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Bob Lutz Responds to Toyota’s Announcement: Large Volt Test Fleet in 2009
August 28th, 2008 | Posted in: Competitors, Prototypes
It only been a few hours since we heard from Toyota that they plan on bringing plug-in versions of the Prius into test fleets in 2009.
GM Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz responded to this news in an interview with reporters.
He indicated that the race between Toyota and GM to create a plug-in car is “meaningless” as the Chevy Volt and plug-in Prius are too different to compare. He cited the very short range in the Prius and it’s need for gas to go any significant distances.
He also said he expects Toyota 2009 plug-in test fleet would be a very small number. On the contrary, the production-version Volt however will be in a large test fleet by late 2009.
Source (IHT)
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Related posts:
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- Volt Competition: Mazda’s Secret E-REV Program, Toyota Forwards Plug-in Fleet to 2009
- GM and Toyota May be in Talks to Build Priuses Together and is Toyota Really Looking at E-REVs?
- The Chevy Volt Will First be Released as a Captured Test Fleet to GM Employees
- Now Toyota Plugs-in Too
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Posted by: Lyle
63 Responses to “Bob Lutz Responds to Toyota’s Announcement: Large Volt Test Fleet in 2009”
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August 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I like that - GM will have a large fleet of production-version Volts by late 2009. That’s just 14-15 months from now. Another year later and a lucky few will be driving a production Volt.
Wish I could be one of those to test a Volt in this hot, damp and hurricane prone SW Florida.
BTW, can’t believe I’m #1 in this topic!
August 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
The Prius is not even a full speed electric only vehicle so the 2 are very different machines. Public preception however will favor Toyota for being the first on the block with ‘plug in’ technology.
Side note. With the discounts from GM you can now buy a Hybrid Tahoe in 4wd for about $43,000. I know most people who read this sight are not interested in a full size SUV but it is now very much more affordable for those who DO need a large vehicle and still want to get good mileage.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
USA! USA! USA! USA!
FTW!!!
August 28th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Toyota beat GM? No way, GM is the leader, always thhe leader in terms of technology! Hahahahahahahaha
August 28th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Bob sure looks good in that photo. I wonder if it is an aerial shot or while sitting on the ground? If it is aerial, it must be low level (below 10-15,000 ft.) since he’s not wearing an oxygen mask.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Of course Lutz would say that. He is merely setting the stage for GM’s failure to be first.
The two vehicles are very much the same as they will be the first productions cars to have a plug. Personally, I need the PHEV ASAP and if Toyota beats GM by a year and by 10 to 15 thousand bucks, then guess what?
That’s right.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
#6 jabroni
Where have you been these past 18 months? Just because both cars will have plug-in capability does not make them alike. That would be like comparing apples and oranges because they both grow on trees.
The Volt and Prius are truly very different! The similarities are too few to allow any reasonable comparison.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
jabroni #6,
I don’t know how you can say the vehicles are very much the same simply because they have a plug. That’s like saying they’re the same because they both have 4 wheels.
The volt will not have an ICE driving it’s wheels, and that’s a significant change from any car manufactured in the past century, albeit a couple exceptions.
Lutz is right on when he says that they’re quite different. The Volt technology has the potential to significantly lessen our dependence on foreign oil, much more than a standard parallel hybrid could do (or plug in parallel hybrid, for that matter).
As for the price comment, I wish people would stop looking at the short term monetary bottom line. That’s what’s gotten our country into 8 trillion in debt and having to occupy foreign countries to protect oil interests.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
#8 Eric C
Well said, especially the last paragraph!
August 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
From the Prius PHEV site:
“Asakura said the prototypes can operate on electric power for a range of about 7 miles and can re-charge in three to four hours using a 110-vlot outlet. ”
7 miles vs. 40 miles… That’s a BIG difference. I can’t use a 7 mile range but 40 makes a whole lot of sense. I can commute all electric with the Volt but only get a small protion of my round trip with the Prius PHEV in all electric Why would I do that? I’d be willing to pay the premium for the Volt with the expectation that I can drive 90% electric, but if I’m primarily running on gas, I’ll get a cheap gas-only vehicle and save the difference.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
What the implications for Toyota vs GM, it is excellent news that GM plans to have significant numbers of Volts (trial Volts, mule Volts, proto-Volts, whatever they are) in 2009. As a new kind of car, there will be some kinks. The sooner any limitations are identified the better off we all are, as the liklihood that kinks will be fixed is greatly increased with a little time available to work on them. This is great news.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Did you guys see the interior shot posted today? OMG! I am crying… I am crying, because I wont be able to afford the Volt… http://forums.thecarlounge.net/zerothread?id=4002755
August 28th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
A long forgotten military man once supposedly said that the secret of battle winning strategy is to:
“Get there fustest with the mostest.”
So it is in business as well.
“”Let’s just get the Volt’s wheels on the road!”
August 28th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
How is a test fleet beating one or the other?
Big deal when do they go on sale thats what counts.
If the toy can’t run just on elect at all speeds and far enough for most people then it is nothing like the volt.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
#9 Estero:
Amen.
All:
How about Paul-R’s “lease to test” idea from the previous thread? I’ll do it in a heartbeat.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
#12 Chris
Is that for real, prototype or mockup? Whatever, it looks great!
I suspect it is NOT the production version, which is supposed to have a touch screen. Also, the knobs look like they were borrowed from my 2006 DTS.
Is that a gear shift to the left?
August 28th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
ESTERO
i AM WONDERING HOW THIS CAR WILL PERFORM IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS. PARTICULIARLY THE NECCESITY OF AIR CONDITIONING. I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THE PROGRESS OF THIS CAR FOR MANY YEARS.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
these are totally different cars. no disrespect to the prius, i think that car is great, but the volt is not just a prius with a plug, it’s revolutionary.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I’ve been warning the VOLT nation, “look out for these Toyota folks” They are laying in wait to spring out and buy the market.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
“[Lutz] also said he expects Toyota 2009 plug-in test fleet would be a very small number. ”
Where did Maximum Bob get that information? Did Toyota send him an e-mail or did he make it up?
“[Lutz] cited the very short range in the Prius and it’s need for gas to go any significant distances.”
More e-mail from Toyota? He has no idea what the Prius will do.
And define “significant.” Less than 10 miles AER would still mean my commute was all electric. And most of my shopping. My typical trips are either 480 miles,r/t. A Volt will have to get impressive highway fuel economy in battery depleted mode or a Prius will beat it for what I need. A Volt will also need gas for my “significant” distances and I’ll have to refuel it at least once along the way; a current Prius could do it in a single tank.
Lutz shut up about the Prius and focus on getting his own car to market. He doesn’t even know what his own program is doing. He was trash-talking Toyota last Fall while promising a driveable Volt by “Easter Bunny” time and making a stupid “egg on face” remark. And he was wrong; he didn’t make his own milestone.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
#17 Glenn Fort Myers
I too have been following the Volt since this website first appeared on the internet and have seen most of your comments.
My guess is the A/C will be the biggest problem. Hopefully, there will be a way to expel much of the hot air from the interior before the A/C comes on.
Life of the battery pack also concerns me. A car battery in this climate lasts 2 - 2 1/2 years versus 5 - 7 years up in Illinois.
What are your thoughts?
BTW, if you are one of the fortunate few that get an early production Volt, please give me a ride; we only live about 15 miles apart. I’ll do the same for you!
If there is anyone with 150 miles of Fort Myers that is likely to get an early production Volt, my guess it will be nasaman. He’s an engineer, works for NASA and is well respected both on this website and apparently at GM. He’s also a logical choice as an early tester, if they do any testing at all in Florida.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
#20 dagwood55
I agree that the important task for GM is to get the Volt on the road, not to make comments about Toyota.
In a somewhat similar spirit, and with greatest respect, I think your comment would be more effective if phrased no less directly but somewhat more politely.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I live in Ann Arbor, where Toyota has a research center. I know many folks from GM/Ford/Toyota. In fact, my next-door neighbor is a Toyota engineer expat from Japan. He works from 8am to 9pm everyday.
From what I can tell, GM and Ford have no hope competing with Toyota in technology. Just look at how many engineer students are American. The majority of American kids do not want to be engineers, which is the opposite of the situation in East Asian, where engineers are still highly respected. So I would not be surprised at all if Toyota comes up with better models than Volt.
What’s more, Toyota employees are generally paid much less than the big-3 employees. Yet, they are more productive and efficient. What a culture difference.
I wish this is not the reality, but sadly it is.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
#23 umstudent
I hear you and agree it is a very real problem. Yet, I believe the problem can be addressed. But, it won’t be easy.
The Volt is an excellent example of projects that can excite and encourage the young. GM might want to put some of their young and talented engineers out front for others to see. Allow them to become “examples” for others to follow!
August 28th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
#22 RB
As an extention to your post to dagwood55
Look at #10’s post he says:” From the Prius PHEV site:
“Asakura said the prototypes can operate on electric power for a range of about 7 miles and can re-charge in three to four hours using a 110-vlot outlet. ””
Since this information is available on Prius’s site, I would suspect Lutz has access to it.
I also suspect that the reason the Prius has only 7 AER is because they either
1. don’t have the technology, or
2. want to keep the price down or
3. All of the above
~Bob
(Once again, the above contains opinions of mine that may be changed at anytime with new information. I do not have GM’s authority to make any claims on their behalf)
August 28th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
The Volt will be in a large fleet test ASSUMING GM and Ford get their $50 Billion subsidy from the US Govt. That is $150 per American!
I would support that iff and only iff the management- Starting with Luddite Lutz, is replaced. Hopefully replaced with Toyota people.
Ford and GM are constantly trying to go bankrupt. If it were up to them, cars would not have collapsible steering wheel columns (cost $1) to prevent you getting impaled in a minor accident. Or dual chamber brakes, or wind sheilds that can withstand a deer colliision, or air bags, or sealed gas tanks. All those things were the Govt forcing Ford and GM not to go bankrupt.
And the Lemon Law, first passed by Citizens in Michigan, was govt’s attempt to keep Ford and GM in business by increasing their quality to be competitive with Toyota. (Before the Lemon Law, Cadillacs would
sometimes emerge from the factory with a tiny compact car transmission, and the owner would have to eat the cost of a worthless car that could never possibly work beyond the warrentee.
So please use the powers of Socialism once again to save GM and Ford. But also use the power of socialism to force them to make decent cars, and put their current management out to pasture.
If the taxpayers are going to subsidize them $50 billion, they sure should be able to say a thing or two about what they expect to get for it. Efficient reliable partly electric cars.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Way to stick it to ‘em Bob!
August 28th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
#26 Sue Jones
Get lost! Or, take a long walk off a short pier! Your comments were totally void of logic or intellect. You might want to take your views elsewhere where they might be appreciated. If you have any trouble finding one of those websites, I’m sure there are others that will gladly give you an assist.
The best thing to do with socialists is to give them a forum to “open mouth and insert foot”.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
BTW, #26 Sue Jones,
I looked really hard. I mean really hard. But I was unable to find any logic in your ludicrous statement.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
RE Estero #21
Free rides.
If I manage to get an early production Volt, I’ll be offering rides to people on Long Island. Indeed my plan is to convert my Volt into a giant ad for GM — like huge decals “GM Volt - powered by electrons”.
Even better — offer rides to the local press too.
Maybe we’ll be able to lever the wait list to offer rides to others in same or nearby zips.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
#29 Kyle Says:
“BTW, #26 Sue Jones,
I looked really hard. I mean really hard. But I was unable to find any logic in your ludicrous statement.”
———————————————————————————
I looked too, and I found one.
She says: “Efficient reliable partly electric cars.”
That’s exactly what we’ll get with the VOLT!
~Bob
August 28th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Jabroni said…
“The two vehicles are very much the same as they will be the first productions cars to have a plug.”
My 1989 Beretta had a plug too. It was used to keep the engine warm enough to start in extreme cold weather. By your logic, since it had a plug, that means it’s just like the 2009 Prius, except GM beat Toyota by 20 years.
Right?
August 28th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
#30 Mark Bartoski
Sounds like a good plan! Go for it! I can easily think of 150+ people where I live that would want a ride in a Volt, including some of my retired friends from Ford. Of course, some of them might wear a disguise after making rash statements they would rather die than ride in a GM car/truck.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
#22, RB, “polite…”
There’s an editing error in there and reads more impolitely than I intended. The line that says:
“Lutz shut up about the Prius and focus on getting his own car to market.”
Was supposed to read:
“Lutz should shut up about the Prius and focus on getting his own car to market.”
#25, Bob,
As for the Prius PHEV AER range… those prototypes had NiMH batteries. We don’t know what they’ll ship with and neither does Lutz. I’d bet a quarter it won’t be those batteries.
By the way, if you look at the numbers, charging in 4 hours from 110V could be on the order of 4 to 6KWh - half to three-fourths the effective capacity of the Volt. Does that ultimately mean half to three-fourths the range (20-30 miles)?
August 28th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
BTW, has everyone noticed, we should reach 40,000 on the wait list by this weekend, maybe by tomorrow.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
#34 dagwood55 Says:
“By the way, if you look at the numbers, charging in 4 hours from 110V could be on the order of 4 to 6KW - half to three-fourths the effective capacity of the Volt. Does that ultimately mean half to three-fourths the range (20-30 miles)?”
—————————————————–
I doubt it, especially if they want to keep up their warranty programs!
At most expect a 6KW to use about 3kw and a 4kw to use 2kw.
—————————————————–
dagwood55 also says:
“As for the Prius PHEV AER range… those prototypes had NiMH batteries. We don’t know what they’ll ship with and neither does Lutz. I’d bet a quarter it won’t be those batteries.”
——————————————————–
Interesting thought! Though I expect they will stay with Toshiba.
~Bob
August 28th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
The next Generation Prius, due in March/April, 2009 is expected to have a 2.6 KWh battery. I expect the PHEV that will be available for fleet sales in late 2009 will sport a lithium battery in excess of 5 KWh.
Top speed in EV mode will be about 60 MPH, enough speed for our daily commutes to school, market and park. So it will be inferior to the Volt in several aspects, but it will be available one year sooner and perhaps only cost $32,000.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I don’t understand WHY people keep comparing the Prius and Volt when it comes to price. They are very different vehicles with range, technology, not to mention looks.
It’s like saying that a Camry is a rip off compared to a Cobalt. They are both cars, but there are many differences between them to justify their prices.
August 28th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Test fleet ? Here is your Canadian Volunteer.
Lease at $500 /month …. Only if GM Takes over my 07 MAXX payments in the interm
Go GM GO
Sent Me my VOLT…. Tester or otherwise.
August 28th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Is it just me, or are the trolls out in force today???
August 28th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
The plug-in Prius will have a Li-ion battery, and an AER of about 20 miles (or more), based on best available intelligence. Yes, that’s less than the Volt. But expect Toyota to dramatically undercut the Volt’s price: think $28k.
If you really think about it, the impact on national oil use will be much greater by having more affordable Priuses and other hybrids/EV’s on the road, than fewer (expensive) Volts. Don’t forget, the BIG goal is national reduction in oil consumption, not just YOUR consumption.
To that end, larger numbers of truly affordable hybrids and plug-ins is what we really need.
August 28th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I have to agree with 41 pauln - We need as many plug-in cars as we can get. If Toyota can make a “poor man’s Volt” at a “poor man’s price”, good for them.
Breaking news: Everyone cannot afford a $40,000 Volt.
I see the Tesla as the rich man’s green car, the Volt as the green car of the upper middle class, and the Prius as the green car of the lower middle class. The poorest drivers will have to buy ICE powered cars for now, at least until battery costs approach affordability in a $10,000 car.
Hey, we gotta start somewhere. Right ? At least we’re going in the right direction - away from oil.
August 28th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
41 Pauln, 42 The Grump, et al……..
—————————————————————————————
From the previous thread (my apologies if you saw it there), but it applies just as well to this topic and it’s really very important………..
>> John1701a quotes, “I’m still hesitant about a plug-in Prius, as it was specifically made to NOT need a plug.” He then asks, “Then how do you explain the (Prius’) EV button and the ability to drive 100 km/h (62.1 MPH) with the engine motionless?” You’re right, John!
My in-depth study of the Saturn Vue 2-Mode Plug-in leads me to the following generalizations:
1) The physics of electric propulsion efficiency does NOT inherently prevent the Prius or the Vue 2-Mode architecture from functioning very effectively as high-mileage, EV-only vehicles at highway speeds!
2) However, the electric motor sizing must be adequate to sustain highway speeds and both the gas engine & the electric motor(s) must be able to effectively propel the car independently of each other
3) Obviously, battery design & sizing has to be much like that of the Volt’s to assure long life, good acceleration, long EV range, etc., and the many processor control algorithms must be designed to allow EV-only operation
4) Bottom Line: If the above criteria can be satisfied, the efficiency penalty of a full hybrid adapted to optional EV-only operation with plug-in battery recharging is fairly modest —perhaps only 25% or even less in terms of either EV-only range or equivalent mpg in EV mode!
I’m certain GM is aware of this and that it’s why they’re adapting the Saturn Vue 2-Mode hybrid for plug-in operation. Plus, the plug-in Vue, like other hybrids, is able to use both the piston engine and the electric drive simultaneously to obtain added pulling power. (Clearly, GM isn’t about to put ALL of its eggs in the E-REV basket!)
August 28th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
#34 dagwood55 — The revised version really is much better. Thanks for adding it.
August 28th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
How do I say it.. Talk is easy. Sales $$$ is the bottom line.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
#36, Bob,
What I am implying - what the charge time implies - is that it won’t be a tiny battery. They may be putting 3 to 4KWH somewhere inside the Prius to use. That suggest a 6-8KWH battery which, in operation, delivers 3 to 4KWH to move the car 15-20 miles.
See #41, Pauln’s post. I think he’s probably about right, although, to clarify, the base Prius will still have a very small battery (<3KWH total, <2KWH available, probably NiMH) but will MSRP in the very low $20s, like the current vehicle. It will probably get 10% better fuel economy than the current vehicle and it will be quicker and run on electric at higher speeds.
The PHEV Prius, the large-battery, Li-Ion version (perhaps 3-4KWH available, 15-20 mile range) will cost significantly more. $28K may be a good guess but it also occurs to me thatToyota might throw us a curve or two… It might be available only in a highly-optioned form and mostly unavailable below $30-32K or so. Or the PHEV could initially be developed as a Lexus and could start in the mid-$30’s.
August 29th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Poor Lutz. GM’s been running around pretending and making noise and trying to distract us and then out comes Toyota and quietly tells the truth: They can beat GM to market fairly easily if they want to. This may be a “moon shot” for GM, but for Toyota it is relatively trivial.
The only real question is, “When is the right time?” The real kicker is that for all GM’s noise, Toyota might not do it because it is currently a bad idea.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:00 am
I was under the impression that Google (an A123 Hypomotion investor) already has a fleet of Priuses retrofitted with the new battery packs. Not many I guess, but they are already on the road. Like it or not, the Prius will be competitive with the Volt, at least in the short term. The Volt will cost like 20 grand more than the Prius, keep in mind. You can already order a Hypomotion battery pack for ~10 grand to retrofit your prius, though there is a waiting list.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:36 am
I think wording “meating timschedule” is not enough. I think now should be wording “our timschedule is agresive as much as possible”. And it shall be agresive without reservations. Lutz and GM shall feel like on real battlefield.
August 29th, 2008 at 10:28 am
When will some of you guys WAKE UP. The Volt will have a 50/50 weight distribution, so let me tell you that it will out handle many other cars on the road and how can you even consider the Prius the Volt blows the doors off of it just with the style of the car. The Prius is a CHICK CAR PERIOD. To those of you complaining about the price check out the Fisker Karma at 80 grand and maybe then you will realize that the Volt is an excellent compromise between performance, looks and economy. So its your choice embrace the stogy past with a Prius or embrace the future with a car that can give you the best balance and bang for the buck.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:09 am
volte - 2010 - 45,000$ only 40mpg plug - too late …
aptera - 2009 - 25,000$ 100+mpg plugin …
for all the USA lovers … remember if your mileage is not good enough all your money goes to middleast …
so you decide japan or middleast ?
August 29th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Jim I re trolls,
I think that every time Lyle gets some face time in TV, we get a “bump” in troll activity. Should calm down in a few days as they have very short attention spans.
Be well,
Tag
August 29th, 2008 at 11:20 am
The Prius plug-in will be a nice step forward for hybrids, and it will indeed help in the bigger cause of reducing the use of oil to fuel transportation. This has the potential of completely eliminating 2,555 miles of driving per Prius/per year from being powered by gasoline (or even as much as 4 or 5,000 miles if charged both at work and home). For many drivers, this could be 20-50% of their entire yearly gas use! That is definitely a major step forward, and shouldn’t be bashed.
[[calculation was done by assuming the Prius would be charged every night, and driven 7+ miles every day = 2,555. 4 or 5,000 was a guestimate based upon 7+ miles each way to work and back, with a few miles driven at lunch, working 5 days/week]]
Of course this isn’t as good as the Volt’s potential of completely eliminating 14,600 miles of driving per Volt/per year from being powered by gasoline — if you currently drive 40+ miles every day of the year. That’s 25,000+ if you charge at work and commute 40+ miles each way.
But the Prius IS a move in the right direction. The plug-in Prius will help the Volt in the long run, because while they will be two very different vehicles using very different technologies, the competition will drive both companies to build better products. The Prius would have kept on going without the plug-in option if it weren’t for cars like the Volt forcing them forward. It also increases the number of advanced car batteries being produced, which should help drive down costs due to higher volumes of production.
We should just be very happy that US consumers will have more than one car to choose from, and that the Prius will help broaden the acceptance of the idea of plugging in your car for power. Bashing the Prius for being a Prius isn’t very productive.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:47 am
chevyonly: Of course the Volt is a better car than the Prius, but how many people can afford one? The plug in prius is much cheaper and will easily get over 100mpg. Of course the Volt is the future, but in the meantime the Prius will be a very appealing choice for reducing your gasoline usage.
August 29th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Nixon 52
“…because while they will be two very different vehicles using very different technologies …. ”
The difference between the Volt and the Prius is rapidly disappearing in my mind. Pretty soon the difference will be just a power splitter device, the AER, and some software.
Some will say it’s the AER that is crucial. But, Toyota can decide to put as much Li into the Prius in future models as they think appropriate to battle the Volt.
Anyway, I agree with others that competition is good. Go Volt. Go Prius. OK, OK, one more Go Volt!
August 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Steve #55
“Some will say it’s the AER that is crucial.”
Strangely, AER (and rapid recharge) ranked low in a recently (Aug. 10) featured study of consumer PHEV “design” preferences at the GreenCar Congress site. The fuzzy, but more familiar, metrics, like “125 mpg” elicited a more positive response. More consumer education will be needed to explain the nuances between a parallel and series PHEV.
Link to article:
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/08/study-finds-abo.html#comments
Link to study:
http://pubs.its.ucdavis.edu/publication_detail.php?id=1191
August 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
#5 Estero,
“I wonder if it is an aerial shot or while sitting on the ground? ”
Based on the buildings reflecting off the canopy, I think it’s safe to assume that photo was taken on the ground.
August 30th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Why the comparison to a prius. The volt looks like a sports car the prius looks like a streched VW BUG with a flat back BUTT UGLY
August 30th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
take that toyota and shove it up your not-so-low-emmisions tailpipe!
September 1st, 2008 at 2:01 am
Prius vs Volt: Competition is healthy and I look forward towards the first “test fleets” of Volts. In the meantime I’m test driving the Prius along with 1 million others. The Prius full scale test shows that the basic concept works very nice and that the vehicle can evolve towards an EV with a range extender - filling it up with batteries and making the ICE smaller. The challenge for GM is to produce small high quality cars and earn money at the same time.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
A little friendly competition is good. This rivalry between Toyota and GM will help usher in the Electric era much sooner than it otherwise would.
“Life of the battery pack also concerns me. A car battery in this climate lasts 2 - 2 1/2 years versus 5 - 7 years up in Illinois” The typical Lead Acid auto battery is quite different than the NiMH batteries in hybrids and the LiIon batteries proposed for plug-ins like the Volt. Both NiMH and LiIon batteries will last several times longer than lead acid if proper battery management is used.
Vijay, I must point out that both the GM Volt and the Aptera will be made in the US. Aptera, like Tesla Motors, has its headquarters in California, and that isn’t Japan or the Middle East.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Thank you CM…
Mideast……eat sand and suck oil !!
GO-VOLT
October 25th, 2008 at 2:03 am
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