GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site

Bob Boniface, head of Volt desigin

Mostly we have been discussing the remarkable engineering that will propel the Chevy Volt. Alot of thought also goes into design.

It is interesting to note that the first hybrid cars strove to appear different, so much so that the Honda Insight is discontinued, and the original Prius modelling was later changed. Drivers, it is determined by automakers, want others to notice that they are driving fuel-efficient cars. In the present day, the unique but not radical appearance of the Prius has become synonymous with hybrid. Other models, that carry a hybrid badge only have not fared as well (Accord Hybrid). A new report about this discussion was published today in the Boston Globe.

GMs latest hybrids such as the VUE greenline comes in green with a large badge.

The Volt, is meant to be differnent. Not frumpy, but camaro-esque, and bold-grilled, with its unique glass dropped into the doors and windows up high.

There is talk about a secret new Toyota hybrid to appear at Frankfurt, and others are guessing about a new battery deal to be announced for Toyota next week.

In any event, the Frankfurt show will certainly be a source of some potent information, both with regards to engineering and design.

Ric Fulop noted the company has several contracts to supply batteries already with U.S. and European automakers, in addition to GM.

The author mentions that fears about safety appearing to be delaying the emergence of li-ion battery powered cars. He also notes that Tesla’s car uses a large number of cells linked separately whereas A123 simply has safer technology. This is what Bart Riley, CTO told GM-Volt.com previously.

It is also mentioned that car battery packs will likely consist of about 100 high power 20 to 50 amp-hour cells grouped into individually monitored modules.

There is also a nice discussion about the doped, nanostructured iron phosphate cathodes of A123 cells and their special safety. They don’t overheat when they fail. Anonymous sources agree that these cells are safe and fail in a benign manner when subjected to overcharging in the lab.

The article closes with some important facts about cost. They tell us that NiMh batteries for cars run $700 kWh and that Li-ion may initially cost several times that. The goal of $300/kWh may not be achievable before 2015.

Overall a good article for explaining the current state of battery technology.