Tesla CEO Not a Fan of Plug-in Hybrids, Specifically: the Chevy Volt

Dr. Lyle Dennis of GM-Volt.com reported today that Tesla Motors’ CEO Elon Musk is not a fan of the plug-in hybrid concept—specifically the Chevy Volt—saying that it is “neither fish nor fowl and ends up being worse. . .than either a gasoline or pure electric vehicle.”

Just last week, Tesla officially announced their Model S 4-door electric sedan. The Model S has a range of about 300 miles and costs roughly $49,000 after Federal Tax Credits.

• » See also: Is the Renault-Nissan Alliance Going in Two Different Electric Car Directions?
• » Get Gas 2.0 by RSS or sign up by email.

In comparison, the Chevy Volt has an estimated total range of about 400 miles—the first 40 miles on battery power and another 360 miles on a full tank (6-7 gallons) of gasoline/E85. The goal price for the Volt is less than $30,000 but initial models could be closer to $40,000.

So which car will consumers actually buy? 

Price and convenience will ultimately decide. While the allure of electric cars is strong—we think—the Volt is not as much of a departure from tradition:  in a pinch, you can still you still stop at any gas station and fill it up. More simply, it seems that a sub-$30K option is going to be more attractive for the general public. 

You can read the rest of Dr. Lyle’s analysis at GM-Volt.com.

More: Is the Tesla Model S Really For the Rest of Us?

Tweet This Post