California “Clean Car” Debate

California’s goal of 1.4 million zero-emission or plug-in vehicles on the road by 2025 is being debated at California’s Air Quality Board.  Manufacturers including Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Group LLC, General Motors Co., and Nissan Motor Co, Ltd., in brief statements say they generally support the goal.  Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports, believes this will save consumers money in the long run.  California’s New Car Dealer’s Association, however, say that consumers are slow to buy these cars because of the increased costs and that the Board’s estimations of sales are off.  The Board’s research staff countered showing that the average savings in fuel was over $6,000, far exceeding the average additional cost at sale ($3200).  What do you think?  Are you willing to buy clean technology on the promise of future savings?