What Crisis? Electric Car Demand Outstrips Supply

Just last year, the market for electric cars in the U.S. seemed to be experiencing a crisis. But a 'recent spate of cheap lease deals' have customers clamoring for vehicles and dealers turning them away, report Jerry Hirsch and Brian Thevenot.

June 7, 2013, 5am PDT | Jonathan Nettler | @nettsj

Last year, John Broder wrote in an opinion piece for The New York Times that, "The state of the electric car is dismal..." Things seemed to have changed.

"Until recently, most consumers have rejected the cars at sticker prices that can be double those of gas-powered rivals, before $10,000 in state and federal incentives. But a lease-price war appears to have brought electric cars to a tipping point, engaging average consumers who shop on price in addition to eco-conscious buyers looking to make a statement," say Hirsch and Thevenot.

"Three electric-blue Fits sat gathering dust for about three months at Honda of Santa Monica — until Saturday morning, when customers snapped them up and competed to get on a waiting list."

"It's incredible, especially since we haven't had any foot traffic or interest in the car in six months," said Jeff Fletcher, sales manager at Honda of Santa Monica. "I'm not even sure we'll have enough cars for the people on the waiting list."

Full Story:

Strong demand for electric vehicles leaves supplies short

Published on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 in Los Angeles Times