We’ve built our whole world around the automobile, and yet we’ve avoided figuring out what we’re going to do when fossil fuels can no longer meet our needs. It’s unlikely that oil, a finite resource, will continue to be able to sustain a modernizing world of nearly seven billion people. There are also serious concerns about the environment, not to mention the economic problems associated with oil’s price instability. But none of this means passenger cars have to go away. Rather, they must undergo a massive transformation.
As GM’s Bob Lutz so eloquently put it, the auto industry needs to separate the car from the energy and environmental equation. The solution lies in the electrification of the automobile. There’s just one problem. It’s not yet possible to build a purely electric car with an acceptable range of 250 to 300 miles, along with quick charging and a price most consumers can afford.
(article and photos continue below video)
So what is a realistic, no-compromise solution that’s feasible today? GM thinks it has the answer with the Chevrolet Volt. Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’ve probably at least heard of it before. Basically, it’s an electric car with an on-board gasoline generator. It can travel 40 miles on the energy stored in its batteries, before the generator kicks in to provide an extended range. Since most people travel less than 40 miles per day, they’ll almost never burn any gasoline. That is, unless they need to make a long-distance trip. In that case, the generator provides power to the electric motor. Unlike traditional hybrids, the gas motor never drives the wheels directly.
But will the Volt really work?
Are electric cars really ready for the prime time? We traveled to the company’s Warren Technical Center in Metro Detroit where we met with Volt chief engineer Frank Weber to find out. Weber has the enthusiasm and openness of a startup boss, and our meeting location at one of the company’s engineering facilities further added to the grassroots feeling unexpected of a giant like GM.
We had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of GM’s Voltec Prototype, which is essentially a Chevy Cruze with the Volt’s drivetrain (called Voltec) under its skin.
Although it bears no interior or exterior resemblance to the production Volt, the prototype provides a good indication of the EV experience GM has in store. There was just one catch: so far, GM is only allowing journalists to experience the battery-driven mode of operation, not the gas generator mode. Weber said one reason for this is he thinks the focus should be on the EV mode, because he views the Volt as a true electric car, not a hybrid. The other reason for demoing the car in battery mode only is the current prototypes lack the soundproofing that will make the generator nearly silent in the production vehicle.
As with all EVs, it’s impossible to tell whether the car is on or off when you first climb aboard. In our case, the power was already switched on, so it was just a matter of shifting to drive. The car features a regular shift lever rather than something more exotic (like buttons) for the simple reason that GM wants drivers to feel at home behind the wheel. Weber told us the jump to electric propulsion is a big enough step for consumers, so GM doesn’t want to make the Volt seem even more unusual by changing how its owners interface with it.
As Weber points out, there are standard drive, reverse, neutral, and park modes, plus a second driving mode that maximizes the regenerative braking function. Although regenerative braking is always triggered when the brake pedal is depressed, the “regen” mode steps it up a notch. It essentially feels like you’re driving around in low gear — as soon as you lift your foot from the accelerator, the car begins to slow down. Drivers can even shift into this mode while in motion, creating the sensation of a “downshift.” This is, of course, rather ironic, considering the Volt has no gears at all.
There’s not much point in commenting on ride and handling, since the current prototypes don’t feature the production chassis. Nonetheless, the car feels firm (yet smooth) over bumps, and the steering is sharp and responsive. Although the Cruze is a successor to the Cobalt, it is leaps and bounds better, even in this cobbled together iteration.
The Voltec prototype is 700 pounds heavier than a standard Cruze, and it shows. It’s hard to pinpoint, but the car simply feels heavy. Weber assured us the final chassis will not exhibit this characteristic. Although it sounds like a lot of additional weight, the production Volt will weigh about the same as a BMW 3-Series, so there’s no reason to expect compromised dynamics.
The torquey and linear power delivery of the electric motor makes for a very premium experience. As far as we’re concerned, electric motors simply feel better than their gasoline counterparts. All other benefits aside, they’re smoother, more predictable, and simply more pleasant to drive. It’s almost how a child might imagine a car should work before ever driving one. Push the accelerator pedal and the car just magically goes. No noise. No fuss.
Straight-line acceleration is somewhat lacking, but Weber told us the prototype has only 80 percent of the performance of the production car. That additional 20 percent should make merging into freeway traffic a breeze — just don’t expect to be setting quarter-mile records at the local drag strip.
Weber told us the Volt’s batteries are capable of supporting rapid charging without significant degradation (in the event a nationwide charging infrastructure springs up). For now, though, expect a sub-three-hour charge time from a 220-volt connection. Weber said the battery system is designed to perform as expected for 10 years or 150,000 miles, and could remain usable for as long a 20 years. GM has not yet committed to a specific warranty policy.
So, will it sell?
The car is expected to sticker for $40,000, but a $7,500 tax rebate will bring the total to a more reasonable $32,500. Even so, that makes the base model Volt pricier than the a fully-loaded Malibu, which stickers for under $30,000.
At this point in time, it’s hard to say whether the price will be acceptable to consumers. This will depend largely on final interior quality and standard equipment. Although the interior of the test car is rough around the edges, the steering wheel, dash, and seats are actually quite pleasant, which bodes well for the forthcoming Cruze. If the production Volt’s cabin will be a few notches better — as GM promises — then the price might be justifiable. The lower cost of operation associated with EVs also helps value proposition long-term. Developing new technology is never cheap, and the Volt is a very important step in the right direction.
Leftlane’s bottom line
The Volt is as significant to GM as a company as it is to the industry as a whole. The company’s product renaissance over the last two years has been impressive. But to be fair, they’ve mostly been playing catchup to Toyota, rather than leading the pack. General Motors knows the Volt won’t be its instant savior. It will barely be profitable at first. But as the first mainstream plug-in hybrid vehicle on the market, it will renew the company’s role as an innovator.
06/18, 2:32 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
A $40k entry level electric car or a Infinity G37 at around $34k? Hmmm…. let me see…
06/18, 2:42 PM
posted by:
vv1010
I think the Volt will be too expensive at first. But I also think enough people will buy it that in a few years it will become affordable to all due to economies of scale.
By the way, great video Leftlane. Let’s see more video reports…. A lot more interesting that way.
sprockkets: to be fair the price is $32k since you will get a tax rebate.
06/18, 2:46 PM
posted by:
Borat
So there will be Insight for 20K, Prius for 25K and Volt for 40K. Insight and Prius will be using gasoline and say burning gallon for 40 miles. Volt will be 32.5K after rebate and will not burn any gas for the first 40-60 miles (depends on temperature, wind direction, heft of the owner etc) and after 40-60 miles the mileage is unknown. Lets assume it is as good or better then hideous japs (by the way all 3 cars will looks alike for aerodynamic reasons). Does this sounds like a good business case? All 3 cars are small by any consideration.
06/18, 2:55 PM
posted by:
vv1010
It appears GM is trying to make the Volt a more premium vehicle than the Prius. Whether that will actually be the case is not yet known.
06/18, 2:58 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
I can’t afford it now, but it is shaping up to be quite the car. I’m actually liking this.
LLN, you guys need a better shooter. If you’re looking, and paying enough, I can be available…
Shooting stories like this is a blast.
06/18, 3:01 PM
posted by:
davebo
Geez, how far away are they from production that they’re STILL using this Cruze mule? Why even bother letting reviewers get a hold of it if it doesn’t look or handle anything like the final product, and is 20% weaker than they expect the final to be? This article just leaves me with the impression that the Volt is still 4 years away.
This is a stark contrast from what I’m used to with Chevy. And by that I mean showing a near-final body in a big screen movie 3 years before the car will actually be available : P
06/18, 3:10 PM
posted by:
livelyjay
If you figure you drive 12000 miles per year, average out gas to be $3 per gallon over the course of the year, that’s $900 a year on fuel if you get 40mpg. Over 10 years you rack up $9000 on fuel. Add that to the base price of the Insight/Prius and it’s, let’s just say, 30k-35k. Still under the base price of the Volt and you haven’t factored in the cost of electricity to power the Volt over those same 10 years. Based on the math it wouldn’t be a good investment.
06/18, 3:13 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Well done on the video LLN, but I’d love to see beatus take a crack at it!
After watching that entire piece I came away with one impression: the Cruze doesn’t look like much more than a warmed over Cobalt. I just hope it’s built and drives better.
06/18, 3:18 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Thanks, Johnny.
06/18, 3:38 PM
posted by:
v0v0
please lose the background music on future videos.
06/18, 3:40 PM
posted by:
bcjohnso99
Until this goes mainstream, price is not a key factor.
Look how many $100,000+ cars are sold – you can’t tell me that they are a “good investment” yet there are buyers for them…
06/18, 3:43 PM
posted by:
bauer100
people are too fixated on the “40 miles using no gas”. i want to know the relationship between generator and electric motor and what that is gonig to provide for distance.
06/18, 4:12 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
bauer100,
They keep talking of 100mpg with the batteries. From what I’ve read on the VOLT, the numbers add up to around 50-60mpg using the generator. So we are looking at 40 miles on a charge, then one gallon of gas and you go about 90-100 miles. Not too shabby for an early product.
The VOLT is supposed to have a capacity of 10 gallons of gas. Although, I hear it may be cut to less than 8 gallons. The Range after batteries is something like 600miles. That is roughly comparable to a small Diesel, like a Jetta TDI. But the “Voltech” drive train can easily be scaled up for Larger vehicles without greatly impacting F/econ. Diesels can not.
It is the same with the Fisker Karma. Although I think they have been more conservative at around 80mpg, and they use a GM Ecotech I-4 to run their Genny.
06/18, 4:20 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
bcjohnso99,
Generally I agree with you. There will always be early adopters, mostly the well-heeled, socially conscious, and tech-hipsters. GM is not going to lose money on the VOLT, unless they royally screw this up. It they work this like most tech-companies do, they will find ways to get the cost down, and hopefully the car will cost much less, at least to build, in fairly short order.
GM is said to be working on less expensive models that should run to around $30K and even less over time. The VOLT is to get the word out, get some return on their investment (our investment if you want to be nasty), and get the infrastructure in place to do more but better in the very near future.
06/18, 4:25 PM
posted by:
NRG
So what happens when the electical grid fails, as it has on the east coast, Chicago, where I experienced it firsthand, and CA where they have rolling black outs? That infrastructure already is in dire need of an upgrade, from the TV specials I have seen on it. Just think what will happen if it isn’t upgraded and we start plugging in more EV’s into the grid.
06/18, 4:29 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
I look forward to seeing this car when it hits dealerships. Not to say I will be getting one. I do like what I got now, but just to see the final product.
06/18, 4:34 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
The biggest suprise is how nice the Cruze’s interior is. How are they going to explain that to someone looking at a Malibu that the Cruze has more available on it? In reality the Cruze is what the last couple gen of Malibu’s were, the Malibu is the last gen Impala’s and Lumina’s spot and the Impala is… Well, pointless. The G8 should be in it’s place – just build it in the states to lower the cost for consumers and raise profits.
I think if it’s interior is unique and it really can be “bought” after everything for $32-35k the Volt will sell. It’s uniqueness will allow it to overtake the Prius as the green car for the stars. Unfortunately it should be coming out now, not next year.
06/18, 4:34 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
NRG:
Not to say there wont be any problems, but I have lived in CA my whole life and have neve been in a black out and haven’t even heard someone talk about them in a long time. I think it was just the electric companies fu*king with people. That’s just my opinion.
06/18, 4:35 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Excellent Video LLN
After seeing the prototypes GM could almost sell Voltech CRUZEs and do well by them. Kudos, GM
The CRUZE seems up to the task of being a good compact for GM as well. Looks very good, seems to ride well. I’ve sworn off four-cylinders so I may never know first hand. Still, mas kudos, GM.
06/18, 4:46 PM
posted by:
muttonchops
As far as grid problems go, the majority will be plugged in at night during off peak hours. It’s not going to add a huge strain especially not at the expected early volumes.. And in the event of an outage, you can still drive with the gas engine charging the battery. Ditto to running out of juice before you get home, which the full electric alternatives don’t really like to talk about. Can you imagine how much it will suck if your only source of a recharge on your electric vehicle is in your garage and you punk out a mile from home? They really need to get an infrastructure before full electric cars will become completely viable.
06/18, 4:53 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
I don’t think its a very good idea at this point to be perfectly honest. GM needs to reconfigure the whole thing or scrap it and start anew. The Volt does not have any range really to speak about. I mean 40 miles on a charge is not ENOUGH, but true that is about what a daily commuter does; however, it won’t win GM any consumer confidence points given the fact other automakers are promising at least around 100 mile range on the electricity. SO 40 mile range seems weak in comparison.
I wish GM had this idea like 10 or 15 years ago like the impact and really brought the damn thing to market it would have sold. @ that time I parked a 2 brand new Volvo’s in GM’s Livonia Michigan proving Grounds and guess what next too. An Impact! tiny little thing, but I bet that dog gone thing would have sold immensely if they were serious about it.
For all the GM bashing I do Ladies and Gentlemen it is MUCH Deserved. GM folks are busy putting out false rumors especially about Ford and poor Chyrsler not to mention the imports.
You call everything else A **** Box unless its a GM product, and if its not that it sucks. I swear you have the biggest Beavis and Butthead Fan base going which is not a good thingcompliment.
But back to the Chevy Volt nice concept;however, Tesla has the S Electric sedan promised to deliver 300 miles on a charge – Its suppose to cost 50K. I mean for 10K more why would’nt I want to spend 40K for a car that has two motors more maintenance down the road and will do an 1/8 the range of the Tesla S Sedan. There is my point. GM Get Moving. I fan never been a fan of yours but if you have a remote sense of ever pleasing me. It will be in really do the electric vehicle correctly.
You should be saing if Tesla a small start up can get 300 Miles for a sedan. Are engineers will shoot for 400 to 600 miles on a single electric charge. Get it Done!
06/18, 4:53 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
NRG, I have two reasons why you shouldn’t worry about the grid.
#1, the Volt doesn’t NEED to be plugged in for it to run. Plugging it in benefits you by allowing you to run without gas for 40 miles. But if you don’t plug it in, you will still get great gas mileage and the internal generator will charge the batteries while you drive. So for those who wonder about people who live in apartments, they won’t NEED to plug it in. It’s just better if they do. That’s all.
#2, it took Toyota over 10 years to sell 1 million Prii world wide. There are over 100 million drivers in the US alone. Less than 1% of drivers in the US drive a Prius, even though they are everywhere. It will most likely take another 10 years before we get anywhere near 5% of cars being plug-ins and EVs. The power companies have plenty of time to update their grids and make them able to handle the “extreme demand” of EVs. I believe we won’t see a serious impact of the power grid caused by EVs for 20 to 30 years. By that time, who knows?
06/18, 5:13 PM
posted by:
Doomsdave
No pricing has been announced, so everyone is speculating on the $40K figure. I figure we will be surprised. Nonetheless, I’d be in the market for one. Might be my first new car purchase!
06/18, 5:49 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
based on its price, when it first comes out, there are many more cars I would rather spend that money on. However, the technology is great and I would love to see gm drop kick toyota’s prius!
I hope, in the years to come, the volt’s technology will get spread to other gm vehicles!
06/18, 7:52 PM
posted by:
RSB
The people at Tesla have done an amazing job designing their Sport coupe and seem to have stunning looking Sedan on the way. we must address some of the problems that I have never seen Tesla address.
Battery Life: GM’s Volt is being readied for 10 years or 150K miles of battery life. Does Tesla claim this?
Charging: The video states that Volt can recharge in 3 hours with 220v and presumably 6 with 110. how quickly does Tesla Charge.
Range. Tesla does claim 200 miles on a charge but there can still be range anxiety. With Volt, there is never range anxiety.
Price: right now Tesla is about $100K for the roadster and they claim $50K for the upcoming sedan. Volt may be $40K and $32.5K after the rebate.
I think these questions should always be address when ever comparing GM’s Volt and Tesla’s 2 cars. In my opinion GM and Tesla have taken 2 approaches but it is clear to me that both have leapfrogged Insight and Prius.
06/18, 8:36 PM
posted by:
Borat
So I learned that Frank Weber is not really an engineer but a professional actor starring primarily in infomercials. However, he is good enough to have his own big screen debut. See him this summer playing Bruno in the film of the same name.
06/18, 10:13 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Guys, we have discussed Tesla before. They are having all kinds of problems. The $105k car cost $95k to build and how can anyone expect a sedan version to come in at $50k? They are infighting already about who lied about the cost of the vehicle.
Bankrupt,the tech for these current vehicles was not available 15 years ago. Heck 6 months ago Toyota was telling the world that GM was risking customer death because Li-ion batteries were not ready for prime time yet. BUT as we all know it looks like GM is right on schedule for the Volt.
What false rumors is GM putting out about Ford or Chrysler? help us out here.
What automaker is promising 100 miles on a charge? Please name ANY OEM that will have a normal sedan that is promising this. And 100 miles is not enough unless you have a backup powetrain.
06/18, 10:17 PM
posted by:
carstuff
As a side note about Ford. They are screwed. I think I have said this before;)
http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/17/news/companies/ford/index.htm
06/18, 10:18 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Borat, the Bruno promos look good. You might have to change your handle!
06/19, 1:01 AM
posted by:
armstealer
this article felt like one of those “special advertising sections” in magazines.
06/19, 1:03 AM
posted by:
AutoCritical
There are some fair arguments mentioned. About the rebate/prices, that will depend on the country (assuming the USA) – About plugging into the grid, someone mentioned that it would be off peak, and I guess it still runs on gas to charge if needed. If you had a solar system at home that would be pretty cool too!
One of the things is that I believe you should really work out how suitable the car is for you. Specifically, on the average day, what distance do you drive? Also, it’ll be are you willing to change your driving style, and can you afford it…If it doesn’t suit, then don’t buy it!
Nothing worse than seeing a Prius driver who doesn’t know how to drive their car.
@ Bankruptcy2009 – I think there was a documentary about how GM killed the electric car (a while ago) – David Letterman brought it up with Lutz and he said something about battery technology… I think that documentary reveals other more ‘alternative’ suggestions about why they killed the EV.
06/19, 8:40 AM
posted by:
carstuff
Yea, good ole Micheal Moore. Bottom line the tech. was not there for the EV1 15 years ago to make an affordable electric vehicle with $1 gas. Heck no one can make one today, 15 years later with $2.50 gas.
06/19, 9:01 AM
posted by:
A4
its sounds like sprokets its the new import humper
06/19, 9:31 AM
posted by:
928dreamer
For those touting the Tesla sedan as a better vehicle, I think people will be seriously dissappointed. It is bound to have some serious teething pains as the tech gets sorted out for mass production. As someone has already mentioned, the batteries are going to be the big issue.
GM is getting the durability out of its battery pack by never discharging into the deep cycle stores. This is much easier on the battery. I have heard that when it registers a need to recharge, it still carries about 50% of its capacity. This will keep the range unchanged even several years and 100K miles down the road.
Once the battery is depleted it still will carry a significant charge. It may just not be useful to power a vehicle. I heard a great idea discussed that these “used up” batteries can be used as supplemental power stations in homes. Just think, put a trickle charger on these with solar cells in the day, and low voltage trickle charge at night with off peak power, and you have a significant power backup that can be used during peak demand periods taking strain off of the grid. Or, can be used in emergencies when power lines are down.
I think GM is thinking way ahead with this. I just hope the car ends up being a good vehicle otherwise this will all go down and it won’t matter.
06/19, 10:43 AM
posted by:
dAVE mAN
How is choosing a G37 over a Volt make one a “import humper”? I would make the same call, or for that price range a G8 GT. That car is great and is going to be a collectible. Too bad I just bought a new car two years ago and a condo a month ago…
Anyway, my only on-topic comment is this: on plugging in during peak hours: Someone said that all the EVs would be plugged in at night, I think that is incorrect. Most people are home from their 9-5 job at what – 6 or 7pm? And what is everyone doing at that time? Watching TV, using the internet, cooking, lots of lights on, etc.
Also one other thing, someone said that the generator would recharge the batteries. I didn’t get that impression from the reading. While that is how a normal hybrid works, it sounds like the gasoline engine (”generator”) in this car will only allow it to continue running. Am I wrong?
06/19, 10:44 AM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
Yeah a Saw the Documentary but it is GM Fault Auto. Their in bed with the Oil companies the most. Yeah True Ford and Chrylser did not champion the environment either.
06/19, 10:53 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
The average american drives less than 29 miles per day. The Volt then qualifies with its 40 mile EV only range as a pure electric vehicle for most owners of it. I pay 3 cents a KWH here, so for a few pennies a mile, the Volt is the deal. I think GM will have no problem selling the few they build in their first year. The Prius’s and Insights will be coming in on trade though, so the early adopters will more than likely be “hybrid” owners already. The demographic for this car is high income, hybrid owner, bicycle owner, wheat grass sipper and hemp sheet sleeper. My only problem with this car is the build quality will probably be average with the corners being cut and I notice them. With GM now government owned, I think this car may make it to market afterall. Debt free, and some tree huggers on the board should move stuff along now. Now if they would just buy the large format NIMH battery patent from Chevron they would have no battery problems,,,,this is dreaming I know…
06/19, 12:42 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Is that the production sheet metal? Dear god they ruined the car! The concept was stylish and edgy, this looks like an overgrown Aveo. What crap!
06/19, 12:59 PM
posted by:
928dreamer
May I suggest reading the article? This is a test mule using a Chevy Cruise. However, the production Volt will look different than the prototype for aero reasons.
06/19, 3:15 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Dave, charging from the generator only will negate the 40 mile EV advantage. That’s it. The Volt will still have very high gas mileage even for people who cannot plug it in. It will still run just fine. You just won’t get that first 40 miles of EV only running.
06/19, 3:40 PM
posted by:
The Stig
If I was hell-bent on making an electric car for the masses the Volt is a fair compromise. Tesla is great but you require discipline to use it as a daily driver and have the infrastructure to charge it. But because the Tesla does not have a backup and because it uses battery technology which can’t mimic a regular fuel stop it’s not plausible to use it for long trips. The Volt is not perfect, it’s a compromise based on the availability of resources, driver habits, usage patterns and, dare I say, customer intelligence. If the warranty, quality and reliability are there then it’s the next logical step beyond current hybrids (read: Prius).
Tesla’s are cool because they are pure EV without the added weight of a backup generator and its supporting systems. As battery technology matures all roads will lead to the direction Tesla has chosen but until that time it’s not practical for most folks.
I wouldn’t worry too much about Tesla’s margins on new Roadsters and presumably their sedan. There will be plenty of opportunity to make additional money when upgrading the obsolete battery systems. That is, if Tesla is around long enough to see that day.
06/19, 5:18 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
So that’s the Cruze? It still looks like ass. From the other prototype pics I’ve seen the Cruze was supposed to be long and sleek… this looks like a Corolla.
06/20, 11:05 PM
posted by:
anyclearer
Does anyone really read the articles, or do they read what everyone writes and comment on that. Dave man, the gas engine will never power the wheels, after youve driven 40 miles, the gas engine will only kick in to re charge the battery…….thats allllllllll the gas engine is there for is to recharge while driving. And just just like EVERY brand new technology, like vcrs, computers and such…….the price will start out higher and as things advance will get cheaper….and yeah some of you might go out and get other cars for that amount of money, but not every car is for everyone, even for 20 something grand theres a ton of cars id rather buy then the insight and prius.
06/21, 1:14 AM
posted by:
sharpie
The Volt is dead at that price point against the Prius, Insight and even the Fusion Hybrid. At least with though, the Year 1 kinks would have been ironed out.
anyclearer, you are forgetting that most American aren’t interested in details. So they categorize all Hybrid cars together, and judging from the price point, the Volt will lose, especially when the Prius, Insight and Fusion all have been around for a while to prove reliability. With the Volts, that is an unknown for the first few years. More buyers care about getting from point A to point B, the mpg, and maybe to save the environment at the same time. But not many care about the “new” technology.
06/21, 12:55 PM
posted by:
anyclearer
I agree with you sharpie that americans arent interested in details which i deff think is a fault. Americans are spoiled to the point where they nolonger care about anything besides whats right infront of their faces. The price tag on the volt at first will be hard to sell………but i think long term this car could be a class leader and will help take cars in a positive direction. The technology in this car is fantasic, and everyone wants this car to have come out yesterday, but to start this all from scratch and to be what it will be, they are doing it very fast
06/21, 4:42 PM
posted by:
Lawnchair88
GM’s conservative move to keep the car looking and feeling like a normal car or a hybrid is a prudent one. Although they may sacrifice a few sales to the crowd that wants the most novel and unique cars, this car will be more like the Honda Insight in that it is designed for the masses. Let me just tell you that the average american DESPISES change, especially in these times of the baby boom who want everything their way. But after the initial volt revolutionizes the car industry and several other companies make their attempts a few years later, the volt will have to stay ahead of the curve and reevaluate the market that it has created in order to stay ahead of the curve.
06/24, 7:44 PM
posted by:
shinko
Apple’s mantra has been to not be the first one to make the product, but be the first one to do it right. Things appear to be falling in place for the Volt to be GM’s iPod.
06/25, 10:16 PM
posted by:
MrJP
Just wait until tomorrow when they pass Cap & Trade legislation. Gas will seem cheap compared to electricity soon.
06/26, 5:23 AM
posted by:
RSXracer_05
Nice review, nice editing, and I like the apparent new voice of left lane news, the mystery man Mark Kleis. Hope there are more videos like this to come.
07/19, 1:10 PM
posted by:
RICERisNICER
Okay, $40,000. The same price as a NISMO 370z. Which do I want? Do I want to hear the wind and a whir from my tires or would I rather enjoy the sound of 350 horses screaming?
11/23, 9:33 PM
posted by:
rarson
“Since most people travel less than 40 miles per day, they’ll almost never burn any gasoline.”
…making that gasoline engine, fuel tank, and supporting accessories utter dead weight for “most people.” Way to increase that fuel mileage!
Seriously, hybrids DON’T MAKE SENSE. Scrap the ICE, and sell it as a short-trip commuter car. Combining combustion engines with electric motors just increases weight, complexity, and size. The only place where a hybrid makes any sense is in a performance luxury, where the extra weight, complexity, and size isn’t an issue (like some of Lexus’ hybrids). As for fuel mileage increases, the pitiful gains *sometimes* seen in hybrids isn’t worth the added cost.
Adding a combustion engine to an electric vehicle just gives the car less electric range. This car makes no sense. A small diesel will get just as good gas mileage as this car, and cost much less.