every week. But the CEO of BMW North America--which has at least two electric vehicles on tap--just announced that he doesn't think EVs will work for more than 10% of the population. Why is the company ragging on its own cars?
Jim O'Donnell, BMW's North America chairman and chief executive officer, recently told the Detroit News, "(EVs) won't work for most people. For at least 90 percent and maybe more of the population, (an Ev) won't work (at the current battery range)." How forward-looking, Jimbo. That's a pretty oversimplified statement, to say the least.
The Nissan Leaf, perhaps the most well-known of the new batch of EVs, has an Epa-rated range of 73 miles. That's perfect for shorter work commutes (or longer ones if there is a charge spot/plug waiting on the other end), as well as quick errands around town.
Jim O'Donnell, BMW's North America chairman and chief executive officer, recently told the Detroit News, "(EVs) won't work for most people. For at least 90 percent and maybe more of the population, (an Ev) won't work (at the current battery range)." How forward-looking, Jimbo. That's a pretty oversimplified statement, to say the least.
The Nissan Leaf, perhaps the most well-known of the new batch of EVs, has an Epa-rated range of 73 miles. That's perfect for shorter work commutes (or longer ones if there is a charge spot/plug waiting on the other end), as well as quick errands around town.
- 4/26/2011
- by Ariel Schwartz
- Fast Company
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