As the driver of a large "puffy" vehicle and a person living in the USA I can tell you that we own and operate these vehicles because they represent the best utility value for many. They do cost a few dollars more per month to drive, but they are capable of handling much more than any sedan ever could. Also my truck gets a little better fuel economy than my BMW sedan!!! Especially here in the western rural states a truck is almost a necessary evil when your nearest re-supply city is 2-3 hours drive.
I personally would love a PIH truck. I've considered building my own as the market does not seem to be rushing into this segment (as you pointed out). My guess is that the cost/benefit/complexity factors would make it a hard sell to the average truck user. I do think consumers will be demanding such trucks when they see first-hand how well the small EV cars evolve. Nothing would put a bigger grin on my face than being able to use a truck on purely electric power while making short trips, then being able to switch to a hybrid mode (CNG would be my preference) and take a 1000 mile trip. (We will often put over 1000 miles a weekend on our truck). As for your racial overtones- most Mexicans are great people that have a deep passion for their families. Many return home often to visit. I'm sure that a truck is the tool of choice because it fits their family and allows them to transport supplies, materials, and food to the families they visit. I met a guy from Chihuaha the other day that had a large round semi tank in his bed. They do this because they can buy fuel much cheaper in Mexico. Point is we either have the freedom to choose our lifestyles or we don't. It almost sounds like you want to force everyone to live like you. Where's the diversity in that? -- View this message in context: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/Electrifying-Large-Vehicles-converting-buyers-to-a-higher-mpge-design-tp4671523p4671541.html Sent from the Electric Vehicle Discussion List mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
