Ford, Chrysler and General Motors are trying to convince California that its electric vehicle mandate is headed down a dead-end street and should be repealed.
Representatives of the nation's Big Three automakers claim Californians won't buy the cars in any significant numbers because of high prices and low driving range.But electric vehicle proponents said the automakers' Capitol news conference was another example of the industry's persistent opposition to environmental and safety advances.
"This is the same crowd that fought the introduction of seat belts, air bags, safe bumpers and catalytic converters," said Sen. Tom Hayden, D-Santa Monica. "They lost those fights, and lives were saved."
Supporters distributed copies of a University of California study that concluded that the likely market for electric vehicles is far greater than the initial level set by the state Air Resources Board.
They also distributed copies of an American Automobile Manufacturers Association memo outlining a public-relations campaign to soften public support for the vehicles so the mandate could be reversed.
Starting in 1998, state regulations will require that electric vehicles make up 2 percent of the new cars and light trucks marketed in California by major auto manufacturers.
The requirement will climb to 5 percent in the year 2001 and 10 percent in 2003. In 2003, the standard will be extended to smaller manufacturers.
The automakers held their news conference on the day before the ARB was scheduled to hold a public forum in Southern California on the marketability of electric vehicles.
Information gathered at the forum will be used by the ARB when it re-evaluates the zero-emission vehicle requirements early next year, a spokesman said.
Auto company representatives said consumer interest will be low once buyers understand the costs involved and the low range of electric vehicles that will be put on the market initially.
"This is not a case of foot-dragging or nay-saying," said William Glaub, Chrysler Corp. general sales manager for U.S. automotive sales. "The technology is simply not ready for the market yet."
Mike McCabe, electric vehicle marketing manager for Ford Motor Co., said auto buyers want a range of 100 to 125 miles between battery recharges. But the Ranger electric vehicle Ford will offer for sale for 1998 will have only about a 50-mile range and will cost about $30,000.
He said buyers will also face costs of $4,000 to $5,000 to replace batteries every two years.
"This vehicle is not for everyone," he said. "We target this vehicle at selective fleets."
The automakers contended they would continue to develop lower-cost, higher-range electric vehicles, but argued that they should not be held to a deadline.
Electric utility representatives said they were interested in developing recharging facilities for electric vehicle drivers.
"We would love to work with them," said Tommy Ross, manager of governmental affairs for Southern California Edison Co., referring to the auto companies. "That would make the range issue moot."