Building a concept vehicle is hard; building thousands is nearly impossible
I dont want to be cynical.
That scenario would be great.
More companies mean more competition, which means better selection for consumers.
Viaframe / Getty Images
Sadly, though, reality has a way of making sure Im suspicious of anything new.
And you should be, too.
The owner has game show host teeth and the bravado that puts potential customers at ease.
Bollinger Motors
What could go wrong?
Reality has a way of making sure Im suspicious of anything new.
And you should be, too.
Rivian
Except Im here to tell you, dont.
The most famous is Tesla.
Currently, Rivian and Lucid are actually building and delivering EVs to clients.
In 2017, Rivian and Bollinger both revealed their electric trucks to the world.
Rivian is delivering its vehicle.
Fortunately, according to the company, those that put down deposits will receive a refund.
How that plays out with potential customers getting checks is yet to be seen.
Bollinger Motors
Then theres Faraday Future.
An automaker thats seen wave after wave of bad news.
The company is back, sort of.
But after a torrid history, would you give them money for a vehicle?
Because you’re able to.
you’ve got the option to sendFaraday Future $1,500 and $5,000 depositsfor future vehicles.
But also, you shouldnt.
For those looking for something thats wrapped in amaze of mystery and confusion, theresAlpha Motor Corporation.
A company thats using two former baristas as spokespeople and has some cool renderings of vehicles.
Thats pretty much all we know for sure.
Fortunately, theyre not asking for money to place a reservation, just your name and email.
But if you do sign up, dont be surprised to see an email appear asking for some cash.
Again, keep your money.
The deposit scheme also helps create hype.
Rivian
Startups need the hype way more than the established players.
They also need to show investors there’s demand.
It also helps that all that deposit money can now be used to build cars.
That’s where it gets a little weird.
Deposits are investing in a company’s potential.
You don’t reap the benefits like an actual investor.
Its Your Money
Of course, youre also an adult.
Im just saying dont hold your breath and be prepared to maybe never see that cash again.
They want to be part of the transportation revolution (theres that word again).
They started down this path with the knowledge that it could all go wrong.
I just want to ensure you know that, too.
Want to know more about EVs?
We have awhole section dedicated to electric vehicles!
