There has been a lot of controversy about our Chevrolet Volt test-mule photos, so were we thrilled when the hybrid team chose to take the (old) Malibu-bodied Volt “mule” for an afternoon ride – along with some other hybrids in the General Motors’ lineup. And we caught them all at a debriefing stop!
The General hopes to have the Volt on sale in late 2010 as a 2011MY model. However, that timing may depend on how well the Lithium Ion batteries development progresses. A task given to Continental Automotive Systems and A123 Systems. It could very well be a 2012MY car by the time Volt’s start rolling down the production line.
One thing we do know for sure if that the Volt will be riding on the next gen Delta chassis. This next gen chassis is also know as GM’s “Global Compact Car Architecture.” According UAW documents, GM seems set to build the Volt at their Hamtramck plant once the G-body Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS cease production.
Price wise, GM was hoping for an MSRP of around $30,000. It now seems that number may be closer to $35,000.
Background
The Volt project is an ambitious one. The aim is to create a vehicle that can deliver the equivalent of over 100 miles per gallon, while offering a top speed of 120 mph, and a zero to sixty time of 8.5 seconds.
The so-called plug-in hybrid aims to have a charge time of 6.5 hours, and a range of 45 miles on batteries alone. For many customers, this could mean the daily commute would require no gasoline.
As with any hybrid, an onboard generator recharges the batteries when the gasoline motor is running. What makes the Volt unique is that’s the only thing the gas motor does — in other words, it never drives the wheels directly. Maximum range — with a full tank of gas and charged batteries — is an impressive 640 miles.
The biggest news on the Volt’s development thus far is that engineers have come up with an algorithm for testing the durability of the batteries that can simulate 10 years of use — 150,000 miles — in just over two years of testing. Tests using the new algorithm are now going on around the clock in Detroit and Germany.
In an interview with Leftlane, Volt director Tony Posawatz indicated that several variations of the Volt could be in store for the future. Not only is the Volt platform being engineered to accommodate a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain in the future, but interchangeable bodies remain a real possibility. Since the hydrogen layout keeps every component in the same location, it makes it possible for GM to design different body styles — such as a sedan or van — that can be placed on the platform. This versatility means your Volt could be an SUV one day and a two-door coupe the next.
Test Mule - June 30th, 2008
06/30, 10:52 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
That could be any old model Malibu.
06/30, 11:14 AM
posted by:
xyunya
Let me do some translation here. It is definitely sounds like it is 2012 model year, meaning 2011 debut date. It is was announced already, that it will cost more then 40K with no options. When all will be said and done Toyota will be selling plug in Son of Scion for 25-30K loaded with all electric range of 30-40 miles (vs. Volt’s 45 miles per this article). The question is: will it sell as well as Tahoe hybrid today?
06/30, 11:16 AM
posted by:
beatusmongous
I sure hope they don’t change much from the concept to the production version. If it looks like that, people will be much more willing to fork over the cash. However, we all know that the production version never looks like the concept, just like the burger on the billboard never looks like the one you get at the drive through.
06/30, 11:26 AM
posted by:
F451
It is good to see LLN speak with someone on the Volt team versus know-nothing Lutz. Why doesn’t LLN do an interview with the Volt team in general? GM now has too much weight bestowed upon key vehicles in its effort to keep GM alive so I am hoping the Volt is the success that GM needs it to be.
06/30, 11:35 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Hypothetically speaking, and I know this is somewhat unlikely, but supposing someone goes, say 6 months or even a year without having to use the gas engine. It’s possible don’t you think? What happens not only to the gas motor due to lack of use, but also to the gasoline that’s been in the tank turning into varnish? And what stance warranty-wise do you think GM would take? I mean the batteries could be the least of their problems.
06/30, 11:45 AM
posted by:
F451
JohnnyCanuck, don’t worry fuel stabilizers like STA-BIL (I use it all the time in my various vehicles) will have a booming business!
06/30, 12:50 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Actually, Johnny, that would most likely happen with me. Thanks for raising the concern, as I didn’t even think about it. That type of concern would probably happen with me in any type of plug-in hybrid, too, as I only drive a total of 14 miles per day on average, never over 30.
And thanks F451 for pointing out a solution. $10 every 6 months is just fine with me if I seldom actually have to fill up.
06/30, 1:34 PM
posted by:
xyunya
02WRXPSM, the article says 2012, not 2010.
06/30, 1:45 PM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
I don’t think it says the car is headed for production at all, my point is that GM is not operating in a vacuum here, every single manufacturer out there is gunning for the plug-in-hybrid/lithium-ion target as well. The VW sweetens the deal by also being diesel. The Volt is not going to be the standout in the market that GM (and GM fanboys and girls) thinks it will be.
06/30, 4:12 PM
posted by:
SuperSS27
02WRXRSM. GM is the only company that has a true plug-in electric car slated for production. Everyone else just has concepts. And the link you posted earlier says that the car is not going to be in production and there will only be a fleet of 20. Nobody else is as far along as GM.
06/30, 6:27 PM
posted by:
cmx
SuperSS27 has a valid point, from a consumer-end user view.
The volt will be more of massive roll-out. I’m not a huge fan of GM, but credit should be given where it’s due. GM has come a helluva long way. The Malibu is great offering. Not perfect, but FINALLY a true competitor. GM finally woke up, and because of this, consumers woke up, and put Chevy back on the radar for midsize sedan candidates. (Some even woke up completely to realize a car called Malibu exists) If only they can continue this trend. Ford is on their way, if slowly lol. Chrysler, I have no clue what’s going on. It’s actually pretty sad to see an American automotive icon come to this point. Especially when you consider all of their older cars like the Imperial and Diplomat were among the top in their heyday.
Seems like it has all to do with 3 things: Management, Product, Timing.
07/01, 12:07 PM
posted by:
HolyDogWater
GM… just ignore all these basement dwelling naysayers with way too much time on their hands and just keep grinding it out. Don’t waste your engineers, technical managers, or project managers valuable time with talking to the media. F*ck the media and f*ck LLN. They are not your friend and never will be.
07/01, 2:46 PM
posted by:
snoboardguy21
Ok, the most interesting thing about this whole post is that the old style malibu is actually decent looking with some real euro style fender flares. Put some spacers on those wheels and bam, wide body.