The future of travel: An EV for work, a sports car for weekend jaunts
Owners of cars rarely travel long distances every day. Keeping this in mind, why do consumers go for the flashy sports car which is able to reach top speeds and distances, while only using it as a commuter?
We buy cars based on our desires and the needs we imagine in the future. Weekend trips and reliable transport to get to work in the morning are two main factors when buying a new model -- so can automakers tap into these separate requirements to entice consumers to buy an electric vehicle (EV), while removing the worry of "range anxiety" for weekend jaunts?
Consumers buy 400+ range cars when they generally only need a 50 mile runaround. Drivers often want the flashy option, but automakers want you to go for the arguably more eco-friendly and often economical electric car.
So what can be done to cater for both wishes?
If you buy the new BMW i3, you are able to bundle it with access to a car "like the full-sized X5 SUV for several weeks a year." In other words, you can drop your weekday electric vehicle in for a check up, while driving off in an SUV for the long trip without range anxiety and to enjoy a car with higher speeds, longer range and more space.
Perhaps BMW's idea will prove to be a catalyst in the next phase of the automotive industry. Smaller, economical cars could become the daily go-to -- whereas subscription services could give drivers the option to pick up an SUV for special occasions or when the need for speed takes hold.
Via: The Atlantic
Image credit: BMW
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This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com