Local firm ‘PB Group’ in Lithuania is trying to kickstart the country’s electric car economy, with its own version of a 10-year old petrol-fuelled Renault Twingo. The ‘Electron Twingo’ went on the market in December.
Since a new car in Lithuania costs on average €7,000 and fewer than 5% of the population can afford to buy one, the Lithuanian appetite for 2nd hand cars is established.
‘PB Group’ says its Electron Twingo has a top speed of 100 mph and covers 100 miles on a single charge, for a cost of $2. By 2015 the Lithuanian government plans to have a nationwide re-charging system in place.
A ‘PB Group’ spokesperson said Lithuania hopes to have a share in the electronic car market opening up in South Africa, India and China.
Lithuania covers around 660,000 sq miles and has a population of under 4 million.
Read more…
Lithuanian electric vehicles association http://www.elektromobilis.org/en/about/ and http://uk.reuters.com/video/2012/10/23/lithuanian-firm-takes-charge-of-local-el?videoId=238621695
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When first talks of electric cars came up, the idea sounded like a fascinating green solution for a world wide problem. A few years later and it seems like the electric solution isn’t kicking off as expected.
I really liked PB group’s idea of taking a 2nd hand cars and turning converting them to run on electricity. Their plan sounds really cost effective and with the aid of the government it could lead to a great change and solutions for the people of Lithuania.
I think it’s the export market they’re hoping to hit — in countries where many people also have to buy 2nd hand cars. Thank you for your comment!
I know for a fact that Georgian citizens usually buy second or third hand cars. They could be a great potential market…
I agree – but maybe Lithuania hopes to hit the BRIC market, rather than the ex-USSR?
Makes sense, as they make a much larger potential market…