With rising gas prices, the recent heightening of environmental awareness, and a useful long-term investment leading to potentially huge savings overtime, the electric car is almost a necessity for our future. Check out the following article from the people at the forefront of Electric Cars.

Article By Myron Kukla | The Grand Rapids Press

Plug-in electric cars will become popular when gas prices hit $5 a gallon — probably in 2017.

That was the projection of Smart Transportation analyst Dave Hurst of Pike Research, speaking as part of the Lakeshore Advantage Michigan Smart Coast series on advanced energy storage.

“The reason you don’t see a lot of plug-ins right now is because there’s not a lot of them available. In Michigan, you can only buy the Volt,” said Hurst, addressing about 250 area business executives from a cross section of local industry at the Doubletree Conference Center in Holland.

He said consumers also are waiting on battery range increases and price drops on personal electric vehicles before considering purchases.

The buildup to 1 million plug-in vehicles on the road likely will occur in 2016, Hurst said. In the meantime, lithium ion battery manufacturers such as the Holland-based LG Chem battery plant and Johnson Controls battery division are going to have excess capacity for about five years.

“I’d advise them to focus on the world market and sell their batteries for what ever applications are out there for use as power supplies to storage until the domestic market catches up,” said Hurst noting the U.S. plug-in battery market should reach about $3.2 billion 2017 and $14.6 billion worldwide.

Randy Thelen, president of Lakeshore Advantage economic development agency in Zeeland, said the impact of two major battery producers in Holland already has had a positive economic impact on the area.

“A total of 16 suppliers for the battery companies have moved into the local market and are quietly opening operations from 10,000 to 20,000 square-feet,” Thelen said.

And those companies are hiring new workers.

Hurst said research shows that the optimal price point for plug-in vehicles will be at $23,750, according to consumer surveys. Another key sales point for consumers will be 100-mile charge-range vehicles, although most commuting is done within 40 miles with average round trips coming in at 22.2 miles.

“All of the (plug-ins) have gas engines, so the charge range is really more a psychological factor,” he said.

What might be the engine that really kick starts the plug-in industry is fleet truck purchases by companies.

“The recovery cost on electric trucks should be two to six years. They should have an annual fuel cost of $960 compared to the cost of a gas hybrid of $7,000 a year,” Hurst said.

Bruce Wickmann, president of West Shore Aviation Management at the West Michigan Regional Airport in Holland, bought his 2012 Chevy Volt plug-in last fall and believes it’s the future of cars.

”In 1,500 miles, I’ve used three gallons of fuel. I’m averaging 500 to 700 miles to the gallon,” said Wickmann, who only had to use the gas engine on a few trips to Grand Rapids.

He estimates his Volt gets 40 to 45 miles on a charge in warm weather and 30 to 32 miles per charge in winter.

”Even with the government rebate of $7,500, it’s not going to be cost-efficient for a few years,” he said.

”But I believe we’ve got to start making the change and people need to get on board with electric vehicles.”

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21 New Bern St.
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-794-1390
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No matter how old you are, buying your first car can be nerve-racking and stressful. It’s a new concept and there are some things that are helpful to know going into the experience. Even if you’re dealing with a nice car salesman who isn’t pushy (most likely not the case) it’s helpful to have a heads up. Check out the information from the Department of Motor Vehicles about purchasing your first car.

Start at the Beginning

The beginning is not the point at which you start looking at cars. The beginning is the point at which you start doing some research. Before you begin searching for the perfect first car, you should first ask yourself several important questions:

o “How much money can I spend on a car?” This includes the price of the car, the price of making it legal, i.e., titling and registering, and the cost of insurance coverage. Don’t spend every penny you have saved for the car, and don’t purchase a car you can’t afford to maintain.
o “What kind of car is best suited for my needs?” Your needs could include anything from how many passengers you expect to carry to how often and how far you’ll be driving the car. For example, you’ll want something that gets good gas mileage if your everyday commute to work or school is a long one.
o “Should I buy a new or used car?” Most of us want our first cars to be brand new; however, your budget and other personal needs are going to have the final say as to whether your car is new or used.

Once you’ve confidently answered these questions, you can start thinking of the exact models and makes of cars you’re interested in. Do some research on these vehicles, such as reading up on their safety ratings, as well as the rate of theft for those particular vehicles.

During the Search

It’s time to head out and begin looking for your first car. You’re probably going to visit several dealerships; many people feel more comfortable doing business with a licensed dealer. Try checking out the dealership ads in your local paper for special sales that may be going on.

It’s true that doing business with a licensed dealer gives you a bit more assurance due to your rights under the Lemon Laws. But, you shouldn’t rule out a private sale from an individual; some very good deals can be found by purchasing a used vehicle from someone who has properly maintained the vehicle and is just looking to sell it. Check your local newspaper and trade journal for people advertising to sell their cars.

If you find a used car you like, consider requesting a vehicle history report for it and find out if the vehicle is salvaged, has been in an accident, or has had odometer changes.

Regardless of the route you choose, try to take someone along who’s been through the buying and selling process before. Prices are usually negotiable, so you’ll want someone who knows the ropes to accompany you. And, if your Uncle Billy just happens to be a mechanic―well, he should be your first choice. It’s always wise to take a test drive and a peek under the hood before committing to a purchase―especially if you’re buying a used vehicle, or from a private seller.

The Paperwork

Yes, the paperwork is so important that it deserves its own section. Whether you’re buying your first car from a dealership or a private seller, once you’ve selected a car you’re going to have some paperwork to complete.

It’s usually less stressful to deal with paperwork when you purchase your car from a dealership―dealers are trained to handle it all. However, that doesn’t mean your only role is to sign on the dotted line. When you drive off the lot in your first car, you should understand everything from the warranty to the title. Make sure the dealer reads the paperwork with you, and don’t be embarrassed to ask questions.

If you’re buying your first car from a private seller, the paperwork is up to you and the seller. The most important part of the transaction is usually the Bill of Sale, which documents the sale of the vehicle. A proper Bill of Sale will include thorough contact information, vehicle information, and the selling price. Many states require Bills of Sale to be notarized.

Most individuals sell their vehicles “as is,” meaning you’re agreeing to purchase the vehicle in the condition it’s in. In other words, once you pay for it, it’s yours. If, however, you’re buying from a seller who wants to offer you some sort of guarantee, make sure to get it in writing and notarized.
If you’re confused about how to handle paperwork during the buying and selling process between individuals, contact the agency in your area that handles motor vehicle-related transactions.

Congratulations!

You’ve just bought your first car! If you purchased the car from a private seller, you’ll need to take a few more steps. Take all of your paperwork to your DMV to handle the titling and registration process.
However, if you purchased it from a dealership, all of the paperwork has been handled for you, and you’ll probably need to make few, if any, trips to the DMV. You’ll be given a temporary license plate to use until your permanent one arrives.

To read this article from the DMV website, click here