Audi's viral remark about the Volt being for idiots and that electric vehicle proponents are intellectual elitists is raising a lot of question about the company. Is there any truth to it?
The gist is that a advanced plug-in hybrid, PHEV like the Volt, or in GM lingo an extended range electric vehicle, E-Rev is an impressive piece of technology, but is Audi of America's President Johan de Nysschen calling it a car for idiot out of line?
Johan de Nysschen is a straight forward person and has invested a tremendous amount of energy, time and funds in the research of advanced diesel internal combustion engines, ICE design. He has also raised a few eyebrows when he said the Volt will fail and that anybody who buys it is an idiot. While competitors wish the Volt to fail, is it wise to call its would-be buyers "idiots"? He even goes a step further by saying EV lovers are: "intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are." At least we know where Audi stands with its dislike of EVs. He claims he does not remember having said this but that it was in line with his thinking.
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