Two Years Ago in TreeHugger: New Prefabs
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09.23.07
Everything takes longer than one thinks it will; Two years ago, the Dwell Homes by Empyrian were announced, and we looked forward to seeing Charlie Lazor's flatpak house popping up all over the place. Blueskymod also unveiled its new Todd Saunders designed cabin. Now, two years later we are seeing the Amy Goodwin's flatpak, and the BlueSkyMod people "are working on something big", but have not produced any more models. Such is the way of the modern prefab world, which has not yet lived up to its promise.
But some things do come true; Warren promised us the Sparrow electric car and it appears that you can buy it now.
Wow, not as much as I thought. I had to download the PDF window sticker on their website, but the Sparrow is $36,000 and insures as a motorcycle.
$36,000 for an electric car that only seats one person!!??
That's just nuts. You're better off buying a solid used VW and bringing it to a shop that does conversions. You'll get a 4 seater with similar speed and range for around one third of that cost.
Too many of the "green" start up vehicle and post modern home designers are living in a dream world where everyone must have $300,000 lying around for a kit house and $40,000 for an electric clown mobile to park in front of it.
(in regards to the sparrow) I've always loved this car (or covered motorcycle) but $36,0000 for a car who's battery life is I Quote "1 to 4 years depending on adherence to recommendations" 1 Year! They have got to be kidding.
(Towards the Sparrow, now Meyer Motors NmG) I've toured the factory and driven the NmG and truly enjoyed it. But that's a lot of money when you get 30 miles of range and no air conditioner. It's hot and humid down here in Alabama in the summer.
I too am upset at the lack of options when it comes to green prefabs all these promises but when the chips settle the prices are way out of reach for the common person.
The concept of stylish prefab homes always fails because they always cost more than custom homes, which defeats the purpose. They shouldn't cost much more than trailers, on a square foot basis.