See I kind of disagree with this because it is prooven technology on a much much larger scale with a modern diesel locomotive please see here:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/diesel-locomotive7.htm

http://science.howstuffworks.com/diesel-locomotive4.htm

http://science.howstuffworks.com/diesel-locomotive6.htm


this is the same basic premis with the volt. it is driven by the electric motor only not the gas motor.

so it does work, but it needs to be scaled waaay down.

 

So lets see:

1. Usually the new generation of an older model is enough for design gremlins.

2. Usually a completely NEW platform/model is very difficult to manage. Recalls and design flaws are higher in new platform models than restyled previous gen.

3. So GM decides to bet the farm on a technology that they are unfamiliar with. Engineers are new to it, sales teams are new to it, manufacturing teams are new to it, assembly facilities are new to it, parts suppliers are new to it, SERVICE/MAINTENANCE personnel are new to it

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG????????

(Oh yeah, did you notice that Bob Lutz is already starting to whine that newcar standards are to tough and the government should soften regulations)

Pretty sure I will wait a couple of model years for the bugs to get worked out before I buy one. Bet you the government buys a few to bail out GM.

 

I agree that it is a great concept but, my point was battery technology is much better and cheaper today. Some companies are offering extra batteries that fit in the trunks of prius that bump it up to 120mpg and 60 to 80 miles on just the batteries, I don't know how well they work but most of the reviews are good. The fact that gm could make the ev1 in the 90's and get that type of range out of it I guess I was just expecting a little more. I'm sure cost is a big part of it but,with all the other hybrids and electrics that are coming out and the amount of money that is being thrown at them, I just thought it was being a little overhyped for what it was. And about the ev1 being a golf cart most of the people who had one loved it including Tom Hanks.

 

Yeah, lets all just produce what is easssyyy; that's a great mentality .

Make sure you wait till the band wagon is rolling before you jump on, wouldn't want to spend some money in an attempt to help the planet. Oh those crazy cavemen and their fire, always burning their hands.

 

^

I have nothing against spending money to save the planet. I just feel GM is behind the 8ball and the volt is going to be a problem ridden let down.

GM has fallen behind in many areas of automotive design because they have not faced up to the damage they have caused to the environment. Doing so now so late in the game is not going to fix things.

They needed to dedicate research dollars to developing economical, low environmental impact transport, not stupid 4X4 dinosaurs. So now the company is scrambling to adjust to a dramatic shift in consumer demand away from large gas-guzzling vehicles as gasoline prices top US$4-a-gallon, by trying to rush the Volt on to showroom floors and relying on technology that they are unfamiliar with. Technology they should have been researching years ago before they felt the pinch of the need for fuel efficient, environmental friendly cars!

I love the concept of battery charged hybrids just not GM's version.

 

Gm Ftw!!!!!!!

 

While most dealers may be new to the cars I don't know if GM is that unfamiliar with electric technologies like this as it's very similar to the setup from the EV1 which was released in 1996 in small numbers(just like the EV ford rangers in the mid 90's).

As far as the electric motor and gasoline powered generator goes, I hope that it turns out well as that's a great solution for the time. With their locomotive line using something similar and 12+ years from the small number of EV1's hopefully they've knowledge they've gained from those combined with new technologies will work out well.

 

wtf The GM hate is strong with you. Its not like Toyota doesn't have a full line of SUV's and full size trucks

Lutz's coment on tough new car standards was in regards to bringing affordable compact cars to market. Its difficult for anyone to bring a cheap small car to market these days because of the ever increasing saftey regulations. Just look at all the wieght and cost they added to the Evo X.

 

^ GM is the devil

 

+1...i agree completely.

I believe this car is made for daily commutes...not for long trips. If the batteries last long enough, this could be worth it.

 

I'm glad the range discussion ended before this last page, otherwise I was going to have to post that I get more miles/tank than I did in the Evo or the S2000 Hahaha.

Anyway, I think it is great they're working on this, but this car is only the first step. I'd much rather an entry level car (15-20k range) without many bells and whistles that gets better range on electric and has an even smaller gas tank. 100 mile electric 200 mile gas would be great. Take all that in a car that is as barebones as a basic rental Cobalt and roughly the same price, and I'm sold, I'd buy one for normal commuting. Until then, I'll keep my high $30s sports car and enjoy driving enough that I don't mind the gas prices