Production First, Perfection Second - India Vs. United States: Green Vehicles Articles: Eco20/20

Production First, Perfection Second - India Vs. United States

Ezra Drissman

In my research into the new wave of electric cars, energy production and things of that nature, India always seems to have their hand in the cookie jar. Reva has the cars and Tata has energy. One thing that stands out with the model that they have taken is production. While many can argue there are less controls and lower wages(and there is some validity to that) others can claim ingenuity.

When Henry Ford started to mass produce cars it was a novelty. Not because of the moving assembly line, but because everyone could get a crude, workable car. Reva car company may have found that model. While GM still struggles with the volt, Reva already is starting to mass produce basic and inexpensive vehicles. The cars are around ten thousand pounds.

While being a big fan of Detroit, since, I live there. The big three needs to go back to their roots. Perfection of the electric car will not come immediately. Maybe Ford can re-buy Think. It saddens that the companies that once were known for ingenuity lost their way. Gas continues to rise and gives way to a niche that can explode. People are willing to forgo 250 mile tanks for a 40 mile electric battery. The "hassle" of plugging it in is not that bad. Didn't cars used to be crank? People dealt with the hassle for the convenience, money and time the car saved.

Electric cars are convenience that come along with a hassle. A plug in battery and not many miles per gallon. Mass production will lead to perfection. The electric car will continue to take over the world market, as the U.S. looks to shut down its borders to trade. Imagine a free trade deal with India. I hope that companies can work together in order that both countries can offer what the other cannot.