[paxys]

I have always thought that we need to make a better distinction between neighborhood vs city vs highway vehicles. A cheap compact <30 mph car that I can use for grocery runs and other quick errands around town would be fantastic, but there's zero market for something like it (Smart sadly fizzled out), mainly because of the onerous manufacturing and certification requirements mentioned in the article.

[ghaff]

>there's zero market for something like it (Smart sadly fizzled out), mainly because of the onerous manufacturing and certification requirements mentioned in the article.

Well, and most people don't want a specialized vehicle they can only use on certain roads for certain purposes but which take a spot on their property, need to be maintained at some level, etc. Maybe have some costs for registration, licensing, etc.

If you have an actual farm you may have a tractor, etc. but most people don't want a vehicle they can only use for limited purposes. And, as soon as you're on public roads, things like insurance come into play as well.

[tantalor]

> specialized vehicle they can only use on certain roads for certain purposes

You just described a bicycle, which are pretty popular last I checked

[ghaff]

There's a huge difference between storing a bicycle and storing what's basically another car.

[tantalor]

On the other hand, a golf-cart sized vehicles can fit into tiny garages with room to spare, and could eliminate need for several bicycles.

I bet you could fit 2 small NEV into same space needed for 1 minivan or full size pickup/SUV.