Back in the late 90s when the Canadian government had a nascent strategy
around EVs as a way to bring economic growth and address pollution
issues and reduce GHG emissions, I had the opportunity to test drive the
Nissan Altra and the Hypermini.
The referenced article takes too much of the progress in the 2 decades
since then in EV technology for granted, and does not do these vehicles
justice in terms of how amazing and groundbreaking they were for their
time. I had been driving an EVA Metro and a Fiero conversion for years
at that point, and the transition was mind-bending.
In 1998, after a quick spin in the Hypermini, my wife's comment was:
"You can bring that one home." After years of dealing with my EVs, that
was the highest praise imaginable.
The Hypermini was a blast, but the Altra was the more practical vehicle
for our typical household missions (and that comes from someone who has
owned a number of 2-seaters).
Refreshed with current battery technology and electronics, I think the
Hypermini could be a market contender today. The Altra's body style
would need updating to be a contender in the North American consumer
market, but the small station-wagon form factor is an almost vacant
niche here now.
And not everyone wants their EV to stand out from the crowd. There are
people who bought the Camry hybrid rather than the Prius specifically
because it looked like other Camrys. The early adopters may desire
recognition for their leading-edge purchases, but a lot of the
mass-market just wants an affordable, reliable transportation appliance
with some creature comforts. Current EV sales in North America indicate
electrics are now moving from the early-adopter stage to broader acceptance.
Darryl McMahon
On 4/13/2019 9:43 AM, [email protected] wrote:
Message: 2
Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2019 22:12:39 -0500 (CDT)
From: brucedp5<[email protected]>
To:[email protected]
Subject: [EVDL] EVLN: 1998 Nissan Altra EV &Why You've Never Heard of
It
Message-ID:<[email protected]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
https://jalopnik.com/nissan-designed-a-mass-market-electric-car-in-1998-her-1832136540
Nissan Designed a Mass-Market Electric Car in 1998. Here's Why You've Never
Heard of It
April 8, 2019 Zac Estrada
--
Darryl McMahon
Freelance Project Manager (sustainable systems)
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