Related Sections: Green Tech Vehicles
GM approves Volt production, to hit showrooms in 2010
General Motors has just committed fully to producing the electric Chevy Volt and to have it on the road by 2010. By approving production funding for the plug-in hybrid, GM’s CEO Rick Wagoner gives the official go-ahead to take the eco-friendly car out of the concept phase and into reality.
The above picture is an earlier version of the Volt design, and it didn't perform too well in the wind tunnels, so look for a redesigned version to see the light of day soon with some more aerodynamic curves. There's no word on where this will fall in the price spectrum, but one hopes that it'll be affordable to regular people and not just a niche product. But hey, it's awesome that we'll see this thing in the showroom in a mere two years.
Volt, via PSFK
By murc at 6:44 PM ON 06/03/08
that's good news.
I've been keeping an eye on this one since its inception. I'm Hoping GM is able to put the price around the 30k area, if they mark it above 40k, then its sales wont be very good, as other plug-ins will steal some of its thunder.
By Phantomgladiator at 8:16 PM ON 06/03/08
This is great, even if a bit late.
Remember the EV-1? It was an electric car from GM that was produced from 1996-1999. Even though the car had positive reviews and a waiting list, GM stopped production because they said it wouldn't give them a profit. The 2nd generation EV-1 could go for 75-100 miles without a recharge (The New Volt can only go for 40 and has a conventional engine to recharge it).
Is it ironic that GM scrapped the EV-1 in favor of the Hummer and now will stop production of the Hummer if favor of the Volt, or it is just funny?
By dscorca at 7:52 AM ON 06/04/08
Chevy actually cancelled and recalled the EV-1 for several reasons. Firstly because the design and technology would not appeal to the average family auto owner, meaning the market share would be too small to be profitable. Secondly and perhaps most important that battery technology at the time would have required battery replacements, costing over $20,000 every three years. Thirdly, the car could not be recharged easily nor could it be charged at home without an expensive electrical upgrade. And finally, the car would have never been useable for an extended road trip because of it's 80-90 mile range.
The Volt is just a much smarter design and has addressed all other design problems the EV-1 would have faced. From a business standpoint, the Volt is the best car to bring to market and can appeal to more than 80% of today's typical auto owners.
By Hi Volt at 10:57 PM ON 06/04/08
Wow, just saw some amazing details at http://www.chevy-volt.net. Crazy to think this car can get 640 miles on a full tank. Too bad it took high gas prices to force GM to make it. Wouldhave been better if they came out with it 2 years ago!
By CBDunkerson at 7:37 AM ON 06/05/08
The Volt engine configuration is a winner, but the execution seems extremely poor. For instance, the Volt can get 40 miles on a 6.25 hour full charge... as compared to the Tesla Roadster which is out NOW and can get 230 miles (at DOUBLE the acceleration) on a 3.5 hour full charge. Likewise, the Volt's gasoline powered electric generator can produce charge to travel about 50 miles per gallon... but Tesla Roadsters hooked up to external electric generators have gotten as much as 125 miles per gallon.
Having the gas powered generator built into the car is definitely a great idea. If the generator can produce electricity at or above the rate that driving depletes it this effectively allows an electric car to travel cross country... the one real limitation they have currently. It's just the execution here which seems lackluster. The Volt should be capable of MUCH longer all electric range, MUCH faster recharging, and MUCH better mpg from the gasoline powered generator.
Why none of the electric engine cars coming out have built-in solar chargers is another mystery to me. Tesla sells an external solar charger which can generate up to 30 miles per day, but why not take advantage of thin film technology? Cover the hood and roof with a 15% efficient photovoltaic film (current tech) and many people would never have to plug it in.
By AlaskanAssassin at 2:20 PM ON 06/08/08
I would agree that there are several areas of the Chevy Volt that should be looked at for improvement before the car is actually launched such as a longer range on a shorter battery life. However I wouldn't compare it to the Tesla Roadster as the starting ticker price if you purchase now is $109,000, which is far above the 30-40,000 range for the Volt. Additionally it may be out now, but your not going to get yours until you plunk down $60,000 in down payment and wait a minimum of 12 months for delivery. But a nice niche car none the less.
By TGIF at 8:56 PM ON 06/12/08
Before comparing the Volt to the Tesla Roadster, consider that the Tesla Roadster costs $100,000+ with a very limited production capacity.
Making a car that the masses can afford and that is capable of being mass produced results in a different balance of features, capabilities and specs.
By MICHAEL J. SCHMITZ at 7:21 PM ON 07/16/08
LOOKS SHARP, BUT NOT EVERYONE LIKES A CAR WITH A CHOPPED TOP.
By good at 10:26 AM ON 10/23/09
i em wating for this car this s good idia and right invetsment ilove this car
By soupy at 12:27 AM ON 11/15/09
i like it
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
soupy:
i like it...More »