Plug-in technologies are the future!

While Best Buy is often associated with sales of televisions, computers and other watt-sucking devices, it will soon introduce a new electric-powered product they hope will zoom off the show room floor.
The electronics retailer will soon roll out electric vehicles, including the Brammo Enertia, an all-electric motorcycle that retails for just less than $12,000. Best Buy has also sold electric bicycles and Segways in 19 stores across the Pacific coast, according to the Journal.

It is throttling up the venture this summer with the introduction of the Brammo Enertia, a futuristic electric motorcycle that can travel 45 miles at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and plugs into a standard wall outlet. Best Buy wouldn't disclose when it will begin selling the motorcycle, but Brammo Inc. representatives said it would debut in a Portland store this month.

Industry experts say that electric vehicles won't be a cash cow for Best Buy anytime soon. But many concur that the investment could prove wise over time, noting that Best Buy has a history of sharp turns that have kept it ahead of competitors, noting that it isn't completely far-fetched to envision electric vehicles plugged in at home and networked to a larger grid.

A representative from the company said the introduction of electric-powered personal vehicles is a test, "designed to determine consumer likelihood for adoption."

Kelly Groehler, a spokesperson for Best Buy continued, "You see the popularity with personal transportation options that are more cost effective and energy efficient," and the West Coast was a good place to begin the test.

And if buying a green vehicle at Best Buy isn't exciting enough, those lucky enough to live in Cary, N.C. will soon be able to plug in those electric vehicles at a new charging station at McDonald's. The installation of the first plug-in car charging station at a McDonald’s is an example of the rapid dramatic shift in public sentiment about cars, energy and the environment—or at least public relations efforts catering to green-oriented consumers—and is seen as a sign of the potential widespread adoption of cars that can be powered by electricity.

Ric Richards, the franchise owner of the new store said in an email message that he wants to encourage the customers who are interested in creating a better environment.

"We want to reward those folks who already drive electric-powered vehicles with the most convenient parking spaces and charge stations at the new Green McDonald’s," adding that there will also be preferred parking spaces for other fuel efficient vehicles.

"We hope these measures will encourage others to consider purchasing these environment-friendly vehicles," Richards continued. "These measures were just one more feature we could add to our eco-friendly McDonald’s."

Source : Reuters, by Sarah Terry-Cobo, July 9th, 2009