Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Roadblocks Zap Electric Carmakers' Momentum

Infighting and broken promises mar ambitious companies

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2008 3:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – The more than two dozen startups racing to produce viable electric cars face a bumpy road, the Los Angeles Times reports, as they navigate infighting, skyrocketing costs, and lack of mass-production know-how. Meanwhile, a successful car would face serious competition from several major automakers working on innovations of their own. "There are things that (little players) just can't do," says one analyst.

One company has put out 26 press releases in the past year and failed to make any of three promised models; it also faces lawsuits claiming fraud. Another company, finding that production costs doubled retail price, severed relations with suppliers and engineers, sparking more lawsuits. But the California startups keep aiming high. “There's a lot of talk, but it's still vaporware,” the analyst adds.

A small electric car passes other electric vehicles parked at a rally in support of electric vehicles outside the California Environmental Protection Agency in Sacramento, March 26, 2008.
A small electric car passes other electric vehicles parked at a rally in support of electric vehicles outside the California Environmental Protection Agency in Sacramento, March 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
The Mitsubishi Miev electric car is displayed at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, March 20, 2008. Larger companies like Mitsubishi are also getting into the electric-car business.
The Mitsubishi Miev electric car is displayed at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, March 20, 2008. Larger companies like Mitsubishi are also getting into the electric-car business.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
A police officer looks over a Tesla electric car parked outside the California Environmental Protection Agency where a rally was held in support of electric vehicles in Sacramento, March 26, 2008.
A police officer looks over a Tesla electric car parked outside the California Environmental Protection Agency where a rally was held in support of electric vehicles in Sacramento, March 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
A truck from electric car pioneer ZAP.
A truck from electric car pioneer ZAP.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Volt Could Spark GM Bailout

Norwegian Electric Car Will Cruise US Streets

Electric Car Maker Sues Rival for Stealing Trade Secrets

Motor City Going for Green

Auto-Emission Ruling Boosts States' Rights


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne