AND 
GM-Volt EXCLUSIVE!: Brand New Interview with Bob Boniface, GM Director of Volt Design on the Production Model Volt
Bob Boniface and his creation
Mr. Boniface is responsible for the overall design of the Volt including both it’s interior and exterior.
We spoke about the origin of the Volt concept coming directly from Bob Lutz in February 06, his idea being to do a car that re-established GM as the technological leader, to skip the hybrid model (too easy) and go directly to electric drive, and make it sell. Mr. Boniface had just completed the Camaro’s design when he started on the Volt.
He says the design goal was to make the car something people wanted to own from both an emotional and visual standpoint, beyond it’s sensibility, and not just be “a science project”. They wanted to steer clear of the “sensible shoes” or “Brussels sprouts” (good for you but you don’t really like them) look of the current hybrid crop.
He denies that GM is trying to target a specific consumer type, but feels the Volt should have very wide appeal, and says “I don’t see anything that would keep anyone from buying this car.” He does admit though, for example, someone wanting to buy a Suburban will not be expected to suddenly say a Volt could fit their needs.
He confirms, that like the show car, the final production vehicle will also have 4 doors.
He was very excited about the new dedicated Chevy Volt Design studio into which he and his team are moving in, as it turns out, today. It is a dedicated wing of Design North, with a long interesting history, it used to be an auditorium with people such a Lucille Ball, and some Presidents, appearing in it. He notes the space is beautiful.
He indicated that he and his team has indeed started in earnest designing the actual production car. He admits that for the show car he has exaggerated certain proportional elements such as, for example, roof height and wheel size. He says “the show car was very sporty and personal, and the production car will be very sporty and personal”, and will be a “handsome automobile”. He wouldn’t give too much more detail, because he doesn’t want to ruin the surprise.
In response to John Watter’s recent criticism (see post), he says he doesn’t have final numbers on the curb weight as it is still under development, and won’t give out the final coefficient of drag, but indicates that they are “spending a lot of time in the wind tunnel” and that “aerodynamics of the production Volt are not going to keep the vehicle from meeting the 40 mile electric range”.
In terms of the glass in the roof and doors, he corrected me that it is actually polycarbonate, and admits he is aware of the greenhouse effect of a glass roof requiring more electric draw. They are looking at both ideas of appearance and function and trying to find the balance, but the main goal is customer appeal.
He also admits there’s a trade-off to keeping the cost down of material to balance the cost of the battery.
He hinted about novel components such as LED headlights, and although he did not want to go into details, admitted they may be drawn into “some really cool feature content” because it might be best for the energy load of the vehicle. He is very excited about the design challenges of the vehicle.
We chuckled a bit about the idea of how to handle a tank full of gas that may never get burned and could go stale, if one only drives electrically. He told me Bob Lutz considered this and thought about putting a warning label on the dash to run the ICE every 3 months. But Mr. Boniface’s answer is if you don’t think you’ll use gas, then don’t put any in it. He says this issue falls under the umbrella of “things he cant control” and noted there are thousands of similar minor and unique issues to this car.
They haven’t finalized the decision on whether to have one or two electric plug ports.
We went on to discuss how the car might be designed to accommodate people of various sizes. He indicated the Volt will be designed like all other cars, to fit everyone from a woman of 5th percentile size up to a man of 95th percentile size (so stop worrying big guys and little ladies, you’ll fit).
I asked about how engine sound and lack of it might be dealt with, and he indicated this hasn’t been sorted out, it really isn’t his area, and will be tackled as the mules are tested. He also acknowledged the mules are not styled in any way, that they are only for testing the battery and drivetrain, and he is not involved in their design.
We talked about battery location in car, he reiterated the center line should be the safest spot, true for any impact rear or side, and that it will be best for driver accommodation as well as maintenance access. He reinforced the fact that the battery along with all of any car’s elements will have to be accessible for maintenance.
I asked if the show cars “Volt” logo would be kept in the final design, and he noted that they “haven’t really talked about it”, but feels there is a lot of equity in it.
He doesn’t “see anything that will keep GM from having the Volt available by 2010″, and “he’s pretty darn confident” about being able to mass produce it in that time frame.
He then states that the Volt is “without question the most important project going on at General Motors right now”, and that there is a level of energy he’s never witnessed before in his entire career. He goes on not acknowledge that the people working on the Volt prjoect are the sharpest and brightest he has ever worked with and he seems genuinely thrilled and excited about it.
If you have any other questions for Bob I didn’t cover, bring them up in the comments and I’ll see if I can get some answers for us.
72 Responses to “GM-Volt EXCLUSIVE!: Brand New Interview with Bob Boniface, GM Director of Volt Design on the Production Model Volt”
Leave a Reply
Recent Posts
- New York Times Report on the Chevy Volt Generator Mode Driving Experience
- CNBC Test Drive of the Chevy Volt in Charge Sustaining Mode
- Chevy Volt Will be Able to Hit 104 MPH
- Chevy Volt and Battery Program Update
- GM to Announce Initial Volt Markets at LA Auto Show
- Coalition of Industry Leaders Releases Roadmap to get 120 Million Electric Cars on US Roads by 2030
- Op-Ed: GM Reports a $1.2 Billion Loss, but Has the Cash To See Volt Well into Production and Beyond
- Three Chevy Volt Paint Color Finalists Announced
- What BMW Has Learned from the MINI E Program So Far: That They May Need to Build EREVs
- GM: EVs are Cool, but EREV’s are Really Cool
Recent GM-Volt Forum Posts
- Hacked e-mails reveal global-warming fraud? November 20, 2009This is how open minded liberals operate. "And, perhaps most reprehensibly," Delingpole writes, "a long series of communications discussing how best... […]BigCityCat
- Is the Volt Engine Direct Injected? November 20, 2009I recently read that the Cruze's engine will be DI. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevy_Cruze#Chevrolet_Cruze Obviously the Cruze's engine will... […]omnimoeish
- First Reports of the Chevy Volt's Charge-Sustaining (Generator) Mode Operation November 20, 2009The first two journalists' reports of what it's like to drive the Chevy Volt while in generator mode operation have been published. 1) New York... […]admin
- Florida giving $5000 rebate to convert Prius to plug-in November 20, 2009- Probably Hymotion - $10,400 standard price - $5000 state rebate - $1000 additional federal incentives - $4,400 final cost. Hurry because their... […]Texas
- New York Times CSM story November 20, 2009Link to the New York Times story of November 19, 2009 about a test ride of the Volt in charge sustaining... […]srschrier
- New video: Volt drive in Detroit November 19, 2009November 19, 2009 Detroit Free Press story with video featuring a Volt drive with Andrew Farah in... […]srschrier
- New Video: Volt Corrosion Testing November 18, 2009From GM VoltAge, the Volt's corrosion... […]srschrier
GM-Volt.com is not affiliated with General Motors Company
All contents copyright 2007-2009 GM-Volt.com, LLC - All Rights Reserved
Home | Contact | Privacy Policy | About | Back to Top
October 8th, 2007 at 6:37 am
Is Mr Boniface also designing the Opel version of the car?
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 6:54 am
When Mr Boniface refers to a “C segment vehicle”, what does that mean?
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Instead of a green house roof, how about placing enough solar panels there to run the heat pump to keep the interior comfortable and ready for occupants? The solar panels could trickle charge the battery when the heat pump is not required.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Could they put a warning alarm inside the car to remind me to un-plug before I leave the garage… It might take some getting used to!
Also I never noticed the back doors flip out – very handy! Very smart design!
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:09 am
Keith,
the car shouldn’t start at all, if it’s plugged-in. That would be better an easier!
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Keith,
Good suggestion. There could be any number of safety measures like a kill switch if the “gas cap cover” is left open.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:18 am
I’d suggest electric heat seating as this is more efficient than space heating (though that’ll be needed too).
It might be worth including some form of oil burner as an option for heating that could be attractive in cold climates. Or some software to allow the vehicle to be heated whilst plugged in 10 minutes before departure.
Or would people just use the ICE until the car is warm and then switch to batteries?
Or will electric heating be done using the air conditioner as a heat pump?
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:25 am
He said something about not bothering to fill up the tank, I wonder what type of options you would have to not fill the tank up, except before that long beach trip, and just save that extra 70 or so pounds. Would you still have the annoying low gas light to give you a mini-panic every time you get in the car?
Also, I could see people modifying these to take the ICE and gas tank out and putting in more batteries, won’t take long before green tuners think of some ideas.
Perhaps if there’s enough demand for it, they’ll make an electric-only base model (more battery range, no gas range).
hmmm…. just thoughts.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:29 am
IF GM can get 40 miles on a plug in hybrid, I want to see what they can get with an all electric. Everyone is so excited about 40 miles. Wow, the gas may go stale. The EV1 went 120 miles on a charge with the batteries from the company that GM sold to, was it Exxon-Mobil I can’t remember, and “no one wanted it.” Please also produce an all-electric car.
-Paul
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:36 am
My question is: will I be able to change the genset for another type of engine after purchasing the car? Suppose that the Volt is initially released in the USA with just a Gasoline/E85 generator=engine, but I really like diesels for whatever reason. Will I be able to change in a diesel genset for that gasoline at a later date? Or, suppose that fuel cells become both popular and cost-effective — maybe I’d like to change the gas/E85 engine that, after the fact? Is the car that modular?
To me, this seems like a great way for GM generate a new revenue stream — if my car were as modular as my PC, I could buy a $5000 engine/generator or $5000 wheel-motor-tire set, or a $7000 better battry pack…. With my current vehicles, I buy a used car when the engine, transmission, body, or even the interior is uncomfortably worn. Then make a bunch of small and medium-sized repairs to the new-to-me car, and beat as many miles as possible out of it for a few years, and then repeat. However, if I could upgrade a major subsystem for a reasonable price, then I’d likely buy new stuff from the dealer, and maybe even pay their mechanics to install it.
I’d love to be driving a 2010 Volt chassis, with a 2013 high-capacity battery/charger/controller, and be thinking about replacing the electric motor with less-worn 2015 model that has some sort of nifty high-efficiency controller.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:46 am
One more thing: Please EEStor, succeed! OR if not, then MIT, finish the research and sell it to a company that will mass produce that carbon-nanotube enhanced ultra-capacitor. Both of those ultra-capacitors can be recharged close to 1,000,000 times, and in minutes. Too high of a power requirement to recharge in minutes? No, just use a second bank at the house that trickle charges to charge the one in the car in minutes. No lithium will be required, which by the way is somewhat scarce and is mostly in China (none here). I thought we were trying to be less dependent on foreign “oil”?
-Paul
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 9:34 am
Lyle,
You missed an important question.
Will the be Volt be five seater or Four Seater ?
I found the following in the interview.
“Volt should have very wide appeal”.
So I hope it would be 5 seater. But if the entire battery is put in the center tunnel, it will be difficult to make a five seater. Did GM think of splitting the battery into two halfs and putting one in center tunnel and the other half horizontally beneath the rear seat without compromising safety to make room for 3 seats in the back ?
A 4 seater definitely will not attract wide range of people, it has to be a five seater.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 9:46 am
“A 4 seater definitely will not attract wide range of people, it has to be a five seater. ”
I totally disagree with that notion – how many times have you ever seen 5 people in a car on the highway? You need to lug 5 people, then youwon’t e lookign for anything small to midsize anyay. The last
problem GM is going to facr is going to be to find enough customers. Their big problem is in building enough VOLTs. A recent survey found that half of those consumers who know what a plug-in is (about 50%) said
they would be interested in buying one. The VOLT production can’t come even remotely close to eeting demand that great, much less when the other half learns abut plug-ins.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 9:48 am
My question to Mr. Boniface is similar to question above, is he working in parallel with the Opel design team? Is he and his team working on several E-flex models or just the initial Volt based design? Myself I like the Opel Flextreme prototype more because it would fit the needs of a family more than a sports car design. For example I own today a Pontiac Vibe and would love a E-flex vehicle close to that size and layout. If the answer is they are only focused on the Volt based design initially, my request is to make sure the back seats are functional. What I mean by that is that some sports cars have back seats but it is so small it is not practical for anyone to really use.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 9:57 am
From Article:
“I asked about how engine sound and lack of it might be dealt with, and he indicated this hasn’t been sorted out, it really isn’t his area, and will be tackled as the mules are tested. He also acknowledged the mules are not styled in any way, that they are only for testing the battery and drivetrain, and he is not involved in their design.”
- Those of you that know your way around the US Patent search site may be interested in looking at the several patents GM has filed on sound isolation methods for hybrid engine-generators.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 10:00 am
What’s wrong with Brussel Sprouts?
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 10:04 am
A family with two adults and two kids is very common and Volt will difinitely handle that. What abt an occasional guest or a long staying relative ? Definitely, Volt will not fit such a senario. They need to drive two cars making the electrification of the car more polluting than a 5 seater gasoline car particularly in the above case.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 10:33 am
Awesome interview Lyle!
I am really happy to hear that it will be a four-door vehicle. The extra space will be nice. The Volt is truly shaping out to be a vehicle for everyone.
Also, concerning the ICE never being used- just add a little fuel stabilizer (such as Sta-bil) to the gas and it will stay fresh for up to 2 years. The vast majority of Volt drivers will use a tank of gas over a 2-year window of time.
There is also a software solution to this issue: the car’s computer will know when it is filled up, and be able to calculate how long it has been between fillups. Providing a warning to the driver (displayed on an LCD screen, dash board light, or audibly) would not be a big deal to implement. This would require very little code.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 11:40 am
What a great blog! Between Lyle and you great commenters, you have Fastlane and FYI on the trailer. My wife said that, if GM was smart, they would hire Lyle and/or sponsor the blog, since it is providing such a great service to GM.
This is a very interesting and encouraging interview. Thank you for bringing up one of my pet peeves, the glass/polycarbonate roof. What a dumb idea. Kudos to Tim, 10/8, 7:14 AM, for suggesting a brilliant alternative. If they build it with the “glass” roof, I swear I will tape it out, or paint it with a spray can. Sorry to rant about this insignificant detail, but it just seems so counterproductive.
Four seats works for me. My wife has to have 4 doors, but she can live with 4 seats. Bring it on. If e-flex takes off, I hope that there will be a station wagon, or mini van, or some such pretty quick, for those who absolutely need more seating.
Sta-bil is a good suggeation. We use it in our race cars. They sometimes sit for weeks or months, especially over the winter, with 108 octane race gas in the fuel cells. The stuff is a lot more volatile that pump gas, and evaporates down to a real mess if you don’t watch out. We put in Sta-bil per the instructions, and they fire right up on cue. End of problem. GM could even amke a little extra money by having a house branded “Sta-bil”, al la slimited slip additive and oil, etc.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Drake– I like your solution. Very simple and smart.
Lyle–Fantastic site as always. How do you find time to do all this? Aren’t you a doctor in the ‘real’ world?
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 11:44 am
[quote comment="10178"]A family with two adults and two kids is very common and Volt will difinitely handle that. What abt an occasional guest or a long staying relative ? Definitely, Volt will not fit such a senario. They need to drive two cars making the electrification of the car more polluting than a 5 seater gasoline car particularly in the above case.[/quote]
If this car is meant to be first and foremost a commuter car (hence the 40 mile range), 4 is plenty. I’m not going to drive around in a much bigger car when I’m by myself 90% of the time, just in case a person might visit me by themselves!
GM, if you are set on 4, please really make it 4, not 2+2. After all, we will want to take our friends to lunch to promote it, and if they don’t fit, it will be a big turn-off. One of the things that really impressed me with the Prius was how much room I had in the back seat. I always test the back seat room when I buy a car.
Of course, on another post, I was arguing for a two seater that could have more battery capacity for longer all-electric range.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Looking at the 4 seat / 5 seat question, from a European perspective, this might fall between two stools.
As a first car for a family (even with just 2 kids), 5 seats is a necessity. For a second car, the Volt is a bit big (a little bigger than the Astra) and a bit expensive.
That said, the remaining market segments are so big, and the Volt will be so unique, as long as it does what it says on the tin, and isn’t hideously ugly, sales shouldn’t be a problem.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
I think Jim and others make a valid point. 4 means at least 4 large adults without the front seats all the way forward. This vehicle may be designed for commuting, but if it’s a 4-door, then 4 adults must be made comfortable on long trips too. If not, then it’s just a 4-door 2+2.
I also want to make sure that I can hide my stuff so it won’t get stolen. A hatchback with a removable hard cover like I had in my 1987 Honda Accord hatchback would be OK. In that design, I could remove the hard cover, place it on the floor behind the front seats and drop the back seats which would lay FLAT and provide enough room for 2 adults to stretch out in sleeping bags. It was a great use of space and I could use it for camping or hauling furniture when I needed to. It was a wonderful feature in that small car!
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Tachy said, “the car shouldn’t start at all, if it’s plugged-in. That would be better an easier!”
What an excellent idea. Since I would forget my head if it wasn’t attached, this would be a great safety feature, and very cheap to implement, I would think.
Noel, I agree. Duct tape it is.
Solar panel would be better, although I will most likely not use it much. The car is garaged at home and at work.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
I built an in-town commuter that goes about 40 miles on a charge for $3,000. I have another car that is an ICE. Isn’t a Volt going to be over $30,000? I generally know if I’m going to have to drive more than 40 miles in a day.
-Paul
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Rashiid, you need a good wife like mine. She makes sure I haven’t forgotten my head. And, she’s there to do all the driving. My only function is to hang onto the steering wheel! lol
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Estero, you are too funny. I happen to have one of those myself. I love her very much, but she does all the driving…..from the passenger seat.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I really like the Voly as it is. But I always assumed that the parking brake would stay applied as long as the car was plugged. I also like the clear roof and figured all alomg that it be tinted and have a shade in the car’s ceiling, like with my friend’s Scion tC. And the 40-mile RxEV design seems like the optimum to me. That satisfies the vast majority of daily commutes, and if you can plug in at work, you might get that range up to 80. I think that that range would satisfy over 90%. The 40-mile range is also optimized for cost-effectiveness and weight management.
Lyle, I’ve really enjoyed all of these interviews so far, but I’d like to know if you could interview someone from the utility side? A number of utilities are pushing for EDV’s as part of revenue generation, renewable energy expansion, grid management, and demand leveling perspectives. Austin Energy here in Texas and PG&E out in California have been leaders in the push. Would it be possible for you to contact an expert on that end for us? I think that could expand our perspectives a little.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Andy-You’re right I am a doctor, and I don’t know how I find the time either! I do things “in-between” a lot.:)
Steven B – good idea on the util. cos, will look into it. I once asked the GM people if they were working with one directly, but got a negative at the time.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
40 miles on a charge? By my calculations, the high end, 170wh/m, the EV1 drivetrain with Li batteries would have gone 411 miles a charge depending on driving habits and terrain. Why are you going backwards? So you can say once again, people don’t want electric cars? Most folks converting their cars get about 80 miles on lead. What doesn’t add up here?
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Unlike the EV1, the Volt is a real car that real people can use. The Volt will have a 600+ mile range that doesn’t require hours to recharge. If you need a back seet or take it on a long trip, you don’t have to go out and buy another car.
Somewhat related to the “greenhouse” point. California requires that all new buildings and retrofits have a “cool” roof, which usually means white. However, there are new roof tiles with special pigments that are any color you want, except reflective in the non-visible spectrum Even if you have a “black” roof, it still reflects roughly half of the energy. This concept can apply to cars as well, both in the paint and in the interior. All it takes is careful selection of the pigments.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
My main concern with GM is not technical but aesthetic. Their industrial design has tended to be weak, especially vehicle interiors.
I hope they get it right along with the power subsystem. I’d hate to not want a car because it looks cheap or clunky.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Alan Thompson:
The EV1 was not an affordable or practical car. It was a two seater that would have costed a lot even in large-scale production. (Take a look at the Tesla).
The Volt will eliminate gas usage for everyday driving, but still be convenient for long trips. In other words it will fit the needs of most people, unlike the EV1.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
I have 3 kids – and even though they and my wife are not in my car all that often (she has a van) – there is the occasion we all are in my car (or I may be picking someone up or have one of my kids friends with me). Thus if the volt cannot seat 3 kids in the back – I may need to wait for the next (and hopefully larger) model that comes out.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
I have told myself since I was fifteen years old that I would not bother to buy a brand new car until “The One” was there, and I knew it. It had to be something revolutionary and a real step into the future…
I’m almost thirty-seven now, and I’ve stuck to it….
This is “The One”…. I cannot wait….
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Brian, regarding the Tesla, keep in mind – the body and chassis are made by Lotus. NOT a cheap brand!
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
You could put photovoltaics on the roof, they’re already available from Solar Electric Vehicles.com you can find them at http://evtransportal.com/suppliersnise.html
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
My commute is 40 miles each way. 2 stop signs, 3 towns. I pass 6 gas stations every morning and evening. Oh how I\’m going to love to pass them by without stopping. It sounds like GM is covering all the bases on this one. Oh yeah, your not going to please everyone but I think I can speak for the majority in saying this one will do nicely. By the way send mine with an empty tank!
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Previous EVs would not allow the vehicle to start if it is plugged in…a very simple electrical lock-out.
This NEEDS to be a 5 seater…you lose tremendous appeal to most families if not.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Evan, it does not need to be a 5 seater. It’s not being marketed as a ‘family’ vehicle. It’s intended as a COMMUTER vehicle. Most people don’t commute to work with the whole family in tow
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Gott sei dank! Jemand mit Franzoesische wuerzeln malt der Schoenheit!
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Nice interview, Lyle. I enjoy your blog. Bob, thanks for taking the time to share. Viral marketing at its best. I hope that you continue to share as much information as possible as the final design evolves, so that you can get a pulse for the public feedback.
I know that you all are totally focused on getting the Volt out now, but in the future I’d also like to hear your ideas about Volt 2.0, i.e. how are you going to extend the electric drive train concept to other classes of vehicles, such as small cars, station wagons, SUV’s, city buses, etc. Do you even see it as possible on your visible time horizon? Where does the fuel cell fit into this? Are you still banking on hydrogen? What’s the big picture?
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
You doing a great job Lyle. I am excited about this car but it is still 3 years away. Does anyone know enough about the production car development process of GM, to know when they would show the production model of the car. Wondering if it will be 6 months before production or earlier or shorter. Anyone care to estimate?
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Good interview… His last comments about the energy and talent of the people work on the Volt program were obviously very heartfelt. Only one time in my career have I had the chance to be working on “the most important project” and it was a magical experience just like he said. There is just something special when every person is giving their best and working toward a common, clear, and important goal.
If any Volt-program folks are reading this, I just want to let you know that we are cheering for you out here! Your work is very important, and we all need for it to be successful. We need a way to live our lives greener and with energy independence, for our own safety and our future.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
My plug-in-hybrid automatically knows how long since the last gas fill (based on changes in fuel level). When the gas is getting old it simply runs the ICE “prematurely” a bit each drive to burn it off.
Regarding this bit of the post:
“to skip the hybrid model (too easy) and go directly to electric drive”
Now that is funny stuff. GM is over a decade late to the party and their hybrids are only marginally better than the non-hybrid 4-cyls of some of their competitors.
Word to the folks at GM: Tomorrow eventually comes. You probably don’t think it possible, but you may indeed look like bigger fools tomorrow than you do today.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
I think we are missing another big point.
A decision has not been made with regards to the number of electric ports. There should be no question, TWO ports are needed! If we are plugging in everyday I don’t want to mess around with making sure I pull in with the plug on the correct side or I have to drag an extension cord around the car. It’s like having a minivan with one sliding door, remember those? People often wondered why you wouldn’t have another door. The same will happen if only one port is installed. Just add the extra port and forget about it.
(Quote)
October 8th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
SteveF:
I am willing to bet it will be shown at NAIAS in Detroit in January 2010 and go into production shortly after that, maybe fall 2010 at the latest.
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Two design questions that may be oversights: How long is the electrical plug? And, how will it be stowed? Pesonally, I’d like a cord that’s a couple of feet long. I haven’t done research on the prospects for myself, but GM should definitely get a focus group together for it, even though it seems like a small thing. And it would be okay with me to put it into the glove box, or some other little spot inside the cabin, but it will but much better if it could somehow be designed to fit in the car’s body a roll out somehow, like a tow cable I guess, to plug in. I guess also the port could have a little button in the steering column or on the floor like the gas tank has. I’d like to know the answers. My ideas for solutions are completely half-baked, so whatever.
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 12:52 am
I will turn 74 this month and my family and I have a long history with GM. I currently drive a 1986 Olds 98 4 door which I bought in 86 as an Avis buy back with 5000 miles on it, the closest to new I have ever had. It has 216,400 miles on it and I had hoped GM would have the Volt out long before 2010 as I am not sure how many more miles I can get out of this all though it still runs good. GM is at least 10 years behind with this concept, continueing to make trucks and SUV’s that get worst milege than my OLD’s. Hertz just bought 3,500 Prieus. I had hoped this would not be my fate
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 6:47 am
Has anyone thought about the problems associated with electromagnetic radiation poisoning?
http://www.proliberty.com/observer/20070910.htm
and possible shielding:
http://www.swiss-shield.ch/en/swiss.htm
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Matt986 you are entitled to your opinion that the Volt does not need to be a 5 seater. Some of us think otherwise!
Even if you are right that the Volt is intended as a COMMUTER vehicle, people will use it in every way imaginable. You can take that to the bank!
I vote for a 5-seater!
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Estero, no one vehicle will do it all. You may need an E-Flex minivan instead of the Volt and you will have to wait until that becomes available and pay more for the space. Your perfect becomes the enemy of the good, but rest assured that GM will try and hit the market “sweet spot” first so they can sell 60,000 in their first production year.
Personally, I rarely have more than 2 people in my car and those times that I do, I can ride with someone or rent a minivan. The Volt is primarily a commuter car. Look around and you will discover that MOST people commute by themselves or with just one other person. Perhaps the Volt may be your commuter car while your wife drives the minivan or visa-versa.
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 10:04 am
The Toyota Camry Hybrid suffers from a small trunk. Please keep the rear seat area large, headroom and foot room equal to an Avalon, and put in a standard sized trunk. That way we will beat at the least the current design of the Camry. As the population ages, we need cars that look like a car for the young, yet accommodate folks who are less flexible and therefore need lots of foot room and head room.
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I was wonderi9ng why teslamotors can get over 200 miles per elecftric charge and you can only get 40. Every one reading this shoudl check out http://www.teslamotors.com
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Tim, a vehicle with a 640 mile range can hardly be construed as “primarily” a commuter car.
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
As usual, a slipshod interview and an ignoramus response.
The reason people don’t think GM is serious about the Volt is that it refuses to answer the question about THE BATTERIES.
Lithium is unproven, and too expensive; and doesn’t last very long. The ONLY proven battery, proven in all production electric cars to last more than 100,000 miles, maybe more than 200,000 miles (we don’t know, because all 300 are still going strong) is Nickel Metal Hydride.
From a cost standpoint, Lead has also been proven; but per mile, the life-cycle cost of Nickel is the lowest and it’s the most reliable.
We prove this every day in the Toyota RAV4-EV, last sold in Nov., 2002.
These insipid interviews pretend that the Toyota RAV4-EV does not exist, and assume falsely that Lithium is needed for the Volt. That’s not true. My Toyota RAV4-EV is an instand PHEV120.
GM would then be proven to be a liar.
But that’s not out of character; after all, it’s barely two years since GM arrested would-be buyers of the EV1.
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
For those slandering the memory of the EV1, stop lying.
The EV1 was wanted by its drivers; if you don’t think it had a wide appeal, you’re wrong.
But mainly, don’t stop those who want to drive the 160 miles EV1 (110 in Lead acid).
GM took them away, and crushed each and every one. GM is a liar.
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
I think everyone that is putting the volt down should seriously reconsider. I\’m sure that in 3 years it will be the best thing on the market and as of now, it is the best idea out there. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and this is mine: if this is the best that any car company can give us, than we should take it if we want it, not put it down. For those of you who disagree with me should go out and enlist at their local university or college and start on their engineering degree so they can make thier own cars ( according to their own standards).
(Quote)
October 9th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
[quote comment="10451"]As usual, a slipshod interview and an ignoramus response.
The reason people don’t think GM is serious about the Volt is that it refuses to answer the question about THE BATTERIES.[/quote]
There are a lot of good discussions about the merits and demerits of the different battery technologies both on this site as well as on the web. GM and the battery suppliers have actually discussed their technology at great length. Please educate yourself prior to posting in the future.
Btw, NiMH and modern lithium ion are actually very comparable in terms of lifespan. Li-ion has the added advantages of FAR superior energy density, as well as far greater charge/discharge efficiency, and much more precise SOC (state of charge) monitoring.
[quote comment="10451"]
These insipid interviews pretend that the Toyota RAV4-EV does not exist, and assume falsely that Lithium is needed for the Volt. That’s not true. My Toyota RAV4-EV is an instand PHEV120.
[/quote]
Doug, if built using even the best NiMH technology, the Volt would have a battery pack weight of over 640 pounds, be unable to absorb regenerative braking energy as efficiently, and have outlandish self-discharge. That is simply an unacceptable for a mass-market car. Lithium is the unavoidable future.
(Quote)
October 10th, 2007 at 12:37 am
[quote comment="10446"]Tim, a vehicle with a 640 mile range can hardly be construed as “primarily” a commuter car.[/quote]
Well, when 40 of that is on electric only, and ~70-80% of people commute less than 40 miles a day… it fits great into the ‘commuter’ application. Sure, people will use it for other things, just like many people drive SUVs when they almost NEVER have anyone else in the vehicle with them.
[quote comment="10436"]I was wonderi9ng why teslamotors can get over 200 miles per elecftric charge and you can only get 40. Every one reading this shoudl check out http://www.teslamotors.com/quote
apples to oranges, man.
The Tesla is
1. smaller
2. lighter
3. larger (read: more expensive) battery
4. performance oriented
The Volt is
1. intended to be cheaper
2. larger thus
3. heavier
4. commuter oriented
Your post is like saying ‘a Corvette can do 0-60 in 5 seconds, so a Yugo should be able to also’ just because both vehicles use gasoline as a power source.
(Quote)
October 10th, 2007 at 7:54 am
To all who criticize the Volt as related to the EV-1, yes the range is much less and yes the EV-1 was a pure electric……however, I am still hopeful that the Volt will sell well. The key is sales, not leases like the EV-1 that can be taken back by GM. They promise it will be “well below” $30,000, I’m starting to save up for one already!
(Quote)
October 10th, 2007 at 9:02 am
Doug-
Absolutely every is welcome to their opinions, and we flourish on hearing them. No one disagrees that NiMh batteries can propel an electric vehicle (as can lead acid for that matter), however that solution isn’t considered ideal. Vast numbers of engineers, battery experts, and automakers agree, for reasons we’ve discussed numerous times.
A blimp can fly on hydrogen but is that the best solution?
Mainly, we want to keep a collegial nature to our discussion here. Hurling insults only degrades the validity of what you are saying, and I would appreciate it if you could keep it friendly.
Thanks
(Quote)
October 10th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Lyle, nice analgy.
(Quote)
October 11th, 2007 at 10:04 am
With GM’s track record, Ill believe it when I see it.
“Fool me once, Shame on you. Fool me twice, Shame on me.”
When the volt or it’s dirivitative hits the showroom floor, available for PURCHASE not lease. Then, and only then will I consider the volt something other than vaporware.
(Quote)
October 13th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
All the parts are at the good place to make a dream car for North America. I do not care much about the size of the wheels; 18 or 20 inches instead of 23 is ok with me! My concern is, there will be enough cars for the demand in Canada? Or should we wait another 2 to 3 years to get one of this wonderfull car?
This is my dream of an entire life. Do not make of it an other Ev-1…
(Quote)
October 15th, 2007 at 7:12 am
ROMI said:
“October 8th, 2007 at 9:41 pm Quote
I think we are missing another big point.
“A decision has not been made with regards to the number of electric ports. There should be no question, TWO ports are needed! If we are plugging in everyday I don’t want to mess around with making sure I pull in with the plug on the correct side or I have to drag an extension cord around the car. It’s like having a minivan with one sliding door, remember those? People often wondered why you wouldn’t have another door. The same will happen if only one port is installed. Just add the extra port and forget about it.”
I agree that this point is going to become a major one, as it is an operation that will happen over and over. Ports on both sides would be a great convenience. If that is not going to happen, we need to know in advance where the port will be.
The cord is another matter. The car can be like my electric lawnmower — lawnmower has only a (male) plug built in. The user provides his own connecting cord, and pushes the (female) connection on the cord on to the mower. The mower does have a nicely considered arrangement for holding the cord in place.
Given the variation from dwelling to dwelling in exactly where electrical outlets will be located, some variation in cord length and type is going to have to be chosen on a case by case basis.
(Quote)
October 15th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Why no leasing is available as the Toyota Prius?
After 4 years, will I have to pay thousands of dollars to replace the batteries? I want an honest answer… Not a pitch sale answer…
Thank you!
(Quote)
November 15th, 2007 at 8:01 am
December 11th, 2007 at 10:06 am
January 21st, 2008 at 12:01 am
March 24th, 2008 at 3:50 am
putrefactible antislaveryism autoist remunerativeness bibliopolist unposted scintling haematherm
Serendipity Anime
http://www.win.tue.nl/sequoiaview/
(Quote)
March 21st, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Do you guys have a recommendation section, i’d like to suggest some stuff
(Quote)