Quote:
Originally Posted by JMintzer
So, you want people who are struggling to purchase a 2nd car for work or errands?
And the VW Beetle was a limo compared to the Atomic...  |
No, I didn't say that. Many poor do not have a car at all, it would be a first. A car, even an Atomic would open a lot of job opportunities. In no way am I suggesting that it would be a solution for everyone, or even most. We really need to stop looking for a silver bullet and work on use case solutions optimized for each user.
An example of being POOR, I was homeless for a while back in the late 90's. I eventually managed to find work, it was NOT easy without a car, or a way to travel to the interview or the job. The job I eventually found was on the opposite side of Denver from where we were able to afford a motel room (once I had a job), so I used the bus system to get around. It took my 2 hours each day to get to work and get home. I was lucky. I was a software engineer, and the job I fairly found paid well enough that in a couple months I could afford an apartment, and a used clunker which reduced my travel time to 20 minutes each way. People working 2 or 3 jobs a day have almost NO time for anything else, including their children. (which is the subject of another thread and one reason for such negative education outcomes.)
So, I know first hand how even a crappy car, that is inexpensive to buy and operate can go a long way in helping the poor.
The VW cost more to operate than the Atomic (or some other cheap EV). It did not have AC, it had a habit of changing lanes when a large truck passed to close. It was NOT a limo by any stretch. And, to your earlier post (someplace) a family of 5 would have had problems with a VW Beetle. And yet back in 1972 was proclaimed the highest selling car in history, with a record 15 million copies sold. So, at least some people liked they idea of a basic bare bones inexpensive means of transportation.
I loved my Bottle, but I would never want another one. On the other hand, my wife and I have been considering some form of EV since MOST of our driving is within 15 miles or so, one way. Currently the Tesla is in the running for the potential of FSD. But, Atomic is a leading option since it is so cheap, we could get one, and sell it later when I get the Tesla and not be out very much. Atomic's are cheaper than some Golf Carts sold here in TV. And it does have AC, Power windows. radio, etc.