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Post by Corey Crowley on Nov 28, 2007 9:21:36 GMT -5
Welcome to the VOLT4me message board. Please feel free to discuss the new Chevy Volt and related EV products, services, and more.
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Post by voltchallenge on Dec 8, 2007 14:54:27 GMT -5
I have been a loyal GM buyer my entire life. When I first heard about the Volt, I was excited and thought GM has really thought about what the American driver wanted and has taken action. Then I found out this car of the future is exactly that. When I personally called GM to find out where I can look at this car. The GM person after putting me on hold for 14 minutes came back to tell me that she had no idea where or if the car would be shown again. I asked if they were doing pre-ordering, she said no. I asked when this car was planned to be produced and she said 2011. I asked what was the hold up, was there a technical problem or a design problem that would cause such a delay to market. She was very forth coming and matter of fact stating that GM was focusing on the larger trucks and SUV’s to make them more economically efficient, and that they were pushing out the new Cameo. I was stunned that a GM representative would actually admit that the focus of GM is not on a car that could redefine the auto industry as we know it and cause a ripple effect in our economy that could change everyday lives, but to bring bigger and more fuel hungry vehicles to the showrooms near you. I went to the Volt Bogs to see if I might be able to get any better info. There were Engineer Techs talking about the fuel cells and the battery life. They were saying they wanted a longer battery life before release and that strides have been made, but nothing was definite. The hold up IS the technology. A longer battery charge is what the hold up is. I personally would be happy with the charge life of the existing battery, but I understand my needs are not like most. I drive 6 miles to get to work and very seldom stray from the course other than to make a stop at a store on the way home. I suggest that they go with the batteries that they now have and by the year 2011 they could do a retrofit (upgrade) into the cars that have been sold and have been in use. This household would have two of them in our driveway tomorrow. GM stop farting around with an SUV that even with your tinkering can not get a better MPG rating than 22 to 28 MPG’s and focus on a car that can change the world.
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Post by revolt on Dec 25, 2007 22:58:20 GMT -5
voltchallenge is right, GM is waiting for battery technology. GM has laid a basic car pattern out with the Volt concept car. Without going into much detail, a series (I think this is right) hybrid, which is different from Prius et al, with some flexibility for various power plants. The battery is good enough now if you look at NiMh but not LFP the newest Lithium chemistry. So they are stalling. I don't blame them, there is a lot riding on this, perhaps the existance of GM. They need to get it right. On the other hand they threw some very good experience and public sucess into the toilet over the EV-1. Where are their heads? I think I know and it doesn't look good for us as individual consumers. Madison Avenue is writing the script and the ques come from public marketing surveys and the like. Chevy is a hefty emblem to mess around with. Your average consumer (at least those vain or patient enough to answer telemarketers) wants an Escalade. Just watch the ads on TV. How can that tried and true model be penetrated by the likes of ........US? Corey may have the best idea.
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