PTCruiserStudent looking for your thoughts on electric PT Cruisers

[PTCruiserStudent]

Hello,

I'm producing a project for school (the Presidio School of Management) researching the feasibility of bringing a 'converted-to-electricity' car to the market for my economics class.

I'm focusing on a company based in Pasadena, CA, that is specifically converting PT Cruisers to electricity. They chose this car because, for the most part, the design hasn't changed in years and is aesthetically pleasing.

The company would remove the internal combustible engine and replace it with rechargeable battery packs that will give the car a 60 mile charge. With improved battery technology (in the future), the car will get more than 60 miles per charge.

I'm wondering -

* Would you PT Cruiser enthusiasts purchase a PT Cruiser that operates on rechargeable batteries?
* If so, why?
* What would hold you back from purchasing a battery-operated PT Cruiser?
* What do you see as the substitutes for this type of product?

Thanks,
Nikki
PTCruiserStudent

[dev]

One of many things to look at is the weight and wind resistance of the PT.
You could still make it work, but once you add the battery weight, you might find the performance reduced.

[FloweryBranchCruiser]

PT Cruiser = retro
Battery power = NOT

That being said, I could be swayed.

[fritz_t_coyote]

battery power = limited range, slow 'refueling'.

I own ONE car, which has to serve both for short-range runs commuting, shopping, etc. AND for long road trips.

I live in NYC, and finding (on-street) parking for one car is enough of a challenge, I would not want to deal with the hassle of needing a separate parking space for an electric, PLUS have to find an outlet for it.

Just to add to it, my normal commute is Mass Transit, my PT sometimes sits for weeks between road trips. Without 'daily commute' usage the battery powered car has even less value.

[PT_TAZ]

The PT is a very heavy car to work with. With the battery technology we have now I think the efforts would be best put into a smaller lighter car. On the other hand, I would love to see PTs running around and not use fossil fuel when batteries can give you more miles. I could see pulling up to a antique car meet 30 years from now in an electric PT. ;-)

[skylight]

most are concern about the performance after replacing with batteries.
will it also be cost-effective switching to electicity?
what will be the possible disadvantage? such as leaking of electricity?
or slow discharge even if not using the PT?
maintenace cost?

if the performance maintains and cheaper "fuel cost", it is definitely a good try.

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by PT_TAZ

The PT is a very heavy car to work with. With the battery technology we have now I think the efforts would be best put into a smaller lighter car. On the other hand, I would love to see PTs running around and not use fossil fuel when batteries can give you more miles. I could see pulling up to a antique car meet 30 years from now in an electric PT. ;-)

Agree. The PT is heavy already, and batteries are VERY heavy.
It is also non-aerodynamic.
I'd be concerned about the range, life of the batteries.
I'm for the concept - I feel we need to reduce our dependence on oil, hopefully to the point where we wouldn't need to import any.

[eshep29536]

Here is a better one
I just bought an 06 PT Limited. I took it to a Chrysler dealer in Windsor Canada and had it converted to a dual fuel vehicle. I can run on gasoline flip a switch and run on natural gas. The conversion kit is about $1600 and consists of components to convert the throttle body and a pressure vessel that mounts in the trunk. The kit includes an adaptor and lines that attach to your house gas line. I can service my vehicle from home and the charges are included in my home heating bill. In Canada a consumer can go to any Chrysler, Ford or GM dealer and order a new dual fuel vehicle. I have been told that the Oil lobby in the U.S. is preventing the wide spread marketing and sales of new dual fuel vehicles in the U.S. The irony is that the conversion kits are made in the U.S

[ptlvr]

My Father owns a Toyota Prius Hybrid and I think that it is a good economic car,For me I would not buy an electric car,Simply that I drive almost 80miles daily round trip to and from work and using your specs with a 60 mile range it would not work for me.

[fritz_t_coyote]

Originally Posted by eshep29536

Here is a better one
I just bought an 06 PT Limited. I took it to a Chrysler dealer in Windsor Canada and had it converted to a dual fuel vehicle. I can run on gasoline flip a switch and run on natural gas. The conversion kit is about $1600 and consists of components to convert the throttle body and a pressure vessel that mounts in the trunk. The kit includes an adaptor and lines that attach to your house gas line. I can service my vehicle from home and the charges are included in my home heating bill. In Canada a consumer can go to any Chrysler, Ford or GM dealer and order a new dual fuel vehicle. I have been told that the Oil lobby in the U.S. is preventing the wide spread marketing and sales of new dual fuel vehicles in the U.S. The irony is that the conversion kits are made in the U.S

How much trunk space is now filled with the 'alternative-fossil-fuel' tank?