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Will the Chevy Volt Succeed?

545 messages,  Last post on Dec 02, 2009 at 12:57 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Volt, Automotive News, Hybrid Cars, Coupe, Hatchback, Truck, Sedan, SUV

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#9 of 545 Re: Cooling not really a breakthrough [pf_flyer] by tpe Sep 17, 2007 (5:50 pm)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Sep 16, 2007 3:42 am) The batteries were overheating, they needed to be cooled. That's treating a symptom, not curing the disease.   ICE's would overheat if it wasn't for radiators, fans, and oil. Do you consider that to be treating a symptom? It would be nice if batteries generated less heat because this represents wasted energy, which is why ICE's are so inherently inefficient.   I agree that $30k is a little steep. However if the driver can expect to save $1k/year in gasoline he might start seeing it as comparable to a $25k vehicle. If states and/or the feds offer $3k tax credits, which is likely, then it really is getting into the affordable range.
#10 of 545 It's too early to tell by nedzel Sep 24, 2007 (9:21 am)
I sure hope that the Volt succeeds. The big question mark is the battery pack: how much will it cost, how long will it last, and what range will it provide in Minnesota during the winter, with the defroster running and the battery pack cold-soaked?
#11 of 545 Way Too Early by 1stpik Nov 21, 2007 (11:09 am)
Since the words "General Motors" and "success" don't seem to go together anymore, I have to make this point: the Volt can only "succeed" if the GM actually MAKES the car. Right now, it's all hype.   Telling everyone in 2007 that you'll build a revolutionary car by 2010 means nothing. The Big Three have been playing this game since the 1950s. We're all hip to the scam now.   The Volt project only makes me wonder how advanced electric propulsion technology would ALREADY be if GM had not scrapped the EV-1 project a decade ago. The people who "killed the electric car" are now telling us they're going to build an even better one ..... in a few years.   Yeah, right.   I'll believe it when I see it.   Replies to this message: tpe (Nov 21, 2007 5:05 pm) gagrice (Nov 21, 2007 6:30 pm)
#12 of 545 Alternate Route on the Volt by pf_flyer HOST Nov 21, 2007 (11:29 am)
Charging Up   Still a big hurdle or two if Chevy is going to get the Volt to market by 2010
#13 of 545 Re: Way Too Early [1stpik] by tpe Nov 21, 2007 (5:05 pm)
Replying to: 1stpik (Nov 21, 2007 11:09 am) You can't compare GM's efforts regarding the Chevy Volt to their EV1. In the case of the EV1 they were mandated by CARB to produce this vehicle and they did so, kicking and screaming. The Chevy Volt is internally motivated and GM has promoted it to the extent that to not deliver would represent a major "black eye". I believe we will see the Chevy Volt. Whether or not GM meets their 2010 timeline will be dependent on battery technology, not their resolve. I believe that GM has seen the light and they realize the EV is the future. I think they also realize this is a chance to leapfrog Toyota and they aren't going to pass it by. I wish them success. Replies to this message: gagrice (Nov 21, 2007 6:30 pm)
#14 of 545 Re: Way Too Early [tpe] by gagrice Nov 21, 2007 (6:30 pm)
Replying to: tpe (Nov 21, 2007 5:05 pm) I agree with that analysis. I do not know how CARB and the state of CA get off the hook on screwing up the EV-1 project. Must be the Hollywood crowd that want to make GM look bad and CA look good. I am cheering for GM and the Volt also.
#15 of 545 I'd like to see the Volt succeed as well.. by kdhspyder Nov 23, 2007 (3:47 pm)
..but it has a lot of hurdles to overcome in 2+ years.   The vehicle was redesigned as noted in Inside Line this week. The battery technology ...and the supplier/subcontractor hasn't been chosen yet. GM is floating the trial balloon about leasing the batteries. ..to keep the cost down? ..to ensure against premature failures? ..to ensure against too rapid technological developments? The whole concept of plug-ins is still of questionable 'utility' for a large segment of the population ( park on the street in any large city? )   Beyond that evertthing is going smoothly... Replies to this message: tpe (Nov 23, 2007 5:07 pm) gagrice (Nov 23, 2007 9:45 pm) kdhspyder (Nov 24, 2007 5:05 pm) gagrice (Nov 24, 2007 5:52 pm) tpe (Nov 26, 2007 10:11 am) and 21 more...
#16 of 545 Re: I'd like to see the Volt succeed as well.. [kdhspyder] by tpe Nov 23, 2007 (5:07 pm)
Replying to: kdhspyder (Nov 23, 2007 3:47 pm) The whole concept of plug-ins is still of questionable 'utility' for a large segment of the population ( park on the street in any large city? )   What's your point? No one is suggesting that everyone currently buying Accords and Camrys will suddenly transition to an EV. I personally have a garage and a place to plug-in an EV. I don't think that makes me all that unique, but I could be wrong. There is no single model of vehicle sold today that accounts for more that 4% of total sales. So apparently you don't have to appeal to everyone to have a marketable vehicle.   The only question regarding the Chevy Volt is whether or not it will meet their 2010 timeline. There is no question in terms of its viability. Replies to this message: gagrice (Nov 23, 2007 9:45 pm) kdhspyder (Nov 24, 2007 5:05 pm) gagrice (Nov 24, 2007 5:52 pm) tpe (Nov 26, 2007 10:11 am) kdhspyder (Nov 26, 2007 1:13 pm) and 20 more...
#17 of 545 Re: I'd like to see the Volt succeed as well.. [tpe] by gagrice Nov 23, 2007 (9:45 pm)
Replying to: tpe (Nov 23, 2007 5:07 pm) It is a segment that has no options at present. It gives GM a chance to lead rather than follow. Most of the subdivisions around my area do not allow overnight parking on the street. I thought that was the way most cities were headed.   Apartments in Anchorage have plug-ins for keeping the car warm. It is a natural for the Volt.
#18 of 545 Re: I'd like to see the Volt succeed as well.. [tpe] by kdhspyder Nov 24, 2007 (5:05 pm)
Replying to: tpe (Nov 23, 2007 5:07 pm) Right now any vehicle in the US can be purchased and 'kept' just about anywhere, on the street, in a home garage, in a parking lot, in a parking structure, in a field, on the front lawn, etc. All you have to do to get the present fleet of vehicles running is put fuel in the tank and a key in the ignition and turn it. This 'option' is open to everybody in the country right now no matter where you live or park or drive.   If however a PHEV has to be actually plugged in to get power then for those parking in spots where there is no ready access to a socket the PHEVs have limited utility. A vehicle for the fortunate suburbanites, the inner city dwellers be damned. This is a tricky market conundrum for the vehicle makers. Are these to be seen as a gift to the more fortunate while the less fortunate have to use older less fuel efficient technology? Replies to this message: gagrice (Nov 24, 2007 5:52 pm) tpe (Nov 26, 2007 10:11 am) kdhspyder (Nov 26, 2007 1:13 pm) tpe (Nov 26, 2007 2:38 pm) and 19 more...

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