Chevy Volt Production Pics Released

[Boarder]

http://gm-volt.com/2008/09/16/breaking-production-chevy-volt-revealed-in-full/#comments

I'm sure most will say one of these:
1. It sucks
2. It's ugly
3. It's by GM
4. It's ghey
5. My truck would run over it
6. I love Vespas more

or some variation thereof.

But, a decent looking car that will go 40 miles at a time using no gas. I would argue that it will have a lot of consumer appeal if the price is deemed reasonable by most buyers.

[Boarder]

http://us.tnpv.net/2008/GMC200809/GMC2008091632599_PV.jpg

[yermom]

looks a lot like a Cobalt

[Boarder]

Cobalt/Malibu combo.

But no gas until after 40 miles, between charges using a regular 110 outlet.

[yermom]

and it's a LOT less goofy looking than a Prius...

i'd drive one :D

[royalfan5]

They question is will GM be able to sell them profitably, and will the rumored 40K+ price tag keep people from switching from cheaper hybrids?

[yermom]

40k?

i'm out.

[CK Sooner]

40k?

i'm out.

I think most of us are. :D

[yermom]

seems they are making it too nice.

i could really go for a new Geo Metro right now

i'm thinking if you can afford a car for 40k, $4 gas isn't that rough

[proud gonzo]

It's ugly. how many horsepower? What's its 0-60?

[OU4LIFE]

peesa shat

[royalfan5]

seems they are making it too nice.

i could really go for a new Geo Metro right now

i'm thinking if you can afford a car for 40k, $4 gas isn't that rough

At that price point, why not sell it as a Caddy? You could jam in some more goodies and bump the price some more, and sell it that way. Tain't like Cadillac has much brand equity anymore, so why not use this as a way to start to re-establish a new identity for Cadillac?

[olevetonahill]

# 4

[C&CDean]

Another scam to get into the dumb consumers' pocket.

My wife's POS Toyota Yaris gets about 41-42 mpg. That's $4. You gotta plug this thing in up at the house and charge it overnight to get your first 40 miles. Bet it adds more than $4 to your electric bill. And I'm also pretty sure that whole 40 mile thing is based on old lady type driving, or perhaps highway driving. Even if you could charge it for free, paying $40K for an $18K car will take a whole lot of 40 mile runs to pay for the difference.

I'm out.

[BigRedJed]

http://gm-volt.com/2008/09/16/breaking-production-chevy-volt-revealed-in-full/#comments

I'm sure most will say one of these:
1. It sucks
2. It's ugly
3. It's by GM
4. It's ghey
5. My truck would run over it
6. I love Vespas more

or some variation thereof.

But, a decent looking car that will go 40 miles at a time using no gas. I would argue that it will have a lot of consumer appeal if the price is deemed reasonable by most buyers.
Can I say more than one?

So far I know the following:

2. It's ugly
3. It's by GM

5. My truck would run over it
6. I love Vespas more

[Boarder]

Rumors of price so far are mid 20s, comparable to a Malibu. Five passenger, good acceleration, costs about the same as a regular battery charger in electricity, charges in 30 minutes-hour. All these are preliminary and what the goals were.

If it's going to be 40k, they're wasting their and everyone else's time for sure.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Eet's a piece a' chit!

[Beef]

Can you have secks on it?

[Boomer.....]

It would be hard but you might be able to in it. :)

[Echoes]

I like it, except the back. the back is hideous. Like the headlights.

If it's in the early-mid 20's I would take a look at it. Anything else, no thanks.

[OU4LIFE]

Can you have secks on it?

sort of, Chevy is trying to lube it and shove it up your ***....does that count?

[Tulsa_Fireman]

I'd have secks WITH it.

Then make it get up and make me a sammich when I was done.

[Mjcpr]

So you could drive it to work 20 miles and then home w/o charging? My parking spot doesn't have an outlet. :)

I might consider it for $25k.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Tree fiddy.

[Boarder]

Check that, I am seeing new reports in the mid $40k range (with a gov'mnt rebate in the $6-7k range off that). Mainly due to the $10k battery cost. I would be out at that price. There'd be a bunch of rich Hollywood Prius drivers who bought one, but a bunch of people excited about it originally would be gone.

It should get all the car companies going, though. Plug in Prius is supposed to be here in 2010-2011. All they'd really need is the Prius/Volt innerds with a nice looking body for a decent price and they (whichever manufacturer) sells all they can make.

[Boarder]

So you could drive it to work 20 miles and then home w/o charging? My parking spot doesn't have an outlet. :)

I might consider it for $25k.
Yes, you can. And the thing that makes it cooler than full on electrics is that it has what amounts to an onboard emergency gas battery charger that will run the car if you're a few miles short. You'd use gas but very, very little if you drove, say, 50 miles a day.

[Beef]

I'll stick with my Harley. I know I can have secks on it.

[Mjcpr]

Oh that's right, I keep forgetting it has a gas engine for some reason.

[Getem]

Why the heck did they change it so much from the concept? A lot of the excitement around it was due to it's sporty design.

http://i.treehugger.com/files/chevy-volt-a01.jpg

[royalfan5]

Why the heck did they change it so much from the concept? A lot of the excitement around it was due to it's sporty design.

http://i.treehugger.com/files/chevy-volt-a01.jpg

Because GM generally flubs execution of products they develop. You don't go from the most dominant company in the world to hoping the Feds will bail your *** out without systematically ****ing up for a sustained period of time.

[StoopTroup]

Another scam to get into the dumb consumers' pocket.

My wife's POS Toyota Yaris gets about 41-42 mpg. That's $4. You gotta plug this thing in up at the house and charge it overnight to get your first 40 miles. Bet it adds more than $4 to your electric bill. And I'm also pretty sure that whole 40 mile thing is based on old lady type driving, or perhaps highway driving. Even if you could charge it for free, paying $40K for an $18K car will take a whole lot of 40 mile runs to pay for the difference.

I'm out.

I think they are way out of line to Dean but it isn't really a car you or I would want anyway.

I think the more important thing is that you'll need a really good warranty to get most folks to buy it. I can't imagine what your bill would be for someone who needed to replace the batteries or run down a a short etc...

This Press Release does actually cover some of the things most nay-sayer might bring up but not all.

They paint a pretty rosey picture...but...they are trying to sell them too.


The Volt uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle's battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Volt eliminates "range anxiety," giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.

The Chevrolet Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle's intelligent charging technology enables the Volt's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted. At a cost of about 80 cents per day (10 cents per kWh) for a full charge that will deliver up to 40 miles of electric driving, GM estimates that the Volt will be less expensive to recharge than purchasing a cup of your favorite coffee. Charging the Volt about once daily will consume less electric energy annually than the average home's refrigerator and freezer units.

Charge out of driving
The Chevrolet Volt offers spirited driving performance in a remarkably quiet interior. More than 220 lithium-ion cells contained within the Volt's battery pack provide ample power. The Volt's electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. The lack of engine noise, combined with special sound-deadening materials, make the Chevrolet Volt an extremely quiet vehicle to drive.

GM estimates that the Volt will cost about two cents per mile to drive while under battery power compared to 12 cents per mile using gasoline priced at $3.60 per gallon. For an average driver who drives 40 miles per day (or 15,000 miles per year), this amounts to a cost savings of $1,500 annually. Using peak electric rates, GM estimates that an electrically driven mile in a Chevy Volt will be about one-sixth of the cost of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. The cost savings are even greater when charging during off-peak hours, when electric rates are cheaper.

The quietness of such a car might be a little weird at first too.

It's to bad the thing won't charge the batteries...I guess that's where the savings come in.

[Getem]

Hmm 40 miles max? How far can it go with the AC and the radio on?

[Czar Soonerov]

Funny, I read this article this morning.


10 Electric Cars You Can Buy Today

September 16th, 2008 by Benjamin Jones · 30 Comments (http://ecomodder.com/blog/2008/09/16/10-electric-cars-buy-today/#comments)

Welcome to EcoModder! If you like the blog and want to get automatic updates, subscribe to my RSS feed (http://feeds.feedburner.com/EcomoddercomFuelEconomyBlog). Thanks for visiting!
http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/2780731492_ed6e72b93b.jpg (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/2780731492_ed6e72b93b.jpg)
Image: jurvetson (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/2780731492/)

The internet is abuzz with news of new electric cars that all seem to be coming out in 2010. It seems like every day we hear more about the Chevy Volt “extended range electric vehicle,” but not so much about what’s available right now. If you’ve got an itchy trigger finger and a hefty wallet, there are a few options for you right now.
Who Sells the Electric Cars?

1. Zap

http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/xebra-sedan-blue_0.jpg (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/xebra-sedan-blue_0.jpg)
Model: Xebra (http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/xebra-sedan)
Price: $11,700
Top Speed / Range: 40 mph / 25 miles
Everyone was a little skeptical of Zap after Wired went and exposed a lot of shady doings (http://www.wired.com/cars/futuretransport/magazine/16-04/ff_zapped) over there. I won’t say that I’m any less skeptical now, but a forum member took the plunge and actually bought a Zap Xebra (http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/just-bought-zap-xebra-pk-3126.html). His reports are interesting, and he seems to like the car, even though the government might not be so fond of it. Zap’s three-wheeled electric “cars” fall into that gray area where they’ve tried to register them as motorcycles to bypass safety regulations, but the government is starting to say “hold on, that’s no motorcycle!” Definitely check your local laws on these vehicles before taking the plunge.
2. Commuter Cars

http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/rotate-1.jpg (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/rotate-1.jpg)
Model: Tango (http://www.commutercars.com/)
Price: $108,000
Top Speed / Range: 150 mph / 200 miles (with Lithium Ion batteries)
The Tango T600 is the like the Tesla Roadster’s slightly odd cousin. At first you think “oh, that’s weird,” until you realize that you’ve fallen in love and are getting married. That kind of what my experience looking at this car was. At first I wondered if someone had chopped a Smart ForTwo in half in order to be ironic about how small it was, then I realized this little sucker is extremely light, compact, and can do 0-60 in a very respectable 4 seconds. It’s certainly not cheap, but it’s the ultimate pocket racer if you really want to surprise the competition.
3. Dynasty Electric Car Corp.

http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/picture-11.png (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/picture-11.png)
Model: IT SEDAN (http://www.itiselectric.com/sedan_electric_car.htm)
Price: $19,000
Top Speed / Range: 24 mph / 30 miles
The IT sedan is what’s known as a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV), meaning that it is speed regulated to about 25 mph, even though it might be able to go faster. In some places, these are illegal because of the low top speeds, so if you’re looking into one you should check out local laws. There are however, good for putzing around town, if you live in that kind of area.
4. GEM

http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/picture-12.png (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/picture-12.png)
Model: e2 (http://www.gemcar.com/models/details.asp?MID=3&ID=309)
Price: $6,795
Top Speed / Range: 25 mph / 35 miles
Most people, myself included, are shocked to hear that Chrysler owns an electric car company, but once you scratch the surface, it becomes obvious that GEM’s NEVs are more like glorified golf carts than anything that could be morphed into a production electric car. Now, this isn’t an insult to NEVs, but you can tell by the fact that GEM’s vehicles cost thousands less than electric cars from companies like Dynasty’s that they’re not meant to be much more. If you’re looking to cruise around your country club estate in eco-style, this NEV might be for you.
5. TWIKE

http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/twike_redesign_front_200.jpg (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/twike_redesign_front_200.jpg)
Model: TWIKE (http://www.twike.us/the_twike.html)
Price: $35,000
Top Speed / Range: 53 mph / 100 miles
The TWIKE, as a human-electric hybrid is sort of in a class of its own. It can run entirely on electric power, but using pedals inside the vehicle, both the driver and the passenger can pedal to help charge the battery and extend the range. I got to see one of these this year at HybridFest, and even though it looks pretty cool, I’d be scared to take it out anywhere where I would be nearing the max speed. 40 mph, maybe. But not 50 mph. Also, a starting price of $35k makes it a bit cost prohibitive, even though it’s very well made.
6. REVA


Model: Standard (http://www.revaindia.com/revastd.htm)
Price: $16,000
Top Speed / Range: 45 mph / 70 miles
The REVA, or the G-Wiz, as it’s known in the UK is the much mocked and sometimes loved electric car from India. Watch Top Gear for more humourous commentary.
7. Myers

http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/full_3.jpg (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/full_3.jpg)
Model: NmG (model:%20Standard%20%20Price:%20$16,000%20%20Top% 20Speed%20/%20Range:%2045%20mph%20/%2070%20miles)
Price: $35,000
Top Speed / Range: 75 mph / 30 miles
The NmG stands for “no more gas,” and it’s another one of those vehicles I had the pleasure of seeing at hybrid fest. It’s a small and incredibly aerodynamic vehicle, but it only seats the driver and can’t take on much cargo. However, the aerodynamics allow the NmG to reach decently high speeds and it seems like a reasonably fun ride for less than the $100k price tags on the Tango or Telsa Roadster.
8. ZENN

http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/picture-13.png (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/picture-13.png)
Model: ZENN NEV (http://www.zenncars.com/)
Price: $12,000
Top Speed / Range: 25 mph / 35 miles
ZENN is Canada’s own NEV maker, but recently they’ve battled the government over the basic legality of NEVs on Canada’s roads. ZENN, like other NEV makers, produces electric cars that aren’t meant to do much more than run around on local streets. However, unlike GEM’s cars, they are a bit more substantial, but also a little cheaper than Dynasty’s cars.
9. Venturi

http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/red_rabbit_1139334474_venturi_fetish.jpg (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/red_rabbit_1139334474_venturi_fetish.jpg)
Model: Fetish (http://www.venturifetish.fr/fetish.html)
Price: $435,000
Top Speed / Range: 100 mph / 155 miles
The Fetish is a French electric supercar for people with, well, an electric car fetish. You’ll pay out the nose, and it’s not exactly the fatest electric car out there, but if you like the style and the Frenchness and all that, it may be the car for you.
10. Tesla

http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/picture-14.png (http://ecomodder.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/picture-14.png)
Model: Roadster (http://www.teslamotors.com/)
Price: $108,000
Top Speed / Range: 125 mph / 225 miles
Didn’t think we’d forget the Roadster, did you? The Roadster may be expensive, but it’s becoming the Prius of the electric car world. I won’t bore you with details, because you probably know them all, but suffice it to say it’s fast, cool, and pure electric. #1 on my list.


http://ecomodder.com/blog/2008/09/16/10-electric-cars-buy-today/

[badger]

I liked the concept design better too... alas, the electric car just isn't there yet.

[proud gonzo]

oooh, i watched a show about the Tesla roadster with my dad. It was awesome.

[Vaevictis]

You gotta plug this thing in up at the house and charge it overnight to get your first 40 miles. Bet it adds more than $4 to your electric bill.

Per 40 miles?

Standard outlet (which they say this thing plugs into) in the USA is at most what, 110V@15A? That's 1.8kW.

I pay $0.10/kWh, so $0.18 to charge this thing for an hour. You'd have to charge this thing for over 22/16.5/11/5.5 hours to pay $4/$3/$2/$1 respectively.

[Lott's Bandana]

.



The quietness of such a car might be a little weird at first too.



I was in Fayetteville recently and was standing next to a Prius when it left a parallel parking spot, without a sound. My brain registered why, but it was still very surreal to watch it "sneak" down the street.

[Vaevictis]

They actually warn you in the manuals to be aware of pedestrians who may not hear you approaching. :D

[Curly Bill]

They actually warn you in the manuals to be aware of pedestrians who may not hear you approaching. :D

That's a selling point in my book. :P