GM-Volt Wait List Generation 2.0, List Tops 33,000 Members
As many of you know this site was started within days of GM announcing the Volt concept in January 2007. The goal then was to demonstrate to GM the demand was there for them to follow through and bring the car to production. On June 3rd, GM’s CEO announced the board approved moving the Volt to production. Mission one accomplished.
As part of the effort to demonstrate degree of demand, a Chevy Volt Waiting List was started on this site in May of 2007. Since then over 33,000 individuals have signed up as "handraisers" as GM calls them.
Since actual production numbers are projected to be modest at first, our next mission is to try and compel GM to build enough cars for us.
Many people have asked questions about details of the waiting list, such as one’s place in line and people’s locations. I’ve had the fortune of having expert programmer and VOLT enthusiast Karl Cox (aka Drake) join my team, and together we have built an outstanding and secure waitlist database and interface.
If you haven’t already, go to this link (Wait List ) and put in your email address. You will then be brought to a page where you can fill in all your details including name, address, enthusiasm level, and price you are willing to pay. You will also be given your place in line.
Top level GM officials are aware of this list and have mentioned the possibility of working with it. It is not official and nothing is guaranteed, but it can’t hurt to try. I will keep at it.
Now if you really want to have fun, you can check out a summary all of the collected data at this link (Wait List Data ). You can see that so far with what’s been filled in, we have enough people here to generate over $200 million in Volt sales for GM.
The data will be continuously available and updated in real-time as will the counter on the main page.
The public grassroots effort lives on, stronger than ever!
Popularity: 3%
Related posts:
- The Volt’s #1 Fanboy and Our Wait List Story is the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”
- GM-Volt.com Chevy Volt Waiting List Reaches 20,000 Members
- GM-Volt.com Chevy Volt Waiting List Hits 10,000 Members
- Chevy Volt on the NBC Nightly News With Brian Williams
- Vote For The Volt!
(30 votes, average: 4.97 out of 5) 
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August 12th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Keep it going Lyle. You are doing a great job.
That Wait List Data is very cool. Nice work Drake. Thank you.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:03 am
Lyle, ……You should be at least….. GM’s salesman of the year !!
August 12th, 2008 at 6:05 am
I wonder what fraction of people on the list are really serious about buying a volt at $45,000 (on the road price). Obviously some are just joining a group out of some minor interest or curiosity. If GM wanted to do somthing, they could set up a list and set a date to take deposits. This list would be more meaningful.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:15 am
I think the Average price people are willing to spend ($31,186.48) is right on the money. (no pun intended). People on this site come from many walks of life. Some have plenty of money and some don’t.
I would gladly pay $31,186.48 for this car. I believe the price is competitive and keeps the Volt from becoming a niche car.
)
The greatest fear I have is that GM will price the Volt out of the market.
The second greatest fear I have is GM will go broke before they can build the car.
The third greatest fear I have is the GM will give me a free Volt. (oh wait. That’s not a fear. That’s a fantasy. Things have really changed. In my younger days, I had much more interesting fantasies than receiving a free car.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Nice job, Lyle!
August 12th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Interesting data.
As far as the deposits and the maximum price, it would be nice to see breakdowns of those numbers. Averages can be very misleading. For example, if 10 people said they would make a deposit of $5,000 and 5 people said they would make a deposit of $100, that is a total of $50,500 and an average of $3,366.67. But in actuality twice as many people are willing to put down a much larger deposit. It is the same thing with the maximum selling price.
Besides, it would give us some much more interesting topics of discussion than the color of Mr. Lutz’s tie…………..
Great job, Lyle!
August 12th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Thank you for the work on the data. It is very interesting. I think the average price people are willing to pay, $31,000, reflects the fact that many of us got on the list when the stated target price was “below $30,000″. I would have a hard time convincing myself to spend $45,000 on this vehicle, especially if there are electrics available for under $30,000.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:45 am
No mater what, I’m going to buy this car.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I plan on buying a Volt upon test drive, provided it meets expectations in performance and gas mileage.
However, I have no plans to sign an unofficial wait list. If GM gives preferential treatment to an unaffiliated, third-party web site… I’d rather wait for the Volt to hit pre-own than join that bloodbath.
If you think GM is going to give any preferential treatment to GM-VOLT.com, here’s what it will be: Pay over MSRP for a car that’s already $10,000 over it’s over-hyped MSRP. Let’s be realistic here folks, I’m not going to pay $40,000 for a car whose technology will fall $10,000 in the price, as soon as the first year.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I will have a hard time buying this car at over $40,000 as its spec’d out right now. If it was a pure EV 300+ mile range car thats one thing. But a 40 mile range car - for me and my commute - is a “nice to have” but not something I’m going to pay $40,000 for. At that point I’d be better off buying a nice used Harley Davidson, getting 55mpg and saving $35,000 or so.
Saving oil and being patriotic is great and all but if it puts me in the poorhouse then it will have to wait.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Great list and data, but I’d like to see a field where people could select what style vehicle they’d most like to see the EREV go to next. My wife and I already have a prius and a van. The Van is definitely not going to be around for too much longer and I want to replace it with an EREV. A 4 passenger car doesn’t work so well with families, but put it in a minivan and I’ll put down my $5000 deposit tomorrow. How cool would it be to be able to influence the next car GM puts an EREV in!
Realistically though I know we need to get the Volt built and sold first. That’s milestone #1, but unless I can convince my wife that we should trade in the prius and keep my bus going for a while longer I’m not sure I’ll be in for 40K. I will however promise GM that I will not be buying any new car unless it can be driven at highway speeds in all electric mode and can be plugged in. And if nobody wants to build it for me I’ll convert my own. Never owned a GM product before, but I am excited about the volt and if in the market for another car in 2010 it’s the only one on my radar
August 12th, 2008 at 7:16 am
This site is looking more like a “marketing” survey each day.
Just build the car!!
August 12th, 2008 at 7:17 am
With 3 kids, the initial offering of the Volt will not work for my family ;-( GM need to make a plug-in that can handle at least 5 people - I do not need that much room in the rear - as long as I have 3 seat belts back there, I’m good to go….
August 12th, 2008 at 7:19 am
The list is great - I didn’t expect so many here. About the price - $31,000 and some change no more GM! On the road. Beyond this - I’m discouraged.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:29 am
We need to have government policies in place at the state and fed level when the car is ready to be rolled off the production line to help bring down the cost of this vehicle for the first few years.
Does anyone know if this is happening yet and if the cars will be available as a lease or for ownership? Maybe it’s too early to ask but this will determine if I purchase the car or not.
I hope we will have the option to buy beacause I would not want to have another electric car crushing event like we saw in California…
August 12th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Nice job Lyle.
I love stats, just love them. For myself I didn’t fill out the part about, “what is the most you are willing to pay part,” it just feels wrong, lol.
I’ve given this example before but if you go to look at a used car and you say, “the most I am willing to spend on this car is $15,000,” odds are even if that car was actually cheaper, the answer from the salesman will be, “Hrm, well I dunno, lets go into my office, I think we can work out a deal”
I guess the real question is, how many people out of 33,000 are 1 of two things:
A) dreamers and can’t afford a new Aveo
B) willing to pay $45,000K
I’d say 3/4 are dreamers, and of the remaining, another third would pay 45K. I’d guess 3,500-4,000 are real potential customers, which is still pretty good.
Then of course you have to take those on the wait list that are also inside GM’s ‘miracle zone’ of delivery for the first two years…(about 1,300 of 33,000), only 4%…so about 160 people might see a Volt in their driveway if Lyle’s list gets green lit by GM.
I think that kind of math is why GM doesn’t have a list at the moment.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Was the waiting list restarted with this tool? I signed up for the mailing/waiting list of this site well over a year ago, so how can I be only number 33,129?
August 12th, 2008 at 7:34 am
kind of wish the database was searchable. I could have sworn I had put myself on the list earlier with my name and email. I’d just have to update a few other things on it.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Is this average price the mean or the median? As Jim I indicates above in comment #6 (using different langauge), the median value is really the most representative for these purposes of marketing and popularity. That would be the price that half the people are above, and half the people are below, and wouldn’t be skewed by a few super high or low outliers. Can you clarify which? If it is the mean, can you also them tell us the median price?
As for myself, I will just be honest and say there is no way I am buying this car anytime soon. With two little kids and my stay-at-home wife all supported by my salary, my next car will more likely be in the $15-20K range (Cobalt, Vibe, etc.), if not a cheaper used car. But I find the topic interesting as hell, which is why I check out this website. Keep up the good work and keep the info flowing.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:56 am
I am all in at a little over $30,000. Count me out at $45,000. The savings wouldnt be worth the monthly payments.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Great Job,
I wonder how many people actually updated the database from the numbers I could find maybe between 6-8 thousand. That’s give me the impression some are not as enthusiast as they first were since they don’t come here often enough to update the database or are too shy to do so.
In any case I’m far out in the numbers (17000 or around) and I don’t expect to be able to put my hand (or my money) on a volt before 1012 so meanwhile I’ll just buy a good old ICE/Hybrid from GM and then I’ll surely be in a good position to finally get MY VOLT…
Still think buying a new GM helps to receive GM “offers” like a chance on the Volt…
-Lunoir
August 12th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Interesting data. Tells me a few things:
1) GM could take deposits now at $1,000;
2) tax credits of $5,000 would bring most people on the wait list within buying range of the Volt.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I “could” pay $60,000 for a new Volt… BUT “Would” I ?.. NO … If Toyota is selling a new design Prius for $25,000 that gets 60 t0 70 MPG I would probably buy the Toyota. If the Volt costs $40,000 the payback break even point with gas at $5.00 a gallon would be 10 years or more. The Volt will be ideal for my type of driving as most of my rounds trips are less 30 miles but we would not pay a premium to drive one.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Great job on the list Lyle. I hope you can get-er-done, for all of us loyal Volt fans. Thank you for all your hard work. Skip
August 12th, 2008 at 8:14 am
#9 Christopher Price has a point about the pending price drop after the first year or two. How many Volt fanatics will feel burned when their Johhny-come-lately neighbor rolls into the driveway in 2012 with their $28,000 Volt? My prediction (which I take no joy in offering) is that this could wind up like the iPhone, where the first people to buy ended up feeling a bit cheated on price. Hopefully not, though.
By the way, dontcha just love how the price of oil is dropping like a rock because of decreased demands and the push for alternative energy? Let’s hope people aren’t so freaking stupid that they immediately revert back to their old guzzling ways for the THIRD TIME, or we’ll never break free of the black stuff.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:14 am
My only fear is that GM will screw it up like they did the EV1. Come out with some half ass lease program, yank the cars and crush them when they deem them a threat to their profits.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Um, you know, I recall signing up for the waitlist quite some time ago but I don’t recall seeing a “place in line.” How can I find out for sure my name made it on the list and find out my “place in line?”
Of course, Johnny in PA has a perfectly valid point- my personal reasons for wanting a Volt have to do with what the Volt means, not my personal need for a car, since I actually walk to work. So if the price seems high, I might be willing to wait a while, depending on the price point.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:20 am
#26 Tim, do people really think a collect and crush event to be possible for the Volt? Remember, the EV1 died at a time when it was a unique technology and there were no real competitors. The Volt will come out when all major car companies are making moves in this direction, and eliminating the program would put GM at a competitive disadvantage. There is no historical parallel between the EV1 and the Volt.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:31 am
The way things are going, maybe GM will have a “Buy a Volt, and get an SUV free” promotion….
Be well,
Tag
August 12th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I will not be submitting my info because it looks like any one who knows my email address can see what I have entered. Also I seen no indication that the connection is secure, i.e. https
August 12th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Great addition to the web-site, Lyle. Good statistics to know. Surprised the average deposit amount was so low. Keep up the good work, Lyle.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:38 am
As a single mom with 3 children in college, I understand what alot of you are saying about price. It is a real shame, however, that most of us are still so dependent on oil/gas. I think those of us that can afford new technologies as they come out - we need to support them and hopefully costs will drop so that more folks can buy them. Changes for the masses are driven, first and foremost, by the pocketbook.
On a much more fun note, I saw the first commercial I’ve ever seen for the Volt last night! Just a front end view at the end of a longer commercial, but what fun!
August 12th, 2008 at 8:39 am
It has been a few days since a topic devoted to the battery conundrum, so Ill stick this link here.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/nissan-next-gen-environmental-vehicles/961829/
That looks like a modular, repairable plug in battery, not like the glossey boxes we have seen for the Volt.
Good old Nissan!
Disclaimer:I have never owned a Nissan or shares in Nissan and nor am I employed by Nissan. (or anyone!)
August 12th, 2008 at 8:41 am
This sounds like an overall losing proposition. The Volt R&D budget is approx $1 billion. It will be many years before GM recoups that. This does not include manufacturing costs for production. So the Volt sounds a lot like Xbox, a product which still today has not yielded a dime of profit for Microsoft. Unless GM increases production beyond 200K units per year they are going to lose their shirt on this one. This does not make business sense at a time when they are bleeding red ink.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Great job on the list
mid 3000’s
At 35K+ I am a dreamer.
At 30 to 35K I will consider a Volt.
At -30K I have my place in Line
If my 98 Cavalier will last till then
August 12th, 2008 at 8:54 am
To be honest I am tired of the game. If I am on the list take me off. I will just have to live with my old Suzuki. It has 136,000 miles on it and is still going strong. I am retired and I could never get the Volt to pay for itself. You all have fun.
Take Care
Arch
August 12th, 2008 at 8:59 am
A fully load Prius runs about $32k in today’s dollars. Don’t look for any future Volt vehicle to ever be less than $35k, regardless of battery price declines. As a rule auto makers never reduce the price of a vehicle model in following years. So, I would expect initial Volt to be priced north of $40k and future Volts (with added features) to be $50k and above. This is simple economics, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist or brain surgeon to figure this stuff out. Car building is actually one of the simplest forms of production methodology that exists today. GM has been run by bean counters for decades.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:00 am
25K is my top price.
Above that it makes more sense to find an older Civic to use as a commuter car.
If GM prices the Volt too high (above 30k) then a HUGE part of the market has been cut out
August 12th, 2008 at 9:00 am
#11 Gsned57
“How cool would it be to be able to influence the next car GM puts an EREV in!”
I agree. I mentioned it in another thread, but let me just say it once more. I like the idea of the Volt power train in a Chevy HHR.
That’s not a minivan, but I’ll bet you can get 5 people in it.
And now, look, my Gravatar worked. That’s a 1995 Goldwing. It gets about 40 mpg.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:00 am
There are limits to what kind of information I’ll leave online, period.
The initial Volt design (in terms of size, seats etc) would suit me, I drive a small sedan now.
I’m going to have one of these, or a future EREV stable-mate some day. When that day comes mostly has to do with price and availability. At a post-govt rebate price of $31,000 - 32,000, I doubt I would hesitate. The hesitation increases from there along with the price. And I’m not going to put up with dealer gouging (I may wait for a Saturn version for precisely this reason).
I’m not by nature an ‘early adopter.’ I normally wait for other people to pay the big money to deal with teething problems. I could only be swayed in this case by the closest thing yet (Volt) to the car of my dreams.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:07 am
#16 Statik says
“I guess the real question is, how many people out of 33,000 are 1 of two things:
A) dreamers and can’t afford a new Aveo
B) willing to pay $45,000K”
Then Statik goes on to say “I’d say 3/4 are dreamers, and of the remaining, another third would pay 45K. I’d guess 3,500-4,000 are real potential customers, which is still pretty good.”
With greatest respect, I think the distribution of people on this site is displaced substantially from the population of a “normal” blog. You see this in the substance and writing of the comments.
Therefore my guess is that here half or more (more than 15,000) are real potential customers, and 3/4 have the interest and the means to purchase a Volt if they decide to do it.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:09 am
#36 Arch
Arch, as a charter member, you cannot leave or lose interest. The rules do not allow it.
Please stay with us.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:12 am
#6 Jim I includes “..than the color of Mr. Lutz’s tie”
Speaking of which, I hope the replica versions are coming along, so that we can wear them to VoltNation for the unveiling.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:13 am
As 1 of the 66 on the list in Nevada, I’m impressed with diversity as shown on wait list data statistics.
Thanks again for your efforts Lyle !!
August 12th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Hi.
I may not be the first one to jump into the pool when there is something new to see or buy but I like to be close to the forefront. I will buy a Volt (as said above — depending on the price). By 2010 there is going to be a number of choices for an electric/hybrid car and I will be looking closely at all the them…
Only 417 people from Canada with a deposit in hand on the “list”…… and I am # 973 on the mail list….. What are my chances of getting a Volt in Central Alberta Canada because of this list ?? Probably Zero….
July 2011 is when I will be purchasing a new vehicle (my 07 MAXX will be miled out by then) and … at this point… I will be looking for the best value for my dollar… After all… I can buy a lot of fuel for my new “hybrid” if there is a large dollar difference in price between the Volt and all those “other” revolutionary vehicles..
August 12th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Right after I sit in the seat (which may make me pee myself, so I’ll have to be careful), I’m gonna get an American flag bumper sticker and slap it on the back.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:23 am
A thought about GM using this list. Not sure if it is fair to use a non GM list, but on the other hand I am here everyday and am really interested in the Volt.
So GM how about using this list once the Price is published and giving everybody 2 weeks to plunk down a reasonable deposit. After 2 weeks everybody moves up into the empty spots and the list is open to the general Public. Seems fair to me,
August 12th, 2008 at 9:25 am
My expertise is in the field of cryptography. I can assure you that HTTPS protocol (aka SSL) is NOT very secure. There is a reason that almost all web traffic is encrypted at 256-bit or less. The computers at NSA and other organizations can decrypt this traffic in real-time. The next time you see a gold lock icon on your favorite web browser think again my friend.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Looks like other people are tired too.
http://machinist.salon.com/blog/2008/08/11/volt/
August 12th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I’m sure that with the current trend of the lowering of the price of oil some in GM are worrying that prospective purchasers will change their mind about purchasing a Volt if fuel gets below a certain price. For myself, I will purchase a volt even if gas comes down to ten cents a gallon. I want to stop purchasing the energy for my transportation from people who support those that want to kill me!
August 12th, 2008 at 9:35 am
From #42 RB:
“#36 Arch
Arch, as a charter member, you cannot leave or lose interest. The rules do not allow it.
Please stay with us.”
________
Arch,
I agree with these sentiments completely. You may feel disheartened, as we all do from time to time, but you are a valuable member of the group. Please reconsider and stay on-line with us. Even if a member does not plan on purchasing a Volt because of cost or whatever, he or she can still be a contributing force on this web-site. You are such a member, Arch.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Amazing! When I first started hearing about the Volt it was forcasted to be $28,000. It still has not hit the sales floor and it jumped $12,000 plus.
The thing that gets me is there was a news interview about how one DFW car dealership is excited about the new cars. All the way through the interview he was talking about how green this would make the economy. He did make one mistake at the end of the interview. He indicated that more people would be willing to pay more for a smaller engine. So it appears these cars will be mainly green for the car dealerships as well as the manufacture.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:44 am
This is probably GM’s last chance for survival. If it blows it, the wait list will mean nothing. GM needs to build a reliable, quality car at a reasonable price. If it does, it will not need any wait list.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Follow up to the “Volt commercial,” US News has a article on it, and some interested tidbits, besides the universal articles that seem to be written of why GM is marketing a car it isn’t making and showing a car that will never be produced.
“after the commercial aired, the Volt “skyrocketed to the #11 search overall in Google Trends.” Google’s traffic chart for the day of the first ad shows the jump, but we should note, the term has dropped out of the top 100 today.”
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080811-What-is-the-Chevy-Volt-and-Why-is-GM-Advertising-it-During-the-Olympics-/
So I guess if GM is just paying to get it’s “green image” up, they certainly got their money’s worth from that ad.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Did anyone else see the GM item Cnn news hour over the last weekend? Said that Buick was their big gem in China and the new technolgy Volt may list around 45K per unit due to the cost to build and the fall in the US dollar. But they have high hopes with the new Chevy Malibu..
August 12th, 2008 at 9:59 am
“Buy a Volt, and get an SUV free” - HA!!!
Oh, oh - will I have to pay tax on the free SUV?
This is a very revealing list. I’m not surprised that there aren’t a lot of people in Japan waiting for a Vrolt, but how about you people in South Dakota. I’ve been in South Dakota and I can say with a high degree of reliability that there are cars there. Well… OK… most of them were just passing though, but still….
August 12th, 2008 at 10:00 am
#36 Arch
“To be honest I am tired of the game. If I am on the list take me off. I will just have to live with my old Suzuki. It has 136,000 miles on it and is still going strong. I am retired and I could never get the Volt to pay for itself. You all have fun”
I’m going to echo RB in #42:
“Arch, as a charter member, you cannot leave or lose interest. The rules do not allow it. Please stay with us”
and N Riley in #51″
“You may feel disheartened, as we all do from time to time, but you are a valuable member of the group. Please reconsider and stay on-line with us. Even if a member does not plan on purchasing a Volt because of cost or whatever, he or she can still be a contributing force on this web-site. You are such a member, Arch.”
Stick it out my friend, we have to hold the fort. You can’t possibly be more negative on it than me can you? Hehe. If I’m still here, surely you can hold out too, lol.
As it has been stated here before, the Volt is a looooong way off, things can change, maybe you win the lottery, lol.
Or more than likely, even if you never own a Volt, you will hear about ALL THE OTHER electric vehicles here FIRST.
Maybe the Volt won’t be for you, but maybe the Mitsu comes in at 29K US, or the BlueStar eventually gets built…or Zenn can get a road worthy car to market with their new unicorn technology for 20K.
I know one thing, when any electric car comes to market, and when ANY deposit list opens up, I can assure you this is the place that will know about it first….and the people here that you count as friends (or at least respect their opinion) will give you a informed opinion of the value and risks of that vehicle…just as you would if you had knowledge to impart on the subject.
/stick it out bud, we’ll replace that Suzuki yet
August 12th, 2008 at 10:01 am
It doesn’t take long to realize what a unique kind of car this is. No not for the obvious technical reasons but for more interesting reasons. For one we have hemp shirt wearing ultra left wingers conversing intelligently and in a civil manner with card carrying Republicans and vice versa - the common interest - this car. There might be slightly different reasons why they are excited about it but yet they are both here. I (have card) am interested in the Volt for a variety of reasons but oil independence from a strategic and national security perspective is the main one. Secondly the technology enthuses me, much the way a new Corvette or Cadillac would. None of the reasons I’ve listed have to do with saving a buck, although that would be a nice bonus. I’m willing to pay more for this car because of what it means to our future. I’m guessing most of the people here who have saving money as their primary focus are going to be disappointed for at least the first couple years. They may even have to wait for the second generation to come out. I won’t pay up in a bidding war, the dealer gets that money and that extra money in no way helps the “cause’ if you will. I once posted that “the pioneers get the arrows” and I expect that this will be no different.
I know we read all about the testing that is going on etc. to ensure that this car is production ready. That’s great but lets be realistic. There is a lot of “new” here and the first buyers better expect to take a couple of arrows. When problems arrise, and they will, patience and understanding will definately be in order. Perhaps this is a bit of a stretch but when your new Volt has you stranded (less than 40 miles from home hopefully!) just remember that a stranded car is a lot less inconvenient than storming the beaches of Normandy! Okay I said it would be a bit of a stretch but I do believe that those of us willing to stick our necks out and buy these first ones really are fulfilling a sort of patriotic duty.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:06 am
HEY ARCH!
I’ll echo what others have said. We need you here and I’ve especially liked your links to other info sources. I think a lot of us get frazzled with the seemingly endless wait and unlimited negative comments. That’s why I said that Statik’s remarks were “getting old” - but I didn’t LEAVE.
Man-up! (g).
Be well,
Tag
August 12th, 2008 at 10:10 am
For me, price is dependent on a variety of things….
1. I am a one car family so the car has to have certain features…which is why I want an EREV not a pure EV (for now).
2. Since we are fortunate enough to make a one car situation work, we can pay a little more than if we owned 2 or more…although that is still well south of Fisker (too bad, it looks great on paper).
3. I prefer an EREV to a hybrid as I keep cars for a very long time and I can see gas shortages coming in future years…so the car must have an EV only range. A 100mpg car that can’t go EV only is still worthless if you can’t get gas at all.
3. So when the time comes, we’ll look at our options, and what you get for your $$$. Hopefully that car will be the Volt.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Statik (#54):
I didn’t see the ad last night on the Olympics (wasn’t watching the whole time), have they already pulled it?
August 12th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Are the people on this list required to place a substantial deposit? Because if not then the list is not worth referring to. People can later just say no thanks.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Im on the list but I dont plan on buying till 2012-2013. But i do plan on buying. Also I can see why people are complaining why they have to wait so long before they can get one, but theres no point complaining. It wont make it come out any faster, it takes a long time to make a new product and they are already doing this faster then normal.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Obviously this isnt a real waitlist but it is certainly a “very interested” list. There’s too much unknown for the vast majority of the 33,000 folks to be willing to plunk down a deposit…even for a real list.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Oh, I just read the post by Arch. You are one of a small group of my favorite posters. Don’t leave. Two years is a long time and this site is a roller coaster ride for the mind. Maybe you could just take a week off. I did that and my psychiatrist says I’m almost back to normal again.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:26 am
#59 Tag
“That’s why I said that Statik’s remarks were “getting old” - but I didn’t LEAVE. Man-up!”
Likewise, I have endured endless optimism from other posters like Tag, hehe. I’ve stuck it out (with great stamina), swimming upstream in the virtual sea of QVC-type shameless promotion.
Just a light hearted retort Tag…actually I confess, it was just a excuse to link to Mike Rowe (host of Dirty Jobs now) back in the 1992 hocking a plastic bag on QVC for your cat for $24.35 + S&H. Holy cow…is he bad, and it’s one of the funniest things.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rChjMRfi40c
Mike Rowe should definitely be the pitch man for the Volt…and make the commercial just like this.
How could you leave me and Tag arch? How will you ever know who wins the ‘papercut’ battle of the millenium?
August 12th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Lyle, you know you continue to lose credibility by continuing to call to it a “wait list” when what you quote as GM’s name for it (ie. a “hand raising”) is closer to what it really is… it’s simply an “interest list”. A “wait” list implies much more than what the list really is.
Folks keep in mind again…. GM said clearly that the roll out of the Volt will be geographically limited, mainly to warm weather climates (California & Florida) with maybe some token allotment to DC. If you don’t live there you won’t be able to buy…. if you do slip in somehow you most likely won’t be able to have it serviced, and the Volt is likely to need at least firmware updates (and my guess is you won’t be able to download them from the web and install yourself).
Also keep in mind that GM will not screw over the dealerships and bypass them. They still need them for servicing, but also need them to keep selling (and servicing) other GM vehicles. And if real demand (not an interest list) exceeds supply, dealerships will want to be able to charge over MSRP.
Not to mention logistically how an ordered list would work… even after pruning out everyone not meeting the geographic restrictions, no longer interested because of the MSRP, etc…then splitting the list into multiple lists based on geographic region, are they going to go one by one in order and require a non-refundable deposit or they move on to the next person on the list?
It’s not to say I don’t like the idea of a list, just not the mislabeling of it and getting folks to think it is something it’s not. By the way, last I had heard GM’s own site within the 1st month of the Volt’s announcement had 300,000 votes (over 99% in the positive), see http://tinyurl.com/69u6jx
As for stats, ad someone else mentioned above… averages can be skewed… maybe also including the “median” for each and/or at least the standard deviation.
And while you are taking a poll (which is what some of the data is like Enthusiasm rating)… you might as well also ask folks what color they like
August 12th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Hi Guys
cool idea, but could we please have that for non-US as well please? I want an opel Volt …
cheers
Bernhard
August 12th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I am ready to put my money out there today. I have held off on the new car purchase because I want an electric car or a decent hybrid. If the volt wait list was accepting deposits i would be giving it today. I am tired of the weinies in the US who complain about gas prices, Detroit auto makes, etc yet aren’t sure they want to pay for this technology. These are the same weinies who are standing in line for a $5.00 cup of coffee , spending $100.00 on a pair of sports shoes, and $25.00 to spend 2 hours in a movie theater. Get on board or get out of the way!
August 12th, 2008 at 10:42 am
After reading through these comments, I find that the general sentiment is that most people here today want to buy a Volt, but not at a price exceeding much over $30,000. I find myself in agreement with that pricing sentiment. It will be exceedingly difficult for GM to market the Volt to the “masses” at anything over $30,000. The Volt should be offered for approximately $25,000 as a “base” model. Options could be offered to “flesh-out” the car to give the buyer the type of car he or she wants. GM does not have to add all the bells and whistles to the base car to keep the initial cost down where the average Joe can afford it.
I want to purchase a Volt and will add options to it to get the type of car I want. I do not want to spend over $30,000 (maybe $32,000). If the cost is excessive, I will purchase a Toyota, a Honda or some other car. I will look at the Saturn or some other Chevrolet vehicle. But whatever I buy will have to be very fuel efficient and considerably less expensive than the Volt at its $30,0000 to $32,000. I feel at that price I am already paying a premium price to own a Volt.
I can afford to pay more, I just am not going to do it.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Arch #36 says,
To be honest I am tired of the game. If I am on the list take me off. I will just have to live with my old Suzuki. It has 136,000 miles on it and is still going strong. I am retired and I could never get the Volt to pay for itself. You all have fun.
———
I know how you feel. I feel the same way.
It gets very frustrating. The price keeps going up. I have no idea how they are going to get to 10K cars by 2010 when they still have to build a plant to build the car.
I’m staying anyway though. I hope you do too.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Lets face it at 45k it is a great leap of failth. If GM can make the other areas of the car world class they can pull it off. First and formost the interior has to be tight as a drum no rattles anywhere and no wind noise because the electric power plant will be so quiet. Also give us the option of tapping into the electric power plant to generate our own electricity in an emergency. Also cram some high tech features into the electronics bay. Make the car an american BMW or Mercedes and people will gladly pay 45k. Car buying can be trendy I cannot figure out why anyone would buy a smart car, they sell for over 20k and they are nothing more than a pregnant roller skate, so do not count the volt out at 45k yet.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Jim #6 & #19 - Limits are in place to prevent values outside of a certain range from being added. Also, the calculation used to generate the averages results in the mean value of the data set.
A2Max #30 - The only required fields on the wait list are email address and name. All other fields are optional.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Going way up to one of Statiks post:
I think a ton of people will jump ship by the time they are actually able to buy a Volt in favor of one of the other options that will be available by then for much less money. They will want a volt but will buy something else.
Start a list for an E-Flex Silverado!
August 12th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I’ve been on th list for a while and when surveyed about price it was not hard to do the math and price the vehicle at about $40000 mostly because of the price of batteries. The saturn vue, the prius has about $10000 in batteries and controllers. The volt is going to have at least 4 times that. The prius has come down somewhat in price, but is Toyota making money on it yet?
Everybody has diferent requirements for a vehicle. Mine are: 4 people, 4 suitcases, 4 flightbags, 1000 km range, ability to climb a mountain pass without slowing down, good braking and manuverablity. My Saab 9-3 has all these.
August 12th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Statik says tp Arch:
“/stick it out bud, we’ll replace that Suzuki yet”
Arch,
Sounds like Statik is offering to help pay for the replacement of your old car. Take him up on it while the offer is still hot. You’ve got a lot of witnesses here.
August 12th, 2008 at 11:06 am
#29 Tagamet - “The way things are going, maybe GM will have a “Buy a Volt, and get an SUV free” promotion….”
Nah, rather than do that they’ll send them all to the storage facility in San Bernadino and crush them.
Lyle — Big congrats on the success of the site. I can’t, however, see how GM could use the waiting list given their dealer network. They couldn’t take deposits although they could send the dealers contact information. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
August 12th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I will buy this car no matter what GM. My number is 2023, I hope that means I will get an early one. I want that volt so bad I can taste it. No wait I can’t taste it but I want one bad. GM call me first. I will put down a deposit of $5,000.00
Take Care,
TED
August 12th, 2008 at 11:10 am
VOLT IS 4 SEATER 150 MILES PER GALLON AND COSTS MORE THAN $:30000.00. MDI’S AIR CAR IS 6 SEATER 106 MILES PER GALLON AND COSTS $:17800.00. WHICH ONE DO U THINK IS THE BEST BET? DO THE MATH!
August 12th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Good afternoon…, I’m certain when I singed up to be a part of this move of owning a car that makes sence for today…, tomorrow and forever…. I indicated my location within the world, this being the “Bermuda Islands”. Sadly when looking at your survey data I find nothing indicating my wonderful countries existance within the survey. So… I am asking humbly.., Would you be so kind as to remedy this for me please. Our government is aggressively seeking new ways to ensure we have a sustainable living environment for our people and guest (Tourist) within the near and long term. This car will change life within our counrty for the better and good. This is a must for us. Please don’t forget…., Thanks.
August 12th, 2008 at 11:20 am
#36 Arch:
You sound like me. I get so tired I quit at least once a day. It reminds me of my favorite scene from the Sopranos. All of the boys were sitting around the back room of the Bada Bing watching “The Godfather”. Imitating the Al Pacino/Michael Corleone character, the Silvio/Steve Van Zandt character says “This is my favorite part, where he says ‘Just when I though I was out, they dragged me back in’”
BTW, thanks for another cool link at #49.
August 12th, 2008 at 11:30 am
#80 Norman D. Robinson - To modify your existing record, please go here: http://gm-volt.com/join-us/
August 12th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I feel that Gm makes a superior product. The thought of them making another electric car excites the hell out of me. I just wish they could get into production and quit playing around with getting it into production. They already have closed suv plants why not gut them and re tool for the volt immediatly. By then batter tech should be up to par, if not I would have to settle for a lead/acid battery
August 12th, 2008 at 11:31 am
First post here, even though I’ve been reading for a couple months.
I entered info on the “Wait List” (I agree that it should be renamed), but I want to update it. Will I lose my spot in line if I go back and enter updates?
So yesterday I visited the biggest Chevy dealer here in west Michigan and asked about the Volt. The guy didn’t know much - he said they were supposed to get a floor model mid next year (which I doubt). He kindly offered to put me on his personal “wait list” and call or email me when there was more information. He didn’t know if the mechanic training was available yet, but he was going to check on it (sounds like not). I would be more persistent in my questions and information gathering if I suspected there was more information to be gathered. But it’s too early.
However, its not too early for this site, and discussions like these among enthusiasts - great job to Lyle and everyone else who participates.
BTW, nevermind the question below - it was answered while I wrote this. One suggestion for the list - I’d like to see my place among a “sorted list” by amount willing to pay, or amount willing to deposit… Just curious I guess.
August 12th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Here’s my take. GM will increase the cost of the car so that only a few will be able to afford it . Then they can say it wasn’t viable and cease production and essentially blaming the general public for killing the electric car!!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 11:43 am
if this keeps up everyone on thw waiting list will get their Volt the day it goes into mass production.
August 12th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Tagamet #29-
Funny you should say this. I saw an ad for a Toyota dealership yesterday and they will give you a 3 year lease on a Camry if you pay full sticker for one of their top end SUV’s…. I think I laughed out loud!
August 12th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Please take me off this BS wait list before the car hits the 60K price tag. For my money I will buy the 2010 or 2011 Toyota Prius, by then it should be 100% plug-in electric.
Lets face it, GM HAD the first total electric car in th 1990’s with the EV-1, but switched their interest to the Hummer. I hope they and Big Oil are happy with what they did to this country AND the world.
For my money my next new car purchase WILL say “Made in Japan”. U.S. car companies will never see any more of my bucks.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
The fact is I’m having 2nd thoughts on the Volt!
The price was originally “nicely under $30,000″. We are now hearing $35,000, $40,000 and even $45,000. Who knows what it will be by the time it arrives in the dealer showrooms?
I had hoped for a 5-seat family car with adequate trunck space for luggage, etc. It is a 4-seater with unknown trunk space.
It was originally announced the Volt would have a 640 mile range. The latest word is 400 miles.
I could go on, but you get the idea!
As a commuter vehicle, the Volt will be great! But, what about those trips away from home? My wife and I just returned from a 2-week 3,000 mile trip where we stayed in motels for the entire time. We paid particular attention to the availability of places to recharge a Volt overnight. There were none! The infrastructure to support the Volt beyond one’s home base simply does not exist at this time. I’m sure it will be there some day. But, not on day-1!
All I can do at this time is to stay tuned and see what develops. But, at this time I’m really not all that encourged by the Volt v1. It may be necessary to wait until Volt v2, v3 or whatever. Or, perhaps GM will come out with a different E-Rev vehicle more suited to our needs. Only time will tell!
August 12th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
GM should really make the Volt/ provoq/ opel truly flexible. You should be able to purchase as much battery as you need or can afford. You should be able to put in whatever generator you want or even rent a generator when you go on holiday.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Lyle, Its time for a lottery to get action going with your group.
Collect $2.00 from 20,000 people on the wait list and then let me (or maybe a computer) select a winner from the list. You have GM promise to sell one of the first Volts to that winner paid for with the $$ from the Lottery collections.
The winner promises many photos and driving testomonials on the gm-volt site so the rest of us poor saps, who will probably have to wait until late in 2011 for a car, can at least enjoy that.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
This is off topic but could make for a great way to charge up your Volt from a solar array: Excerpts from the MIT hydrogen breakthrough press release: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/08...
MIT researchers have hit upon a simple, inexpensive, and highly efficient process for storing solar energy.
The key component in Nocera and Kanan’s new process is a new catalyst that produdes Oxygen from water. The new catalyst consists of cobalt metal, phosphate and an electrode placed in water. The new catalyst works at room temperature, in neutral PH water. Barber, a leader in photosynthesis who was not involved in this research call the discovery a ‘giant leap” toward generating clean, carbon free energy on a massive scale.”This is a matjor discovery with enormous implications for the future of humankind” said Barber, the Emst Chain Professor of Biochemistry at Imperial College London. The MIT work is described in the July 31 issue of Science. “This is the nirvana of what we’ve been talking about for years,” said MIT’s Daniel Noccera, the Henry Dreyfus Professor of Energy at MIT.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
BLESS THE EARLY ADOPTERS OUT THERE. If it was not for them new technology would never get off of the ground. New technology has always been pricey. Any idiot knows that the price will come down once the production goes up, I only hope that the gota have it guys never go away or we will never see anything new survive. This is just part of the reason GM has made this so public from the start to create BUZZ AND WOW so the people out there who go after new tech will get on board early and create a market maybe small at first but enough to get the technology off of the ground. Look what GM has done with the competition already the majors are talking about coming out with electric vehicles, even the people that cannot afford one now will benefit in the long run, every electric car on the road means less gas burned.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I supplied my info last week and I can tell you that IF this opportunity had presented itself about 2-3 months ago … my numbers would’ve been very different, mainly my deposit #.
Life throws you curveballs sometimes … mine came in the form of emergency need for the funds I had been saving for my next vehicle (which I STILL remain hopeful that it will be this one). Of course, I do also count the fact that I’ve got more than enough time to re-up my savings….I’m thinking late 2012 - early 2013.
This has hurt my own “I want a Volt” interest level lately but I’m sticking it out and enjoying the wonderful information provided by everyone on this blog.
Hang in there Arch…or should I say hang in HERE, Arch…count me as another who enjoys your contributions here…
August 12th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Well this proves it - GM is dead. They are building a heavy, stupid car that won’t be energy efficient. Two different types of engine. Logic says one type is more efficient. Maybe they should import Tatas from India and double the price to $5,000. If you don’t know - Tata’s are 30 horsepower, 50MPG, 70 MPH and $2500. You telling me GM can’t build one for $7,500. Hybrids don’t save energy and have no future. USA needs a LIGHT $10,000 car, that get 50MPG, not a heavy car with two types of engine. Time to get real?? Did you see Hannity bragging on TV about his 21 MPG hybrid?
August 12th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Statik,
I can see it now being hawked on Direct TV Payperview: Live - in the steel octagon! Death by a thousand paper cuts! Only ONE will survive…. (I could go on, but my meds are kicking in…)
Be well,
Tag
PS I hope Arch didn’t leave before seeing all that encouragement (or worse, AFTER)
August 12th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
@Jim #95
Efficiency has nothing to do with cost though. If you have a very efficient engine and a very efficient storage medium, but the cost is astronomical, then there is no point in making it. The Volt and other vehicles are trying to meet the needs and requirements of their customers. If you want GM to change the type of cars they produce, prove to them that there is a market for the vehicles like the Tata that are very efficient, low cost, but low range or smaller than a clown car and able to meet US safety standards, they will make one. Until you can prove that, any idea you have about what should be produced is as dead from the get go as you think GM is.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
[...] There’s Demand for the Volt Gm-Volt.com, an advocacy/enthusiast Chevy Volt website has created an unofficial waiting list to show GM that there is high demand for the upcoming plug-in series hybrid. The latest news is [...]
August 12th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
[...] There’s Demand for the Volt Gm-Volt.com, an advocacy/enthusiast Chevy Volt website has created an unofficial waiting list to show GM that there is high demand for the upcoming plug-in series hybrid. The latest news is [...]
August 12th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
#69 Debra Walker
I sure wish I knew where you can buy a good pair of sport shoes for $100.00. But, you are correct. It is all about priorities. Some of us have them placed right and some of us would not know a priority if it hit them in the face.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Im not actually seeing where I am in line… The link only says If not already signed up. do so now and see where you are. What about the actual list itself for those who signed up a month or so ago ?
August 12th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
What happened to the 4 cyl. engine ?
According to Edmonds ” Inside Line ” says the 3 cyl turbocharged engine is offered.
Keep forwarding details. It is getting closer and closer.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
#69 Debra Walker says,
I am tired of the weinies in the US who complain about gas prices, Detroit auto makes, etc yet aren’t sure they want to pay for this technology. These are the same weinies who are standing in line for a $5.00 cup of coffee , spending $100.00 on a pair of sports shoes, and $25.00 to spend 2 hours in a movie theater. Get on board or get out of the way!
————————-
I’ll be kind in my response. I have a cousin with your name, so when I see your name, I see her in my head.
I hate coffee. I don’t go to the movies because I rent from Redbox. I don’t buy sports shoes.
I hate the high price of gas, but I see it as necessary to help us get off of oil.
I can pay for this technology, but won’t because it is too expensive for the masses. The low income people are suffering right now. For upper middle class and higher, the gas prices are an inconvenience. That is what it is to me. Inconvenient. I want the gas to stay high so that this country can finally put oil behind us for transportation purposes. I don’t consider myself a weeny.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
#74 omegaman66
Just noticed your avatar “button”. Pretty neat. Now just think that if these buttons were really “active” and with yours labeled “Ignore Button” when we disagreed with your comments we could just press your ignore button. How neat would that be?
But, having said that, I fully agree with what you said. I have said the same on other posts. I expect a large percentage of us will be forced to find an alternative to the Volt before 2010 and even after considering the volume of proposed production and estimated price. We won’t be able to find one and when we do we won’t be able to afford it. Especially if the dealers do their normal mark-up pricing.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Jeff #101
Enter your email address and click on continue. Your place in line appears at the top and you can edit anything, but I wouldn’t edit email address if I were you.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I wish I can make that number 33,001, but my next big purchase is going to be a down payment for a house (which so happens to be a requirement for the Chevy Volt). My next car will definitely be electric, but since I bought a car 2 years ago and need a house, I’m looking at the 2012-2013 timeframe. I would LOVE to have the Volt 1.0 and be one of the early adoptors, but its looking like Volt 2.0 for me.
As far as people worrying about the price being too high for the first adopters, I believe that plenty of government officials and celebrities will buy the all the first year’s 10,000 Volts at $45K to “make a statement”. They may even sell the Volt 1.0 in a few states only. That’s not necessarily a bad thing since the Volt 2.0 will be cheaper if the technology is proven and manufacturing costs go down. I believe that only a handful of serious buyers on this site will get their hands on the first year Volt 1.0.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
The current concept of the car is more like a Prius than a Camero. Please change the image at the top of the page. Anybody interested in this car is not in the market for a muscle car.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
It is truly unfortunate that it took $4 per gallon for gasoline to wake the American public up. The hybrid technology offered by the GM Volt is what America needs to break its addiction to oil. The sooner this car is available on the market, the sooner we can see the demand for oil in the US dramatically fall.
Thanks GM
August 12th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I think the price of about $31K would be a good target. I’m ready to buy. I’m also ready to put a cash deposit if GM will insure that the people on the list get to buy first.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Good afternoon everyone. Thank you so much to everyone that has assisted me in updating my information within this database. I have followed suit and now Bermuda has a placement on the country section. Thanks everyone. I really fill as though I am becoming a real memember of the “Volt” family. I look forward to becoming the first “Volt” driver in Bermuda. Once again thanks for the help.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Since we all know that GM is going to go bankrupt next year, the big question is - will the new company keep the same priority for the Volt? I don’t see why not. But perhaps fewer people will be interested in buying from such a shakey company, it will be even worse for GM if Toyota comes up with something similar, and probably beats on price and reliability. For a first model, radically new car, I would not pay more than $20k. I’d expect problems, and the second, third, and fourth generation models are going to be so much better that it will be worth waiting.
I’m on the waitlist - but not likely to buy.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I think GM should give the 30,000 members a break in cost–like 20K. We’ll drive the car around like a big billboard and they can sell more cars. we’ll be the “early adopters”. I live in a highly dense area with HOV lanes. I’m a good candidate : )
August 12th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
#92 Mark
That’s for the oxygen part. There is still the hydrogen part, plus after storing the hydrogen you still need a $200,000 fuel cell to generate electricity at a later point in time.
Great science but not a solution at the moment.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I agree with giving the people on the list a break in price or at least first option at purchase. We are the ones who are supporting the volt and would be the ones to help promote it.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
#16 Statik
Do you really think 3/4 of the people on THIS site can’t afford an $11,000 car (Aveo)?! I seriously doubt that. Maybe you thought you were still in your QVC forum when you typed that!
August 12th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
As an engineer myself i believe that for the Volt to make a substantialimpact on the market and to help our energy crisis at all the price needs to come down… 20k base price; bare bones. It’s attraction is in it’s efficient yet stylish design. Young buyers would go nuts for it (myself included).
Help middle and lower incomes, thats what makes an economy strong.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
For all those who believe that the car should cost $20K, YOU ARE DREAMING… for now. The battery packs themselves (batteries, electronics, software, thermal management) are being sold to GM at about $15K. Then you have to add the electric motor, ICE, generator, and… the rest of the car! It will take a few years for the price of the battery pack to go down.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
#80 Norman D. Robinson
Someone else told you where to go to update your profile, but if I lived in Bermuda, I would purchase an all electric car like the City Car. Your island isn’t very big and it would seem you could do all your driving using something like the City Car. Here in the States, we have such long distances to drive for trips and commuting to and from work that we need a car like the Volt with a range extender. I envy your Bermuda location and wish you much luck.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
#88 James
“I hope they and Big Oil are happy with what they did to this country AND the world.”
I just think you are blaming the wrong people with this statement. GM, Ford and Chrysler only produced what we, the buying public, demanded. Why do you think Toyota, Nissan and Honda started making bigger vehicles and large SUVs and large trucks? They only made what the market called for. The oil companies didn’t make us buy cheap gasoline or buy the big vehicles. I think you need to do some serious re-thinking.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I suspect that all Volt related assets will be auctioned off in late 2009 or early 2010 by the bankruptcy trustee. Some EV startup will most likely purchase the equipment at 10 cents on the dollar. The European and Asian auto makers will have no need any of GM technology since their own EV technology will be far superior by then. GM will survive bankruptcy but will be much much smaller and will only be able to concentrate on one, possibly two, auto segments, none which will be EV related. This won’t be the first time a company that had the lead in their respective industry drops the ball and never recovers.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Rich @ 107:
Actually my guess is there are many reasons someone is interested in this car.
The real question is: what do you consider a “muscle car”? perfomance or image or design?
Are these muscle cars?: Mustang… Corvette…. BenZ SL550 ….. Subaru WRX… Honda S2000…Pontiac G8
Guess who gets the best gas mileage on this list? You guessed it….the Vette.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
#91 Nuclear Boy
“The winner promises many photos and driving testomonials on the gm-volt site so the rest of us poor saps, who will probably have to wait until late in 2011 for a car, can at least enjoy that.”
Hey, you don’t need no darn lottery. Just tell GM to sell me one of the first off the assembly line (somewhere after Lyle) and I will gladly keep everyone up to date with information. Actually, since Lyle will be getting the first one available to the “general public”, you won’t even need me. Lyle will keep us informed. Dang it!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Everybody knows that GM engineers cannot engineer their way out of a wet paper bag. How in the *ell are they going to build a Volt. They must be getting a lot of outside help.
August 12th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Steve #116
With a battery pack that costs $10,000 - the only way that’s going to happen is if the General stuffs the E-Flex platform into the Aveo…
August 12th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
GM is working with the nation’s larger electric power providers. One has apparently agreed to give a $1000. rebate to any of it’s customers who purchases a Volt. Hopefully, the Feds will throw in an additional $5,000. tax credit. The batteries should start to come down in cost. Many States will waive sales & property taxes. If GM can get the car down below 40K, the incentives will bring the net cost to the average price that most are willing to pay. And then, there is inflation!
August 12th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Arch:
Sometimes we get so involved here that time seems to stand still.
When I find myself checking in here every few hours, it is time to pull back. Then I stay away from the site for a week or so, to get back some perspective. It is just a car, and we will not get to sit in one until November, 2010, maybe….
Otherwise, the wait will drive you crazy!!!
Even nasaman has slowed down here lately, but then he jumps back in with some great posts.
Ignore every projected price. I expect it to change up and down about 56 times over the next 28 months. Until you see the sticker on the window, it is all just speculation………
Keep the faith.
August 12th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Am I the last person to see this?
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200808112027DOWJONESDJONLINE000550_FORTUNE5.htm
Take Care
Arch
August 12th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I’ve been seeing many people say the volt is too expensive. For most people who compare it to a regular car you’d be right. This is a new tech vehicle with expensive batteries and components. You want a 25K volt…have fun driving 5 miles electric at 45MPH. Right now you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Sorry but wait till the second or third gen e-flex or volt comes out then buy one for 30k or under. New tech is always expensive and if it isn’t it’s subsidized crap or just crap made by toxic chinese materials and underpaid slaves. Remember dvd players yeah 300+ dollars. ranting over.
August 12th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
After having post #1 last time, I’m a bit late for this discussion.
1) Arch, don’t go. I was so angry after I found out the Volt’s ICE would not recharge the battery, just maintain 30 percent SOC. I was ready to say screw Bob Lutz and his stupid car, and walk away. (Any generator produces excess power - it’s unforgivable for the Volt to waste any excess ICE generated power, IMHO).
But a few beers later, I considered this - Nothing is written in stone yet. The Volt has changed, and may yet change for the better. I’m a pessimist by nature, but change can happen at any time. Someone may find a way to mass produce the Volt battery (it’s made by hand now, hence the cost). EEStor may pull a rabbit out of the hat. Everyone else is working on the next big battery breakthrough (and they will become very wealthy if they do, BTW). One thing for sure - we will know about it here first. That’s why I stick around. And you should too.
2) Since the Volt has changed (and continues to change), taking advance deposits would have only a small impact - the larger the minimum deposit amount (say, $10,000.00), the fewer taker you would have. Imagine the interest on the money you would lose (and GM would gain). GM could go bankrupt, and there goes your deposit up in smoke (you may get 10 cents on the dollar back if you’re lucky). And remember, people like Jay Leno (rich, famous) get their Volts before you do. You might have to wait for the second year Volt model. Good luck with that deposit.
3) #92 Mark - Sorry, I’ve seen these headlines before - “major discovery with enormous implications for the future of humankind”, “free energy on a massive scale”, and “nirvana we’ve been talking about for years”. Cold fusion used them, EEStor uses them today, and every late night infomercial from “Shamwow” to “Oreck vacuums” use similar “too good to be true” headlines. My faith reserves have been used up - there’s no more left. When they have a tested working model for sale, then I’ll be interested.
4) No, I’m NOT getting a gravatar. Disney holds the rights my favorite gravatar of choice, who hasn’t smiled since 1937, and remains grumpy to this day. Hi ho, hi ho. It’s off to blog we go…
August 12th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
It is impossible to guess at the moment exactly what the cost of this vehicles is going to be. Although, at the moment it is looking a lot closer to 40k than 30k. Let’s not fuss about it though as another poster said, “It is just speculation.” But let’s look at some numbers anyway. Whoever becomes President will surely push for tax breaks on this vehicle. At the moment John McCain is down for 5k and Obama is down for 7.5K. Taking into account that GM sells the car for 40k (and at a loss), then we are looking at a 32.5k to 35k car. Of course, we could play with these numbers all day and most of you probably will, but I will keep waiting for something official. As some of you have stated what number you are in line (if it will really amounts to anything and I sure hope it does) I am 648…not too bad, huh? I am personally hoping (as I am sure most of you are too) GM will use this list and give most of us a chance to actually order one as finding one on a lot is going to be next to impossible, and if you did find one, it would probably have a massive markup. Good luck to you and to GM.
Hawk
August 12th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
It has even made it on the other side of the big pond.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7720118
Take Care
Arch
August 12th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Hmm…
If I can manage to save a conservative $1500 in gas per year with the Volt and can get a 30mpg vehicle for $15,000 then I would have spend an extra $15000+ to save $15000 over a $10 yr period.. approx. the life of a car… so I buy the volt to break even. Hmm. Assuming the car is about $30k. If it’s more than $30,000 I lose money over that period of time.
August 12th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
This seems very low to me.
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/08/challenges-rema.html
Take Care
Arch
August 12th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I think the question about how much are you willing to pay is impossible to answer.
The question is like asking how much are you willing to pay for a bottle of wine. Without telling me if the wine is the stuff you buy in a supermarket with a metal twist off cap, or is it a fine premium rare vintage wine bought at a fine wine auction. The answer will vary according to quality.
I did give a answer of $70,000 because that is what I will pay for a car with all the luxury features my Lexus GS450H has. But without knowing if the Volt will have an automatic retracting rear window sun shade, memory seats with 3 memories on each side, leather seats, rear view TV back up camera, key-less starter, A/C with driver and passenger controls and all the features I expect in a car. I will pay $70,000 or more. But if it turns out to have cloth manual adjust seats, manual control A/C I doubt I will pay much more than $25,000.
August 12th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
#127 Arch
#131 Arch
#133 Arch
Welcome back, hehe. That had to be the shortest retirement ever…glad your back though.
/regale us with news of the outside world
August 12th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
# 123
Your signature is very derogatory and doesn’t belong here.
We strive to keep this blog full of clean intelligent comments.
Not turn it into something nasty like your signature.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
According to Captain Dennis, no one’s leaving the ship yet! We’re on a mission to the future of clean energy. Who doesn’t want to go?
Good to see the number @ 33K+ and climbing.
Let’s discuss pricing once GM decides to make it official, otherwise it doesn’t mean much, but I agree that most people will look elsewhere if the price soars over 40K. There will be many options in two years!
GM “USE THE LIST!” Jay and high profile people will drive this car once a month and park it mostly. The average joe will be giving you feedback daily and promote this car to everyone that asks them about it! Think FREE ADVERTISING!
GO GM GO VOLT for 2010!
August 12th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I just signed up today. I held off on signing up before because I didn’t know I had the option of listing a maximum price (that was the only reason I held back, because I didn’t want Chevy contacting me for a car that I couldn’t afford).
The price I’m willing to pay is $27,000.
August 12th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Arch #133
That was a great article. We have covered that extensively here, but it is very interesting to note that only 50% of households in the USA have a plug they can use to charge the Volt. I honestly expected that number to