TO THE EDITOR:
I am delighted over "Volvo XC40 full-electric variant to debut this year" (autonews.com, April 1). After driving several Teslas, a Chevrolet Bolt and a Jaguar I-Pace, I am convinced the market needs a true, all-electric, all-wheel-drive utility vehicle with broader appeal. Those of us living in states with snow and mountain driving conditions await a high-ground-clearance EV other than the ultra-expensive, full-luxury offerings thus far.
However, the current market strategy of teasers, concept cars, the "big reveal" followed by months of waiting, and major dealerships knowing less about their upcoming EVs than the public, etc. takes its toll on prospective buyers. Suggestion to EV makers: Give consumers a little more credit for doing their homework! Don't just show pretty pictures and rendered concept cars with few details. Tell us what you actually will release. For example, I have no idea whether the proposed electric Volvo XC40 will have all-wheel drive or two-wheel drive, and my inquiries to Volvo have gone unanswered. Someone at Volvo knows! Give us more information instead of phony, hyped-up suspense, please.
ROBERT THAYER, Davis, Calif. The writer is a retired professor of environmental design and former product designer.
