Although he spent 14 paragraphs fleshing out all the ways that lightning-fast (25 mph) $19,000 retail-priced Wheego Whip LSV is "a tough sell" to readers in the nation's capital region, Washington Post auto columnist Warren Brown concluded his November 1 review by hailing the electric car as a ride "meant for visionaries."
That's right, although the Wheego is a puny two-seater that gets an average 40 miles per full charge, and its range could be "negatively affected by" things like uphill driving, listening to the radio, and cold weather, the Wheego is really important as a multi-thousand dollar way of telling the world you're forward-thinking:
The Wheego Whip LSV has all of the appearance, pricing (with a base manufacturer's suggested retail price of $18,995), and much of the function of a real automobile. But it is not a car meant for the mass market.
Instead, it is an automobile meant for visionaries, for people who can see beyond gasoline because they are keenly aware that gasoline, like the oil from which it comes, is not forever. It is a car for committed geeks, people who know that all-electric vehicles eventually will occupy a significant place among personal-transportation products and who are willing to accept short-term sacrifices and other trade-offs in support of that development.
"Committed geeks" who "accept short-term sacrifices... in support" of the development of an electric car industry, all at the miserly sum of $19,000?
Where I come from, that's not a visionary. That's a sucker.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
→ The Wheego Whip?
November 1, 2009 - 19:09 ET by Cool ArrowYou're making this stuff up, aren't you?
Nope, I see you're not.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
A VW Taureg, a Prius and a
November 1, 2009 - 19:28 ET by danboA VW Taureg, a Prius and a Tesia get into a fight.
Guess who comes out on top. From
Though I'd like to get a golf cart to go around the community; a car with a 40 mile range is crazy. What's it's range if you drive at night and have to have the defrosters on?
"You lie!" Rep. Joe Wilson R-(SC)
Visionary or Imaginery?
November 1, 2009 - 20:40 ET by ptsonIf you buy one of these you better be a visionary AND have a good imagination because you won't be driving far enough to actually see anything new in your travels. Coming soon to a GM (Government Motors) near you. They are a bit pricy, so I hope we arn't forced to buy them under threat of IRS penelty, like health insurance.
...and it looks like this!
November 2, 2009 - 06:08 ET by heldmywhttp://www.carbuyers...
And comes with a $10 tax credit according to the article!
I'd opt for the optional
November 2, 2009 - 09:17 ET by Lancasters Saved UsI'd opt for the optional ball washer on mine.
Charge times are 36 hours.... Opps skipped over info tid bit.
November 1, 2009 - 19:22 ET by upcountrywaterWhere are the power plants that are being built to power up these energy hogs?
Now or NEVER!
How many sheets of plywood can you place on the roof?
Or how many cans/bottles can fit in the back, to take to the re-cycler?
State controlled health care ! music video.
Is there enough interior room ...
November 1, 2009 - 20:03 ET by CO2Makerto fog up the windows with a friend? I can't see that happening. "Don't come a knockin' if you see the Wheego a-rockin'"? Nah.
And, oh by the way: no air bags or side-impact collision protection.
Also, "It is a car for committed geeks, people who know that all-electric vehicles eventually will occupy a significant place among personal-transportation products and who are willing to accept short-term sacrifices and other trade-offs in support of that development." Among those sacrifices will be: the esteem of any other driver, including drivers of 1985 Civics, old Pintos, and Chevy Vegas. Also, the ability to breathe after an Escalade hits you because the driver lost control from laughing so hard.
Wheego
November 1, 2009 - 19:23 ET by irishguyI noticed he left "deathtrap" out of his review.
I am sure it is 'visionary'
November 1, 2009 - 19:24 ET by ahusserwhen you get hit by a large vehicle going much faster.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
25mph?
November 1, 2009 - 19:54 ET by SpaceManSpiffI took a look at the specs, and I can't figure out if the top speed is 25, or 35 mph. The speedo tops out at 40 mph, and the CARB certified range is 55 miles. 55 miles at what speed and under what circumstances? I'm not sure this thing would be allowed to play with larger vehicles. It's certainly not interstate, or even highway worthy.
What a terrible joke. Only eco-loons will buy this thing.
Spiff,
November 1, 2009 - 20:00 ET by R D HelmThink of it as a long-overdue cleansing of the gene pool. :-)
-Dave
Our elected representatives have failed us.
That's my main arguement
November 1, 2009 - 21:06 ET by SpaceManSpiffThat's my main arguement against most 'safety' features.
As far as this WaPo writer
November 1, 2009 - 20:47 ET by lnthompAs far as this WaPo writer is concerned, the people we think of as eco-loons ARE the visionaries.
Lee T / USN(ret) / Oregon City, OR
Be careful -- the U.S. Department of Homeland Security thinks I'm [i][b]dangerous[/b][/i] because
1. I'm a U.S. military veteran.
2. I'm not in favor of the government spending money it doesn't have.
3. I believe free speech is not just for those who agree with the President (regardless of who is President).
it reminds me of South Park
November 2, 2009 - 04:22 ET by surfergirl54We all know that Prius owners are so proud of themselves that they like to bend over and.... well if you saw that episode on South Park you are probably splitting your sides laughing.
There is no way that something like this should be allowed on any road. Going so slow means that it would be a road hazard. On top of that the people who panic now when others stick to the road speed are more than likely to get really, really angry... and this situation will lead to more and more accidents, especially head on collisions.
I see this kind of vehicle being very, very bad....
This crap about being a car for visionaries is just enough to make me want to puke. .
The only time one of these
November 2, 2009 - 04:34 ET by kangarooThe only time one of these toys are going to go 55mph is when it is behind the tow truck being taken to the nearerst electrical outlet.
Or stuck like a bug on the
November 2, 2009 - 18:34 ET by Dan DiegoOr stuck like a bug on the grill of an evil SUV.
A QUESTION...
November 1, 2009 - 19:44 ET by danybhoyWould a moped be a better option? I'm not kidding.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
Expensive but dual use
November 1, 2009 - 20:43 ET by ptsonThe cost is high but then you are getting both a "car" (golf cart with a windshield?) and a well, a coffin at no extra charge.
Add the day of charge tijme and it is a waste. No, it is stupid
November 1, 2009 - 19:25 ET by sevenThe carbon debt in building that car is equal to the fuel to run a pickup for 80,000 miles.
Electric Yugo
November 2, 2009 - 07:32 ET by Sergeant ROCKAh! Isn't that interesting?
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Holy Toledo
November 1, 2009 - 19:27 ET by jdlybrandWhy in the world would anyone pay that price for a 'Tonka Toy' when you can get $4500.00 from the gubenment for a golf cart? These people are beyond stupid!
"What a revoltin' development this is!"
Chester Riley
I'd venture Warren Brown...
November 1, 2009 - 19:39 ET by Bingobest hone up on his visionary hitchhiking technique.
Claudette Colbert he is not.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Cars?
November 1, 2009 - 19:43 ET by Jack BauerI've got a better name for this dog on wheels. The...
Jack,
November 1, 2009 - 20:03 ET by R D HelmHere in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, you would get run over in that thing if you ventured out of your subdivision.
LOL-Hell, come to think of it, given the way some of my neighbors drive inside the subdivision, you might not even make it to the main entrance.
-Dave
Our elected representatives have failed us.
RD -- bumper sticker
November 1, 2009 - 20:05 ET by Jack BauerRD -- bumper sticker suggestion...
Jack,
November 1, 2009 - 20:17 ET by R D HelmThat would be perfect. Too bad I don't have the Panzer anymore. It was a 1981 European model Mercedes 280se, the S-Class 4-door. That thing weighed 5,000 lbs sitting dead empty.
LOL-If I were driving that beast and were to run over one of those things, I doubt I would even notice it.
I miss that car, but I don't miss putting gas in it.
-Dave
Our elected representatives have failed us.
Right on brother.
November 1, 2009 - 20:01 ET by JWF...for people who can see beyond gasoline because they are keenly aware that gasoline, like the oil from which it comes, is not forever.
Yep, it is for chumps too stupid to realize the electricity that fuels the Chumpo comes from the same fossil fuels that fuel the gasoline powered people movers. And that fossil fuel comes from other countries because these same chumps refuse to allow us to build nuclear power plants or displace some frogfart rodent to drill here in the U.S.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Given this nation's currently impaired electrical production...
November 1, 2009 - 20:10 ET by R D Helm...capacity (thank you, enviro-Nazis), I wonder just how many electric cars could be plugged in all across America before power grids start blowing out all over.
I bet it isn't very many.
This is the low-flow toilet fiasco on wheels.
-Dave
Our elected representatives have failed us.
This car is an insult to
November 1, 2009 - 20:09 ET by ThatDudeThis car is an insult to golf carts. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if many golf carts get more mileage off of one charge while taking significantly less time to charge up. The cheap, old electric carts we used when I used to work at a golf course could be used for at least 3 rounds, meaning about 15 miles per charge. This is a low end estimate, however, because I only had to tow in one of them once or twice since they hadn't been charged for a few days and the use wasn't well monitored.
Once again, the proponents of electric cars seem to miss that they need to be recharged by existing power sources available at home. As ridiculous and limited as the capabilities of solar cars are, at least they can run with some perpetuity. Otherwise, a vast majority of these electric cars are relying on a less efficient transmittance of energy from the burning of fossil fuels. They should be focusing on more efficient means of producing energy through alternative means before pushing such pointless things as these electric cars. Hybrids at least make some sense, because they aren't reliant upon the battery capacity and the house's electricity.
So, they want full electric cars? Why don't they include nuclear energy heavily in the alternatives? Otherwise these "electric" cars burn fossil fuels indirectly.
Ever noticed how they
November 1, 2009 - 20:16 ET by Jack BauerEver noticed how they choose really insipid, dumb girly names for those wind-up cars. Prius, Wheego, Volt... sounds like a firm of doctor sueing lawyers.
They should have more manly names, whilst keeping an aggressive "elctrical" feel.
THE THOR.
LIGHTENING.
ENFORCER.
→ The TESLA
November 1, 2009 - 20:24 ET by Cool ArrowI've got to admit the TESLA would make one awesome looking carbon burner.
Of course, that would totally negate the name, except he was a man who came to America to fulfill his dreams, only to run smack into the Edison Juggernaut.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Shockster, mega volt..Plug them in and bring down the grid.
November 2, 2009 - 08:53 ET by upcountrywaterDon't you like the solar charging stations at golf courses for the golf carts... When the sun is shining all the carts are out on the course.
I just noticed some new golf cart like units plying the Hawaii airports with solar panels on the roof... Where do they park? In the SHADE..
State controlled health care ! music video.
→ Plug-ins
November 2, 2009 - 18:40 ET by Cool ArrowYeah, that's a great idea.
Get home, plug in the car, set the AC on high in the house, turn on the electric range to fix dinner . . . of course all the lights are those curly mercury types.
Brilliant!
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Or
November 2, 2009 - 10:51 ET by Willis_Leon_JohnsonTHE BATTERY RAM
http://gjresult.com
Clown Car
November 1, 2009 - 20:30 ET by Dan DiegoRingling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus has ordered 20/EA.
Son: "Dad,there's something
November 1, 2009 - 20:34 ET by the strugglerSon: "Dad,there's something stuck between the back tires."
Dad: "That's a 'visionary',son.We'll pry it out later."
→ But dad?
November 1, 2009 - 20:36 ET by Cool ArrowA visionary would've seen you coming, wouldn't he?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Now that's a car I will happily
November 2, 2009 - 10:52 ET by Willis_Leon_Johnsonrecommend to the skiers in the denver area to drive back and forth to Vail ski areas in!
Two mountains, Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass, then a quick charge to turn around and go home.
It's ALL uphill BOTH WAYS, at least it seems like it, and running a heater would kill the batteries....
Oh Yeah! I'll recommend it.
http://gjresult.com
Sorry to be scatalogical...
November 1, 2009 - 21:18 ET by mac91350but Wheego sounds like a euphamism for the trough urinal in the men's rooms at Dodger Stadium.
I thought all forms of
November 1, 2009 - 21:29 ET by MidAmericaI thought all forms of assisted suicide were illegal.
I like this one better.
November 1, 2009 - 21:38 ET by Dan The Man 2I like this one better.
I like this one
November 1, 2009 - 23:57 ET by Patrick MichaelPerfect!!!
Stay Free!!!
Get all Whee Whee'd up
November 1, 2009 - 22:03 ET by JerryGet all Whee Whee'd up..
MmmMmmMmm....
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
Perfect...
November 1, 2009 - 22:06 ET by bigtimerDing! Ding! Ding!
We have a winner!
I love that...still laughing.
Thanks Jerry...you made my evening. ;-)
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
A short sighted
November 1, 2009 - 23:51 ET by Jack Hermanvisionary maybe.
Fond school memories
November 1, 2009 - 23:56 ET by Patrick MichaelHow many of us would have been beaten up in high school if we had of driven a Weego??
Stay Free!!!
the quintessential 'clown car'...
November 2, 2009 - 00:54 ET by traderjamesOh, and by the way, exactly how do you propose to produce all this new electricity? FOSSIL FUELS !! YAY !
Visionaries?
November 2, 2009 - 01:33 ET by big.league.sliderI'd guess that you might need at least some limited powers of prophesy in order to be sure that your "40 mile range" will get you all the way back home. That 40 mile range is more like a 20 mile range during a subzero northeastern or midwest winter drive, and that's if you don't use the heater. So that's 10 miles each way, if you're lucky.
And forget about using the A/C on a 95 degree/90 percent humidity summer commute in the southeast, if you want to go more than about 8 or 9 miles each way.
Plus, of course, all of those miles must be traveled at about 40 mph. Scooting along at highway speeds of 65 mph with a full load would likely only get you a couple miles down the interstate. And you could only make one trip a day, since it would take the better part of a day to recharge the batteries.
Finally, here's the truly ironic part: Since about 60% of this country's electricity is generated by burning coal, the Wheego Whip LSV in reality is nothing more than a "coal-powered vehicle". Kinda like an old steam locomotive if you think about it......
"The problem with political jokes is they get elected." -Henry Cate VII (?)
Some Choice!
November 2, 2009 - 05:53 ET by packmanHmm...was that Wheego or Yugo?
Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread... ~Thomas Jefferson
Is this an electric bicycle...
November 2, 2009 - 07:37 ET by Red Jeep...built for 2 with a roof? Where do you put the groceries? How much coal do you have to burn to make the electricity to propel this thing 40 miles?
Perfect for Liberals
November 2, 2009 - 07:59 ET by another_old_veteranLiberals could get way more than 40 miles on a charge since where they are going is all downhill.
Conservatives outnumber Liberals 2 to 1 per Gallup
ROFL
November 2, 2009 - 10:12 ET by jeffinsacDoes he work for Wheego or how much did they pay him to write this rediculous article? :-)
November 2, 2009 - 10:15 ET by jessieHGreat. All polititians must use one of these "throw-away" vehicles. Let's see how much they like them, first. It's easyier to make alcohol to run your own, than to use one of these matchstick cars.
Interesting fact
November 2, 2009 - 10:19 ET by jeffinsacI went to their website and found this news.
http://wheego.net/mo...
So if it cost $19,000, Oklahoma State is giving you $9,500 and the Federal government $7,500 or a total of $17,000 of the cost, which means you will end up only having to pay $2,000 to buy one.
I wonder how many more states have programs like this and are buying these cars at taxpayer expense.