Comments on: What are the Specifics of GM’s Volt Battery Contracts? http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/ Real-time news, information, and discussion about the Chevrolet Volt. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:53:37 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: noel park http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-23296 noel park Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:55:33 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-23296 Dave G, #23: It's a fascinating concept though. Maybe 5 or 10 years down the road. Dave G, #23:

It’s a fascinating concept though. Maybe 5 or 10 years down the road.

]]> By: noel park http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-23295 noel park Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:54:10 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-23295 Dave G, #23: Actually, that suits me fine. As I said about the solar power discussion in the post above, let's KISS, get a viable car on the road, and worry about all of this other neat stuff later. Actually, I think that GM folks have said much the same in one or more of Lyle's interviews. Absolutely right, and let's get going. If I want a solar roof, or V2G capability, I can wait for the next generation and then trade up. Dave G, #23:

Actually, that suits me fine. As I said about the solar power discussion in the post above, let’s KISS, get a viable car on the road, and worry about all of this other neat stuff later.

Actually, I think that GM folks have said much the same in one or more of Lyle’s interviews. Absolutely right, and let’s get going. If I want a solar roof, or V2G capability, I can wait for the next generation and then trade up.

]]> By: Mark H http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-23023 Mark H Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:25:30 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-23023 If they are able to use both companies batteries in order to keep up with production and demand I doubt that "you" will be able to tell which one you have by looking at them or their serial #.The software and hardware will keep them functioning identically for some years to come.Only longevity will separate the two for the most of us and if both are coverd by a good long warranty then we should all be happy for years until we find out which one was better in the end. If they are able to use both companies batteries in order to keep up with production and demand I doubt that “you” will be able to tell which one you have by looking at them or their serial #.The software and hardware will keep them functioning identically for some years to come.Only longevity will separate the two for the most of us and if both are coverd by a good long warranty then we should all be happy for years until we find out which one was better in the end.

]]> By: Dave G http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22856 Dave G Sun, 30 Dec 2007 01:47:42 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22856 LyleL #8, noel park #9 & #20, Jeff M, #17, The Volt will not support V2G. (period) This has been stated very clearly in one of Lyle's 6 Q&A sessions with GM. Some future E-Flex car may support V2G, but the Volt that we are discussing in this forum will not. Specifically, the battery charger that is built into the Volt works in only one direction, from the grid to the battery. To support electricity flowing from the battery to the grid, you would need an additional circuit called "Grid-Tie Inverter". The Volt will not have this circuit So all this talk about voiding Volt warranties with V2G does not apply, since the Volt will not be capable of supporting V2G. LyleL #8,
noel park #9 & #20,
Jeff M, #17,

The Volt will not support V2G. (period)

This has been stated very clearly in one of Lyle’s 6 Q&A sessions with GM. Some future E-Flex car may support V2G, but the Volt that we are discussing in this forum will not.

Specifically, the battery charger that is built into the Volt works in only one direction, from the grid to the battery. To support electricity flowing from the battery to the grid, you would need an additional circuit called “Grid-Tie Inverter”. The Volt will not have this circuit

So all this talk about voiding Volt warranties with V2G does not apply, since the Volt will not be capable of supporting V2G.

]]> By: Firefly http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22829 Firefly Sat, 29 Dec 2007 23:41:44 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22829 I agree with the post that was left by ohmExited. I feel that it will not really matter whether GM picks one or the other. In my honest opinion, considering production rates I would not be surprised if GM bought battery packs from both for a while. After all, it's no secret that on occasion some of their V6 gas engines were built in Tonowanda and others in Romulus. But in the end, despite 2 seperate engine plants they all went in the same vehicles. I think what will happen is that the battery pack manufacturers will have benchmarks for operation parameters that they will have to meet (capacity, range, efficiency, lifespan, natural discharge, arcing, etc.) In the end, as long as both manufacturers meet production requirements, the possibility for such exists. There may not ever be a "better battery pack" scenario from the factory but perhaps in an aftermarket setting when the increase in technology comes to pass. For now, if both meet requirements for testing in order to get this project off the ground and functioning as GM says they will, I really don't care which one it is (or both, if necessary...) I agree with the post that was left by ohmExited. I feel that it will not really matter whether GM picks one or the other. In my honest opinion, considering production rates I would not be surprised if GM bought battery packs from both for a while. After all, it’s no secret that on occasion some of their V6 gas engines were built in Tonowanda and others in Romulus. But in the end, despite 2 seperate engine plants they all went in the same vehicles. I think what will happen is that the battery pack manufacturers will have benchmarks for operation parameters that they will have to meet (capacity, range, efficiency, lifespan, natural discharge, arcing, etc.) In the end, as long as both manufacturers meet production requirements, the possibility for such exists. There may not ever be a “better battery pack” scenario from the factory but perhaps in an aftermarket setting when the increase in technology comes to pass. For now, if both meet requirements for testing in order to get this project off the ground and functioning as GM says they will, I really don’t care which one it is (or both, if necessary…)

]]> By: Updates on Chverolet Volt - Ultimatecarpage.com forums http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22797 Updates on Chverolet Volt - Ultimatecarpage.com forums Sat, 29 Dec 2007 19:58:23 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22797 [...] Specifics of Volt battery contract GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Concept Site [...] Specifics of Volt battery contract GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Concept Site

]]> By: noel park http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22742 noel park Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:37:30 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22742 Jeff M, #17: If all of these issues are not reflected in the price the utilities are willing to pay to the V2G participants, clearly the whole thing is DOA. I do not have the slightest doubt that every potential Volt owner/V2G participant will absolutely share your concerns. We have a saying here that, when the price is right, "You gotta buy it". Until they offer that kind of a deal, I sure won't let them mess with my Volt battery. But, if they do, so much the better. Jeff M, #17:

If all of these issues are not reflected in the price the utilities are willing to pay to the V2G participants, clearly the whole thing is DOA.

I do not have the slightest doubt that every potential Volt owner/V2G participant will absolutely share your concerns.

We have a saying here that, when the price is right, “You gotta buy it”. Until they offer that kind of a deal, I sure won’t let them mess with my Volt battery. But, if they do, so much the better.

]]> By: Van http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22688 Van Sat, 29 Dec 2007 13:20:18 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22688 This report, too, seems to indicate only one supplier's design will be used. Thus either only one supplier will be awarded the production contract, or both supplier's will be "licensed" to produce the final superior design. And while GM had hoped to issue the production contract mid 2008, the delay in the shipment of the A123/Conti pack would seem to put that in doubt. Since the plan had included about 6 months for testing and evaluation, the longer the delay, the more likey either GM will go with LG, or the production start of the battery packs will be delayed. This report, too, seems to indicate only one supplier’s design will be used. Thus either only one supplier will be awarded the production contract, or both supplier’s will be “licensed” to produce the final superior design.

And while GM had hoped to issue the production contract mid 2008, the delay in the shipment of the A123/Conti pack would seem to put that in doubt. Since the plan had included about 6 months for testing and evaluation, the longer the delay, the more likey either GM will go with LG, or the production start of the battery packs will be delayed.

]]> By: LyleL http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22633 LyleL Sat, 29 Dec 2007 05:48:30 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22633 Found some videos of Bob Lutz at the Western Automotive Journalists' meeting. The main presentation is interesting but found the question/answer videos very informative. If you have little time to view these videos, be sure to catch the q & a's Main presentation: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071838.html http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071839.html Q & A Q1: What is Buick's China Strategy? http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071840.html Q2: What is the efficiency and future of ethanol? http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071841.html Q3: What is GM's position on higher CAFE standards? http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071842.html Q4: What can the U.S. government do to help (with the fuel/energy problem)? http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071843.html Q5: What's the latest in lithium-ion batteries? http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071844.html Q6: Why did the Solstice and Sky get greenlighted for production? http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071845.html Q7: Where will sufficient quantities of hydrogen come from? http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071846.html Found some videos of Bob Lutz at the Western Automotive Journalists’ meeting. The main presentation is interesting but found the question/answer videos very informative. If you have little time to view these videos, be sure to catch the q & a’s

Main presentation:
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071838.html
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071839.html

Q & A
Q1: What is Buick’s China Strategy?
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071840.html

Q2: What is the efficiency and future of ethanol? http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071841.html

Q3: What is GM’s position on higher CAFE standards?
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071842.html

Q4: What can the U.S. government do to help (with the fuel/energy problem)?
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071843.html

Q5: What’s the latest in lithium-ion batteries?
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071844.html

Q6: Why did the Solstice and Sky get greenlighted for production?
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071845.html

Q7: Where will sufficient quantities of hydrogen come from?
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/11/26/071846.html

]]> By: Jeff M http://gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22605 Jeff M Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:41:34 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/28/what-are-the-specifics-of-gms-volt-battery-contracts/#comment-22605 LyleL, regarding V2G... I could be wrong, but I'd have to go with the assumption that using your Volt in a V2G setup would void your warrenty on the battery pack, as it's definitely going to affect the pack's life. LyleL, regarding V2G… I could be wrong, but I’d have to go with the assumption that using your Volt in a V2G setup would void your warrenty on the battery pack, as it’s definitely going to affect the pack’s life.

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