BLORGE
By Susan Wilson
July 29, 2009
Wheego Electric Cars manufactures Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs), also known as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). LSVs and NEVs have a top speed of 20-25 mph and are limited to streets with 35 mph or lower speed limits. While the rest of the country may see the elimination of car dealerships as an unemployment disaster, Wheego sees them as opportunities.
Wheego only makes what it labels as LSVs. The cars are 118.5 inches long, 63.2 inches wide and 62 inches tall. Top speed for the cars is 25 mph using a brushless AC 41 motor with nominal horsepower 10/peak horsepower of 40. These cars have a range of 50 miles and come with heat and air conditioning, power doors and windows, and electric outside mirrors. Color choices for the car are white, black, red, blue, and silver.
The company sees a major opportunity in these economically troubled times. As GM and Chrysler close dealerships, Wheego wants these dealerships for it’s own cars. Wheego considers its cars the perfect product for these dealerships to preserve local employment and keep local economies from falling into further trouble.
All of that sounds great except for a few minor problems. Wheego only has one car model and Wheego cars can’t be driven on roads with speed limits higher than 35 mph. So any main through fares that have speed limits of 45 to 55 mph would be off limits. In many areas, the only way to “get there from here” is on roads that are banned to the little cars.
Then there is the matter of the size. Although the Wheego is slightly larger than the Smart fortwo, 79.74 inches long wheelbase versus 73.5 inches long wheelbase, 63.2 inches wide versus 61.38 inches, and 62 inches high versus 60.71 inches, the Wheego would still be a tight fit for more than two people so this car would not work as a family vehicle for anyone with kids.
Dealerships that used to house a variety of car models from GM or Chrysler, are going to be too big for the little Wheego. Of course you could house the entirety of your car inventory within the building, but that doesn’t necessarily help with sales. GM and Chrysler sold cars to various size families and to meet different needs. Wheegos will only be attractive to certain customers for a specific purpose.
Wheegos are great for inner city commuting back and forth to work and maybe for a small shopping spree or a date. However, for people who want a car that can provide room for kids or adult carpools, day trips out of the city, or large shopping expeditions, this is not the car for them.
Communities that are facing hardships because of dealer closings may be happy to have those dealerships convert to selling Wheegos, but only if they understand the limitations of the car. Otherwise, retrofitting dealership buildings for other uses and retraining employees might be better options.