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Volt Nation Has Arrived
March 19th, 2008 | Posted in: Volt Nation
This site has served as a public forum to analyze and observe the production of the car that will change the word. The first mass-produced electrically-driven car built by a major automaker with sufficient infrastructure to see to it that a large proportion of the population will have access to it.
For more than a year I have striven to connect the public to the GM team responsible for building the Chevy Volt.
Today we have achieved a milestone. For the first time in history a major U.S. automaker will hold a conference, not for the press, not for the goverment, not for the stakeholders, but for you and me.
In the world of the Web 2.0 anyone can make a difference.
We will end our dependenace on oil.
Stay tuned for all the happenings.
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Posted by: Lyle
83 Responses to “Volt Nation Has Arrived”
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Recent Posts
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- GM Has More Than Two New E-Flex Vehicles Already at Scale-Model Stage of Development
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March 19th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Lyle, as I said in a previous post I find that this event and the fact that because of you a lot of people who didn’t know each other one year ago share now a common goal we assume full of promises for our planet and moreover the fact that a major company reacts like two days ago, or like today is in my opinion as important as the introduction of the Volt.
Because of you, the world is changing NOW in a better direction. Thanks.
March 19th, 2008 at 7:11 am
I can’t wait to hear the comments from GM to our reps and Lyle in New York.
On another note…several electrics were introduced at the New York auto show this morning. One of them, the Mitshubishi is slated to go on sale soon and they have them driving around Japan, testing them. Here’s the link. They’re ugly as sin. Exactly what one conjures up when one thinks of an electric vehicle! That’s where the Volt will stomp the competition. It’s going to be a head turner as well as a wonderful piece of transportation.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/05/mitsubishi_goes.html
March 19th, 2008 at 7:22 am
FOLLOW-UP to last post.
The link only talks about Mitsubishi testing and thinking about the car back in 2005. The actual car was shown on ABC this morning and they have them actually driving around Japan now. So the link is quite a bit out of date.
March 19th, 2008 at 7:41 am
I can’t wait to hear the reports from Volt Nation!!! and i wish I oculd have gone (only 3 hours away for me) but I have to be @ work today
Keep us posted!!!
March 19th, 2008 at 7:44 am
A picture of the Mitsubishi imini is now up and some comments. They’re not flattering….LOL
http://www.cars.com/go/features/autoshows/vehicle.jsp?vehicletype=concept&autoshowyear=2008&vehicle=concept_mitsubishi_i&make=Mitsubishi&model=i
March 19th, 2008 at 7:55 am
I to look forward to hearing more about the conference, and I hope that some images of the proposed finished product will be allowed to be shown…<gleen>
Man do I wish I was there…
As for the Mitsubishi vehicle…I would not kick it out of my drive way because it looks ‘Minority Report-like’…heck it toughts 100-miles on a single charge!! At least the automakers are starting to follow GM’s lead again…<proud moment>
Johnnie
March 19th, 2008 at 8:34 am
In a couple of hours I will be on my way to the Volt Nation conference. I can’t remember when I have been this excited about attending an event. Even the steady rain here in NY can not dampen my spirits. I will try to post some comments tonight, and I will be happy to forward photos to anyone interested. Send requests to tonyspinn@yahoo.com
March 19th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Lyle:
I think that the Volt may have died a slow and horrible death, were it not for this site keeping those in charge at GM moving toward the prize!
I think we have mafe it pretty clear that the time is right, and that we want this car to be produced. And then to move forward with other models in the very near future…
Have a great time in NY!
:)
March 19th, 2008 at 9:05 am
3.05am here, I just can’t sleep.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Kevin R,
Don’t be so quick to bash the MiEV:
It’ll be available MUCH SOONER, it’s a BEV, is much cheaper, etc. I absolutely love the Volt, but I love my country more. Getting off our dependency on oil is my first priority…I have not ruled the MiEV out entirely. Although I agree the Volt is more practical and sexier, I have not yet ruled this vehicle out.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Hey Mr. Lutz! I have a question about eFlex…
According to GM’s own research, 78% of ALL trips are less than 40 miles, 85% are less than 50 miles, 90% are less than 60miles, and 93% are less than 70 miles!
http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/06/how-did-gm-determine-that-78-of-commuters-drive-less-than-40-miles-per-day/
Why would I want to buy, carry around and service a "range-extender" in my electric car if I would only use it for about 8% of my trips? That’s DUMB (unless you are still trying to keep us addicted to profitable parts, dealer service and oil).
Tell you what…
I’ll buy the first 70 mile range 4 seat NORMAL electric car priced under $25K which can cruise at 75-mph that hits the market no matter WHO makes it! That way I won’t have to worry about changing the oil or spark plugs in a Volt "electric" car.
Now, make us a 70-mile range electric car that will reduce our oil addiction by 93% and you’ll sell millions. Common, GM knows how! You’ve done it before and WITHOUT "experimental" batteries or complex and super expensive onboard recharging schemes.
I’ll then rent or borrow a "smoker" or take mass transportation for those occasional rare trips.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Out in Seattle area wishing I was there instead. I would love to see GM make an announcement, show the frozen design, or make some sort of exclusive announcement to Volt Nation first before the press and public gets it. Everyone there, please, please, PLEASE!!! Post pictures or links so we can see what is going on! Have an outstanding day there seeing the future of the automobile!!!
March 19th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Tim:
GM’s numbers came from the US Government. If you do a search on the old forum, you will find it.
There is no conspiracy in GM’s design. They just do not want to have people run out of battery power 10 miles from home, and have no options. With the E-REV design, you can have the advantages of an electric vehicle for daily commutes, but also be able to use the same vehicle for all your transportation needs.
IMHO, a full EV will not be practical as a PRIMARY vehicle until they can get 400-500 miles out of a single charge. Anything less than that, and I will have to be concerned that I will get stuck with no way home.
But the problem there is that the electric storage (battery, super caps, fuel cell) technology is not there yet. And right now, the cost of the Li-Ion pack for a 40 mile AER for the Volt is said to be almost $10K. So how do you expect 70 miles of AER for under $25K, delivered this year?
Sorry, but it ain’t going to happen….
And please stop with the references to the EV-1. Again, this has been discussed endlessly on the old forum. Please do some searches, and read up on the facts of the vehicle.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:00 am
#11 Tim
"Why would I want to buy, carry around and service a ‘range-extender’ in my electric car if I would only use it for about 8% of my trips?"
You would have a range extender for emergencies, much like people use backup generators for power outages, much like people have insurance but don’t make claims. As battery technology improves, a 70-mile (or more)range e-rev will emerge and the range extender will start to fade away. Until that time, range extenders make sense. The range extender will require parts, service, and oil. But, not as much as my current car. A little service here and there doesn’t bother me. I’d probably service my range extender as much as I service my lawn mower - wait, I have an electric, robotic lawn mower. My ICE lawnmower hasn’t been serviced in 3 years. I keep it "just in case…" I’ll probably use my Volt range extender as much as I use my ICE lawnmower. But, I’ll be glad it is there.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Really wished I could have been there! Lyle, hope you could give a "play by play" of the convention’s events. Tons of pictures and maybe video footage for downloading would be great too! Thanks, and awesome job!
March 19th, 2008 at 10:30 am
#1 Jean-Charles Jacquemin:
Amen!
However, Lyle could not have accomplished what he has without the tireless energy and thoughfulness of all of those who have commented here, day in and day out. So thanks to all of you, and keep it up. As someone said the other day, it’s going to be a long 3 years - at least I hope it’s only 3 years - so we need to keep up the noise level.
Thanks especially to you, J-C J, NZDavid, and others from around the world. I think that your participation adds a whole lot of credibility to the forum, and helps to show that this level of technology and engineering will make GM a heavyweight player on the global stage.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:51 am
#13 & #14, Wow!
I hate to beat a “buried” horse, but the Gen 2 EV-1 with Panasonic lead-acid batteries could go 75 to 150 miles AT 70-mph and that was almost 20 YEARS ago.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_EV1
It’s naive to think that GM could not make a 4-seat BEV-70s MUCH better and FAR less complex and thus less expensive than E-Flex when using the new electronics tech and A123 or even cheaper firefly lead acid batteries.
Perhaps they should build an Volt E-REV version (at $35K-$40K) and a BEV-70 version (at $15K- firefly or $25K A123). They could include the government’s commuting data on the windshield at the showroom and see which one sells better.
I know, I know…. they won’t dare look at that monster in the closet. There is just too much money in parts and service in the ICEs.
Oh well, aftermarket will fix this problem the day the Volt hits the streets. There is just too much money to be made by saving other people money.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Like many of you, I am not able to attend VoltNation. Still excited to hear all about it on this web site. Hope we will have a full video available to see all the details.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:50 am
After crashing the server a couple of days ago, the comments have really slowed down. I wonder if most of the commentators are heading to VoltNation.
Noel Park. You hit it right on. This is a concerted effort, and all of us deserve a round of applause. But if I get to speak today, I will ask when Lyle is getting his free Volt. I’m sorry you won’t be there, I would really enjoy meeting you.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Noel #16, Raschiid #18
I must apologize not to have mentioned the participants to this blog in my previous posts, especially to both of you, given the fact that you are the two top commentators of this blog. Indeed without them Lyle would not have had the impact we perceive now.
Like all of us that cannot be in NY today, I’m waiting the results of the meeting, … Think it may be that Nasaman will be hired by the GM team ! What a loss this could be for us and what a gain for the design team, …
March 19th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Is there a website covering what is being talked about at Volt Nation? Some video? YouTube? Audio? I’m going to be checking this gm-volt.com website at least one a day until the Volt is on the market. It’s going to be interesting reading about the new technology breakthroughs and the various developments with the Volt.
I think the Volt is going to be something we all can be proud of. The first fairly affordable E-REV car in the world. If they keep coming up with big breakthroughs with the battery technology, things are really going to get interesting. People will be clamoring to get their hands on a new Volt.
I can already see the smiles on the faces of new Volt owners as they drive by gas stations in 2010-2011 and look up at the signs with the price per gallon of gasoline that they will NOT be having to pay … er, at least a lot less of it anyway …. that is, until the world changing, miracle 300+ mile range batteries come out … or cheap, reliable hydrogen fuel cells or something. It’s coming …. it’s just a matter of when and how much it’s going to cost.
By 2011, maybe there will be a lot more C85 "cellulosic ethanol" on the market so at least when we do have to fill up the ICE engine tank for the Volt, we’ll know that most of the ethanol came from switchgrass or wood chips or whatever from right here in the USA. Not from some middle east fat cat oil sheik who wants to gouge American drivers so he can build more luxury hotels and crap like man made islands in the ocean with million dollar houses that very few people even live in, indoor snow ski slopes, etc.
You wouldn’t believe how "high on the hog" those middle east oil sheiks are living these days. Unreal. Their lifestyle makes J.R. Ewing’s houses and cars and planes in that old TV show "Dallas" look pretty modest. I hear even the sons and daughters and cousins of the oil sheiks have their own huge jets to fly around the world whenever they feel like it.
Let’s face it. We GOTTA do something about this fast. OPEC and the oil sheiks around the world really have us "over a (oil) barrel" these days. American drivers are their ATM machine and they love it. I want to keep their grubby hands out of my wallet. It really gets to me already how much I have to swipe my credit card for every time I go to fill up. Imagine how ticked people will be if the price per gallon goes up to $5 by 2010. $5 x 17 gallons for a car like a Chevy Malibu = $85 per fill up? That’s about 21 cents per mile @ 24 mpg. $4.20 to do a 20 mile round trip to the movies or whatever?
The people driving big SUVs and trucks are really going to be ticked …. they could be paying 35+ cents per mile … $7 to do a 20 mile round trip to the movies or whatever. So will shoppers everywhere. The price of gas affects the prices of just about everything.
C’mon GM. You are going to be the hero of drivers all over America and the world. Let’s get ‘er done! Build us good quality Volt that all the car magazines, reviewers and everyone will rave about.
March 19th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
If it’s not too late, and I know that it goes without saying anyway, but don’t forget to ask about the deposits!
I’m ready.
Again, Smart reputedly got 30,000 - $99 deposits over the internet. That’s almost $3 million, a number that would surely get someone’s attention. I think that the Volt could do way better than that.
Come on GM. Plenty of people here have voiced the desire to put their money where their mouths are. Figure out a way to let us do it.
March 19th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
re;Tim and the whole range extender thing:
The family zero engine they’re basing the range extender on weights just 182 pounds. Sounds like a lot, but keep in mind the 400 pound battery weight only makes a 2 mile difference in AER.
Plus, many potential volt buyers (myself included) want to go on long trips on occasion. I drove a few hundred miles for a camping trip last weekend. I’d like to still be able to do that, though preferably on alcohol fuel.
March 19th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
#20 GM Volt Fan , great post !!!
#18 Rashiid I need to apalogize for a comment I made a couple of days ago . From now on I will only post a relpy if I have good things to say .
March 19th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Gosh, I sure wish that I could have attended VoltNation conference today in New York. It would have been great to meet Lyle, Nasaman, Rashiid Amul and the many others we’ve come to know to some degree on this website.
I’m with the rest of you who wish GM will give Lyle his due for all this efforts in promoting the Volt and this website. Speaking of websites, we may have another one to enjoy before long. It is voltnation.com, which I found just a few minutes ago through a Google search.
Finally, I’m anxiously awaiting news from the VoltNation Conference; pictures, interviews, impressions, etc., etc., etc.
Keep up the good work Lyle!
March 19th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Here I am sitting at work, but being very jealous of "our group" right now getting the lowdown on the future of the Volt!!!
Estero: Good catch on the VoltNation.com. I guess Lyle has a few more ideas up his sleeve….
Noel: My guess is that GM does not want to take deposits, if they are only going to make 10K units the first year. I could very easily see them getting 40K - 50K people putting down deposits, and then having 30K - 40K of them being not very happy……. But if they decide to, I am with you - I am ready! But it would not a a paltry $99. I would be willing to give them a real deposit of up to $5K, if it would guarantee a delivery of one of the first year’s production Volt vehicles.
March 19th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
What’s the link to the live video for today’s event??
March 19th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Rob:
I don’t think they ever got that idea going….
Is is too bad - it would have been fun to watch!
March 19th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Thanks for the update, Jim I, as disappointing as it is. Sure hope video of the presentation becomes available for the thousands of VoltHeads that couldn’t make it to Gotham!
March 19th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Estero #24
Thanks for the info on VoltNation.com, I hope Lyle will soon surprise us behind the homepage.
March 19th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
#25 Jim I:
I hear you. I would be willing to just get on the list - first come first served. If that meant delivery ran over into the second year, so be it.
I have also offered a substantially larger deposit than the $99, $2500 if memory serves. Others have done so as well. I was just citing the Smart example, but you are right, the number could be a lot bigger.
I just think that the symbolism would be huge, and would be one more demonstration to the GM brass that this is the real deal.
March 19th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
One More point on the whole notion of ditching the range extender.
If most of America is like me they may drive less than 40 most days but most weeks/months would not be able to make do with a car w/ a 40 mi total range.
As has been mentioned, citing the weight of the 3 banger as a range killer, you’re only talking a few hundred pounds and aero has a much bigger effect on range than does weight.
Why have a BEV with only 40mi range and then take a gas guzzler when you need to take an extended trip? The Volt will get 50+ mpg using the 3cyl and you can use clean burning moonshine if it’s available.
March 19th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Good luck everybody. Make them talk all night.
March 19th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
If Mitsibishi is already testiung their EVs and they clain over 90 per charge, where are they getting their batteries? Seems that they have solved most of the battery problems that GM is having. As far as the Misubishi EV being ugly, if what it looks like is more important than your independence from oil, then buy a Corvette.
March 19th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
AES (#23) It’s not JUST the weight. How much complexity (cost/R&D) is the range-extender adding to the volt’s control systems and how much additional service will there be to the ICE over the lifetime of the vehicle?
If the overall costs exceed $10K, it would be better just borrowing or renting an ICE car for those occasional trips or having an ICE as a second car. Most American families have 2 cars anyway. Then again, there are trains and airplanes for those longer trips.
Also, I remember reading somewhere that BEVs can handle deeper charge/discharge, say 90% but E-REVs like the Volt can only use 50% of their battery capacity and need exotic battery tech because charging/discharging at the same time is hard on batteries. If this is true, the Volt (BEV-40 with extender) is ALREADY a BEV-70 without extender which could use more of the battery’s available energy band.
I do however understand that even Mr. Lutz has said that E-REV is just a transitory step toward full electrification. GM seems to be treating the range-extender as if they were giving training wheels (or pacifiers) to children with new bikes.
Maybe that is EXACTLY what they really doing…
March 19th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
#34 Tim, you sound like Toyota/Honda!
March 19th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Like the EV-1 it looks like the miev is a 2 seater and weighs almost nothing. From the concept it also claims to have of all things "a generating fan" in the front grill. Until it’s actually on the market, we’ll see about the claims.
http://tinyurl.com/3csrw3
March 19th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Tim-
We all hate ICE’s, but they ARE a mature technology. Relative lack of wear and tear on a Volt range extender - both from constant speed operation and more infrequent useage- should make it last a long time. As for control systems, constant speed would make direct injection a LOT easier to implement (and that’s even if they include it).
The initial cost and the maintenance of the ICE should be pretty minimal in the grand scheme of things. They sell the family zero three cylinder in the opel corsa minicar, for god’s sake.
re:discharging, it’s all a matter of how big the battery is. You’re correct insofar as BEV’s being able to deliver longer lifetime range over the course of the pack’s lifetime. But you also have to factor in how much that enlargened battery will cost. The 40 mile range with range extender strikes a pretty fair balance that will appeal to the mass market as best as current technology allows. Get this one out the door, and progressively improve from that point on.
March 19th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Just an observation:
Tim’s on the one hand arguing about how the car should have more electric range. GXT has usually trolled on about how it should have less.
Still think that the 40 mile range isn’t a carefully thought out balancing act?
March 19th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
It has been hours since Volt Nation convened. Was it a trick? Is GM keeping our Volt enthusiasts? Are they using Lyle as an energy source? Somebody go in there and make sure everything is ok!
I wish I were cooler about this Volt stuff. I feel like a kid waiting for Xmas. How can the Volt live up to my expectations? How long can I sustain this level of excitement?
March 19th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Ths site is awesome I have been looking for about three weeks now! Anyone have info on what was said at the volt nation meeting? If GM can pull this car off I would like to be a little greedy and buy 2 of them, if I can hold my wife off on buying a new vehicle until then.
March 19th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
The bottom line about E-REV vs BEV is a marketing issue. I strongly believe that the majority of the market will have issue with all electric and the fear of getting stuck with a dead battery. Over time when customers use the E-REV type vehicles and find they use the ICE very rarely, then the market may accept a BEV. Also when the battery technology grows with improved recharge time, then market may not demand an E-REV type vehicle. Some may not agree but I feel that GM made the very good decision on designing a E-REV based vehicle and will result in more market acceptance. Also note that I would guess that most of the people on this web site are early adapters that would accept any type of quality EV, but the mass market will have different view and will accept a E-REV type vehicle like I have said.
March 19th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I fully agree one must start with some kind of E-REV approach. Battery technology alone will not achieve 100% assurance of ready power. Taking risk at short distances my be fine for some applications but will not be reliable enough for longer distances.
Some BEV vehicles are being towed now when power failure occurs.
March 19th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I’ve been waiting to be able to put up a $2500 deposit on one of the first Volts since spring 2007. I went to the Detroit Auto Show again this year just to see the Volt in person.
March 19th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
GM new flash !! Three hundred test units due to hit the market tomorrow, GM spokesman we have a new battery source , but PLEASE but not listen to the sound system , these units have a problem the Volts seem to think their alive. A test driver admits " At first its kind of spooky, my Claimed its name was nasaman and made remarks about how his systems could be up graded."
March 19th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
#40 drgrac , NO news yet , but you can be sure things will heat up soon. And where’s the guys with the I-phones ???
March 19th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Jeff J,
Ive heard the new intelligent windscreen wipers have a personality of their own and have been seen to behave like spoiled teenagers! (Just joking)
March 19th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Here’s some news from the NY auto show… Lyle is mentioned.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/story.aspx?guid=%7B02BA6264%2D0EAE%2D4708%2DA35F%2DDD86E56738BA%7D&siteid=rss
March 19th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
"We will end our dependenace on oil."
Amen.
March 19th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Eye on the prize and that is to get off oil! Most people know EXACTLY how far they drive each workday +- 5 miles or so and a 70-mile BEV will electrify 92% of ALL daily commutes even if they are just 2nd cars purchased only for daily commuting.
Shai Agassi, founder and CEO of Project Better Place, gave an amazing speech at a New Democrat Network meeting recently. Here’s the video at Autobloggreen.com: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/18/video-shai-agassis-amazing-speech-on-the-future-of-electric-ca/
Don’t get me wrong. I do like the E-Flex E-REV. It’s a good beginning, but my main concerns are cost and complexity. GM seems to be increasing both a little each month and this vehicle is 2 years away. It’s looking like by the time 2011 rolls around, the Volt will cost $50K and run on Windows Vista (yuck!) and require OnStar and thick horned rimmed glasses to operate he he he. <snort>
Every dollar over $25K moves the car further away from the general public. If hundreds of thousands aren’t sold EVERY year then this car can NEVER be the REAL transportation game-changer we all desperately want it to be.
One thing is certain however. Everything GM is doing now will make for a better electric car in the future. If this only means stirring up energy and prodding the competition to act… so be it.
March 19th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Being 70 plus years old I envy you young people and hope I’m around to purchase one of these EV’S. With our longest driveing distance being under 20 miles they will be perfect for us and don’t care how ugly they are.
March 19th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Back from Volt Nation
Lyle,
It was great to meet you and I thought you did an outstanding job. The Volt Nation which was a big success and you deserve a lot of credit.
Mark
It was great to meet you as well. I enjoyed hearing about your solar house.
I just got home and I have to go in to work for the mid shift, but it was worth it!
March 19th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Sitting here in the airport, waiting for my flight to return home from VOLTNATION!
First, I’ld like to like express another big Thank You to Lyle. GM brass really seems to be greatfull for all of his efforts, as they should be. The gathering started with Lyle speaking and then several GM brass spoke, including E-flex design chief Frank Webber. Group questions followed and then Bob Lutz spoke and took questions. Afterwards the entire GM contingent stuck around for a long time taking individual questions.
No sooner than introducing myself to Lyle, a camera asked to interview him speaking with someone attending the event. Unfortunately for GM and the Volt, I happened to be standing there at the time. If they air any of that footage and the Volt succeeds then it REALLY will have accomplished something
Lyle was extremely gracious and patient as was the entire GM team. Despite weather induced travel problems, there were many in attendance (some form as far as California).
Now to the good stuff:-Mr. Lutz half jokingly estimated the Volt had a 95% of deliver in late 2010 but in ALL SERIOUSNESS he said it is 100% that it will be produced by 2011 (I believe this was his wording)
-40 miles range confirmed as end of life and Bob Lutz expressed initial range will be around 50 miles.
-Design is confirmed to be 5 doors (or 4 entry doors with a hatchback)
-To a man…errr person they said the Volt is priority 1 for GM and intimated that GM is willing to take a loss in the near term to make it a success
-Consumer readiness and education regarding EREV’s is a concern of GM’s according to Frank Webber
-An unnamed company has a very interesting public charging station solution and I got the impression it was a big player.
-For Ver 1.0: No suicide doors, still no V2G or V2House, and no all electric option
I believe the actor Brian Denehey was in attendance as well.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
#39 AES,
I’d say all the talk about $35,000+ and what that will do to the sales of the Volt are proof positive that being concerned about the range wasn’t trolling. The battery isn’t free… too pay for or to haul around all the time. Even Lutz seems to be finally getting it!
Internet waiting lists aren’t worth the paper they are written on. If these people were REALLY serious they would all have already ponied up the relative pittance of a premium for the Prius. Bitching about it being a Toyota is an easy out and these are the same people that are going to skip out on the Volt should it ever actually be widely available. Talk is cheap.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Koz #53
Thanks for the update! Very encouraging to hear that GM is lining up companies for public charging stations. All very good news.
Thanks
March 19th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Had a great time. The GM team that spoke to us seemed committed and motivated. They have not decided on the price. They are still saying it will be available in late 2010, but are not sure of the quantities at this time. Lutz said that he thinks the Volt will be as important as the Model T in automotive history.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
"-Design is confirmed to be 5 doors (or 4 entry doors with a hatchback")
WAHHHOOOOOO! That is wonderful news. I have always argued that a 5-door (hatchback) design would provide more utility and allow the car to be attractive for certain types of light delivery tasks and allow it to be a small-SUV replacement in some cases. I think they are making the right choice here.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
o.jeff #57
I couldn’t agree more. I also thought that a quick removal mechanism for the rear seats, like a twist ring or latch would really make the sporty Volt useful in certain Lowes, and Home Cheapo type situations.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Talk is cheap, and so is a $99 deposit. I’ve got $1,000 waiting to be converted into a slot on the delivery list. My Volt savings account is growing by a couple hundred per month, but I’m having a hard time keeping my wife from using it for a down payment on a new Passat. GM needs to get that "official" waiting list started soon! I don’t care if I have to wait until 2012 before my Volt is delivered, I’m ready to put my money where my mouth is today.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
#37 Grizzly
Could it be reporters and potential consumers are confusing the MiEV Sport with the 4-door i-MiEV? Check out this link where a reporter was allowed to drive the car for an hour without a minder. This cars range will cover almost all of my driving range requirements. I’ll keep an older gas car that because of its old age will have no taxes, minimal insurance, low cost parts, etc. just for those occasions for longer distance travel. Note the i-MiEV has slow charge and fast charge capability.
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/driving-mitsubishis-future/#comment-63174
March 19th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Here’s a better link
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/driving-mitsubishis-future/
March 19th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Here’s a little information that came up today after doing a little googling about the Volt:
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2008/0407/068.html
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/lutz-leaves-the-bunny-ears-at-home/
March 19th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
#53 Thanks Koz, sounds like the meeting was a huge success. I look forward to reading to notes. I find it good news that Mr. Lutz and his staff stood in front of a group people that would love to buy a Volt a GM product and share their thoughts and details of what is going on at GM headquarters . I was hoping that a working model was going to be unveiled , But I was wrong , not the first time & not the last . I do think that times are changing.Have a goodnight and enjoy march madness this weekend.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Lytel,
That is one of two Misu EVs I seen. You’ve got to admit that there isn’t a whole lot of room in that car. I also wonder how it’ll fare in crash tests.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Ooops, forgot a couple of nuggets:
-Volt is being designed as a Global vehicle (i.e. right and left steering wheel, emmissions to meet all standards, etc.) This adds some risk to the completing the design but increases potential volume significantly which should ultimately help with costs.
-120-220V (50-60z) charger standard onboard but somewhat limited in charging power capacity
-I got the impression that there aren’t parallel development vehicles being secretly worked on to be debuted with the Volt. First the Volt and then they will see from there.
-Bob Lutz was pretty clear that they want to keep development as simple and focused as possible to get the Volt into production as quickly as possible. They want to lock down the design soon.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
#64 Grizzly
Good point about the safety issue. Found this video of a small Renault going against a big Volvo. Very interesting on how it turned out. It’s causing me to re-think small car safety.
Safety will depend on how much effort Mitsubishi puts into it. Will have to wait and see.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7819198513373090862&q=volvo+renault+crash+test&total=17&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
March 19th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Good summary, Koz. They also mentioned that the volt will have the smart charger built right in so that it’ll charge based on whatever you plug it into (e.g. 220, 240, 120, etc).
EXTREMELY encouraging get together. I only counted those two non-answers - price and how they’d do the initial "rollout" saying that all options were still on the table.
I’m so stoked that sleep won’t come easily tonight.
WHEW, what a day!
Tag
PS Tim, cut back on the cool aide.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Tagamet,
Don’t add any more confuseing. Koz didn’t says 240 v. I know you hadn’t had any sleep waitting for new info from volt-nation sence 3:00 pm.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
To the people who attended Volt Nation and have posted here … thanks so much!
I’m really glad to hear that GM designers are planning a 5-door style rather than a 4-door sedan. This makes the Volt much more attractive to me (and my growing family). Did anyone get some video of the event?
March 19th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
#68 cybereye: Most electric shavers, cell phone chargers, etc. will handle 110 VAC to 240 VAC … I’m sure that the engineers working on the Volt can do the same.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
I was hoping that one of the surprises for those attending the event would be revealing the new aerodynamic design of the Volt. Still wondering when they’re going to reveal that.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Dang, I wish I could’ve gone to VoltNation. I live in Syracuse, NY and I’m on travel in Arizona for business, ack!
I read this blog twice a day and can’t wait until the Volt comes out. Great to see that VoltNation was informative and encouraging. Looking forward to more details!
March 20th, 2008 at 12:01 am
I think they may have said 220V but I’m sure Tag’s correct with 240V. It would be crazy not to be.
By the way, when a "real" waiting list came up and deposits were mentioned Tag’s arm went up with the speed of li…ummm…Volts. They kind of two-stepped this issue too.
March 20th, 2008 at 12:11 am
#70 David L,
Are you telling me GM is going to use shavers, cell phone, or small electric toy chargers type to charge the Volt car’s battery..
March 20th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Volt Nation was very interesting, certainly different seeing a convention floor hall fairly quiet before and after the Volt stuff. Lyle you did a great job, the press were pretty shocked to see so many people at an event, I hope a bunch of the interviews and pictures make it to the news and the newspapers to show the support behind the Volt. Some member of the press even asked me a few questions as to why I was there, and when I first heard of gm-volt.com.
some tidbits I learned:
-sounded like the instant power from the electric engine should be fun
-they still haven’t decided on the ICE, but it sounded like they are basically just going to pull from another model and modify it to make more room for the electrical components (change oil pan, etc)
-they are gonna run the Volts ICE at a predetermined efficient level most of the time
-the volt will use a fob instead of a key
-will use some kind of alert to tell you that the car is ready (sounded like it is a problem with hybrids but I didn’t really understand the point, maybe it had to do with the battery operating temperature)
-Bob Lutz proposed a funny idea, that they could add some kind of speaker that plays engine noises based on the load on the electric engine and make it sound like a V-12 Ferrari or an F1 engine, it would be fun to scare the crap out of people when the light turns green
-didn’t get a chance to see the secret battery photo that Bob Lutz pulled out of his jacket pocket, hopefully somebody got a nice picture of it
-the plug was on the drivers side under a little spring loaded door, not sure if it needs to be a bit more secure in the final car
-I wonder if all the GM execs are used to getting so many questions at car shows, they seemed to handle it fine
here are the photos that I took at volt-nation:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2050619&l=b294a&id=9501239
I had a great time, it was a real privilege to go, time to get some sleep
March 20th, 2008 at 8:48 am
There’s nothing wrong with ICEs. What’s wrong is the oil cartel and its cynical manipulation of a necessary commodity. With Volts et al we can use our own oil(?40% of current supply) even if the eco-dogues keep us from drilling Anwar and the continental shelf.
220V & 240V are mistakenly used interchageably in the US. 220 is an old standard. Everybody is 240V for a long time now.Really doesn’t matter to a rectifier anyhow.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Can somebody PLEASE post a video!
Tagamet, this coolaid is so sweeeetttttt.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Playing off the comment of Ron, at #59, how about this? I have had a lot to say about deposits. What about an old fashioned layaway program?
I have the same problem as Ron. I could come up with the money right now, but there are plenty of competeing uses for it. I would sign a contract to pay in so much a month and own the d!@n thing when my turn on the waiting list came up.
Again, if I don’t get one in 2010, I can live with it. Just put people on the real waiting list in the order they put their money down.
#54 GXT:
Sorry guy, you just don’t understand the Chevrolet faithful. No Toyotas, thank you very much. Read the books of Chalmers Johnson. If we do not begin to look to our enlightened self interst, this country as we know it is doomed.
March 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
#53 Koz, #57 o.jeff, #58 Grizzly, #69 David L:
I completely agree. 5 door is the way to go. I am really pleased to hear this. It is a very large plus for me.
Koz - thanks for the excellent reports.
March 20th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Thanks for the info about the 5 doors design, All my cars have been five doors except the very first one.
March 21st, 2008 at 10:14 am
20 Jean-Charles Jacquemin…..
You said, "….Like all of us that cannot be in NY today, I’m waiting the results of the meeting, … Think it may be that Nasaman will be hired by the GM team! What a loss this could be for us and what a gain for the design team, …"
Very flattering, Jean-Charles. But I couldn’t really consider it & GM couldn’t either. I’m too hooked on living in my home on the pristine 300-mile St. Johns river in Florida, piloting my boat from down south near the space center, north to Jacksonville at the Georgia/Florida border & all points between, then back home —the boating, fishing, skiing & overnighting on this river flowing through countless miles of stunning wilderness is matchless. I’ve been to 25 other countries in my work for the U.S. space program and nothing else I’ve seen matches this relatively undiscovered, wide, deep wilderness river (you can safely dip a cup in anywhere & drink the water or anchor your boat along a tree-shrodded shore to sleep safely undisturbed overnight) —it’s heaven on earth (but don’t tell anyone about it)!!!
BTW, now that I’ve retired NASA pays me $300/hr to do what I’d be willing to do for free! GM’s board would never approve that (2080hrs/yr x 300= $624,000)! [However, in the unlikely event GM called I'll happily help in any way I could for free + travel expenses or by phone, fax, email, etc.]
March 21st, 2008 at 11:03 am
Thanks Nasaman, for your answer, I’m always pleased to read your reaction and/or advice.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:34 am
"The first mass-produced electrically-driven car built by a major automaker with sufficient infrastructure to see to it that a large proportion of the population will have access to it." This honor, may, in fact go to Subaru with the R1e. I too am excited to think we’ll soon be able to bypass the gas pumps, and am pulling for both Chevy and Subaru to get the ball rolling. Right now, I’d put my money on Subaru to have them in the showroom first….