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Investing In Electric Cars

Forbes -- Is the market underplaying the electric car or are investors being suitably wary of a new technology that holds promise, but not necessarily profits? Old-fashioned gas-powered cars are one of academia's favorite case studies on the unprofitable nature of disruptive technologies.

Add to that lesson learned the dot-com bust and the most recent financial crisis and perhaps financial markets should only be lukewarm on battery-powered vehicles. Yet Rod Lache of Deutsche Bank sees reason to think electric cars will spread faster than the public gives them credit for.

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Submitted Mar 09, 2010 By: Mudsprings

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honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,290 Points:1,146,200 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:12:22 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse traindude - yea, and chia "pets" and other junk stuff. At least e-cars are not totally wasted research.
traindude Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:5,615 Points:1,246,100 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:49:53 AM Ignore traindude Report Abuse get'em out there. this country once bought pet rocks, so give it a chance
EcoVore Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,533 Points:727,150 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:37:30 PM Ignore EcoVore Report Abuse America's wide expanses favor hybrids & gas vehicles. Electric cars are better in the inner city commutes moreso.
CiVX Champion Author Oakland Posts:5,728 Points:1,016,725 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:28:54 PM Ignore CiVX Report Abuse I think its inevitable!
jadeusa Champion Author Dallas Posts:6,915 Points:1,374,885 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:23:05 PM Ignore jadeusa Report Abuse Battery technology has not caught up with the practical use yet. Key word is yet.
granitestater Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:6,334 Points:1,022,370 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:22:13 PM Ignore granitestater Report Abuse You might as well invest in snake oil. Electric cars are just the latest cure-all for for ails the economy. Might as well buy shares in Bernie Madoff's hedge fund...
JohnLev Champion Author Orange County Posts:9,161 Points:1,264,010 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:15:04 PM Ignore JohnLev Report Abuse How about a nuclear powered car? Then I wouldn't have to fill up for over 30 years. That would be great. And at this point it probably would cheaper than a Hydrogen car and about as feasible.
furiousfowl Champion Author Riverside Posts:14,640 Points:2,326,800 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:15:03 PM Ignore furiousfowl Report Abuse seems good
250FORD Champion Author Minnesota Posts:8,266 Points:1,303,355 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:13:51 PM Ignore 250FORD Report Abuse I won't buy one.
roadrunnerMO Champion Author Kansas Posts:6,011 Points:1,237,160 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:13:29 PM Ignore roadrunnerMO Report Abuse Doubt that at my age that I will ever buy one. Accelerator pedal might stick... lol
greenfog Champion Author Illinois Posts:4,179 Points:1,179,665 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:11:25 PM Ignore greenfog Report Abuse electric cars are in the distant future. they have urban run abouts now, small, limited range, long recharge times. any true electric to replace what we have now is years down the road.
cutter1330 Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:5,738 Points:1,233,465 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:09:52 PM Ignore cutter1330 Report Abuse I don't have enough extension cords to own an 'lectric car.
bobdec Champion Author Florida Posts:6,736 Points:1,328,515 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:08:32 PM Ignore bobdec Report Abuse Would not want to drive an electric car
Gary65 Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,501 Points:511,655 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:08:10 PM Ignore Gary65 Report Abuse I don't plan on buying one any day soon.
scrounger Champion Author Vancouver Posts:9,636 Points:2,650,765 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:06:59 PM Ignore scrounger Report Abuse not going to put any of my money into them
Saturn93 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:6,587 Points:1,491,875 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 11:04:16 PM Ignore Saturn93 Report Abuse It could be a long wait, with one of the major new battery technologies now owned by Chevron. This is according to a PBS documentary on solar panels, etc.
Amtrgas Champion Author Oakland Posts:2,553 Points:1,234,045 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:58:06 PM Ignore Amtrgas Report Abuse If the technology for batteries is developed, like that of the computer chip. Then the EV and the hybrid have a chance. The big hold up is the batteries.
DEG Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:15,422 Points:3,059,355 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:56:48 PM Ignore DEG Report Abuse What the electric car has to be capable of to replace a gasoline/diesel car is to meet/beat the gasoline/diesel car on each point that is important to the consumer. For me the car would have to be able to travel 600 miles in a day and be able to be charged overnight or if the range is not at least 600 miles/charge; to be able to be recharged within 15 minutes. The initial price and life cycle costs need to be equivalent. The safety and performance needs to be equivalent.
joel27nc Champion Author Raleigh Posts:8,177 Points:1,396,345 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:56:11 PM Ignore joel27nc Report Abuse Be ready for a slow rate of return. Go Hydrogen!
Z51Corvette Champion Author Austin Posts:6,182 Points:1,228,540 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:51:14 PM Ignore Z51Corvette Report Abuse Technology often times is spouting of better than imagined results. I'd rather get some dependable data, before I invest in it.
Bubba44612 Champion Author Ohio Posts:5,203 Points:1,424,970 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:49:36 PM Ignore Bubba44612 Report Abuse I'll wait until they perfect them before I decide to buy.
Soxxie95 Sophomore Author Twin Cities Posts:126 Points:138,200 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:36:58 PM Ignore Soxxie95 Report Abuse I'd love too get one eventually but with doing a lot of traveling each summer I think it would be pain
Eichhornchen Champion Author Detroit Posts:3,772 Points:747,390 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:34:25 PM Ignore Eichhornchen Report Abuse Electric cars are the new Pet Rock. Everybody has to have one, but not quite sure why.
NavyStore Champion Author Seattle Posts:3,769 Points:1,663,185 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:32:06 PM Ignore NavyStore Report Abuse I vote the latter, but that's just because people don't want to get stuck with the whole VHS/Betamax mess again.
raleightom All-Star Author Raleigh Posts:765 Points:215,710 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:31:34 PM Ignore raleightom Report Abuse Anyone know why our hybrids and electrics are expensive as all get out in the USA and FORD is marketing electric cars in India for between 4 and 6 thousand bucks. True they are quite small but so is the SMART car that is already on the streets here. Just the same as health care and pharmaceuticals. Do we all have "S U C K E R" labels on us somewhere. I do not understand.
LoneGuy Champion Author Lansing Posts:6,168 Points:1,860,680 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:31:24 PM Ignore LoneGuy Report Abuse It depends a lot on the local electric grid. Is it more carbon fuel based or renewable/ nuclear? [Edited by: LoneGuy at 3/10/2010 12:31:44 AM EST]
52MPG Champion Author Dayton Posts:4,929 Points:1,281,405 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:30:13 PM Ignore 52MPG Report Abuse A true electric car will not depend on batteries. It will use a magnetic generator.
Bus561 Champion Author Lexington Posts:14,096 Points:2,757,005 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:29:45 PM Ignore Bus561 Report Abuse The range and recharge times have got to be greatly improved before they will become profitable.
TBONE3 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:6,408 Points:1,514,645 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:24:05 PM Ignore TBONE3 Report Abuse We had a golf cart for transportation inside our private community in FL and it was great! BUT the first thing they have to do is improve the batteries - six of them for a two passenger cart!! The problem of charging those batteries is compounded should you need a charge when away from the home. Could require an extra long extension cord but then that becomes a major problem. I just wonder if all that is worth the expense and effort?
Rageagainsttm Champion Author Tampa Posts:6,029 Points:1,451,095 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:20:37 PM Ignore Rageagainsttm Report Abuse So if I'm going on a long trip it's gonna take awhile. Don't think this is for me.
LoneGuy Champion Author Lansing Posts:6,168 Points:1,860,680 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:18:30 PM Ignore LoneGuy Report Abuse I have a new Malibu from last January of 08 and am wondering what will be for sale when I again am in the market. For now the Malibu is doing well.
tedjm1 Champion Author New York Posts:3,560 Points:393,585 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:17:57 PM Ignore tedjm1 Report Abuse They should be able to go at least 350 miles on a charge. How long will a charge take? Just think about making a vacation trip!
skybiker Champion Author South Carolina Posts:5,496 Points:1,135,915 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:17:50 PM Ignore skybiker Report Abuse The future is Hybrid Diesel or gas and plug in Hybrids(100 MPG) and fuel cell electrics that can fuel at any gas station. Ethanol is a waste of time and money. Better to convert coal to liquid as a new process can do it for about $20 a bbl.....enough fuel for 500+ years
PaylessKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:6,130 Points:1,127,150 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:16:28 PM Ignore PaylessKY Report Abuse Electric car are not suitable for long distance travel.
Lizzylou Champion Author Stockton Posts:7,045 Points:2,004,050 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:16:19 PM Ignore Lizzylou Report Abuse They really need to be made to go farther than 40 miles on one power surge!
Blue_Cruzer Champion Author Lexington Posts:5,172 Points:1,206,625 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:14:14 PM Ignore Blue_Cruzer Report Abuse Time will tell.
rxman1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:7,025 Points:1,401,170 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:14:10 PM Ignore rxman1 Report Abuse I would need an awfully long cord.
Buddy2264 Champion Author Tampa Posts:9,279 Points:1,897,440 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:08:51 PM Ignore Buddy2264 Report Abuse It depends how well we improve the grid and can charge the cars and what they will be as an alternative in the future. For me I think the plug in hybrid is the way to go for now. Conservation keeps your money in your pocket.
rollma2 Champion Author Montreal Posts:1,181 Points:261,125 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:06:50 PM Ignore rollma2 Report Abuse not for me
Toppers Champion Author Atlanta Posts:6,678 Points:2,009,700 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 10:03:13 PM Ignore Toppers Report Abuse Do hope they find their niche...
onegiraffeAL All-Star Author Alabama Posts:719 Points:250,700 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:57:17 PM Ignore onegiraffeAL Report Abuse The general public will determine how successful electric cars will be.
NHLiveFree Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:7,250 Points:1,174,285 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:55:11 PM Ignore NHLiveFree Report Abuse There is definitely a place for electric cars, trucks and delivery vans in the total mix. It may be wrong for you, but who cares. It will fit the bill for many in urban areas with short commutes.
Bussman Champion Author Dallas Posts:3,876 Points:994,565 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:52:42 PM Ignore Bussman Report Abuse This technology is coming our way whether we like it or not.
BlackHorse Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,454 Points:618,785 Joined:Dec 2002	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:51:56 PM Ignore BlackHorse Report Abuse and one other reason for Isrial to go electric is less gas stations for terrorest to get fuel for molitov cocktails.
dbatw Champion Author St. Louis Posts:1,686 Points:341,165 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:42:12 PM Ignore dbatw Report Abuse I really don't care what Forbes tells its investor readers to do or not to do; I intend to buy a Leaf as soon as available.
Kamakani Champion Author Hawaii Posts:2,391 Points:956,755 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:37:52 PM Ignore Kamakani Report Abuse jrsva I had no idea they were made that far back but I have an electric pole saw that I trim all my trees with and it works really well.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:7,164 Points:1,149,250 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:35:58 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse KK - I used an electric chain saw in 1954, so they aren't really new, just not very popular.
CrazyQ Champion Author Washington Posts:21,170 Points:2,607,285 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:33:52 PM Ignore CrazyQ Report Abuse Already we are behind in building new electric power plants (govt won't permit new ones). What kind of strain will electric cars put on the power grid?
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,887 Points:1,290,185 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:32:57 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse It's a start but we need a new electric grid nothing else will do
Kamakani Champion Author Hawaii Posts:2,391 Points:956,755 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2010 9:22:04 PM Ignore Kamakani Report Abuse EVs may never take the place of a gas vehicle, but they could work very well for people who have short commutes. My wife drives 15 miles to work each day and spends $200 per month on gas. I am sure she could save by plugging and EV in each night. Chain saws used to be only gas driven, but now they have some electric ones that work quite well for small cutting jobs. They didn't replace the gas ones but are very convenient. I see EVs as the same.