Comments on: GM Welcomes Chrysler to Join Them in the Electric Car Future

By: Mike C

Mike C — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:51:30 +0000

#16 I agree with you.

I think that Chrysler has take a different approach than GM.

The Volt is mostly new “from the ground up”. GM’s approach yields a new design, but it is 100% unproven – both in quality and sales.

Chrysler seems to have taken the approach of “which of our vehicles can be retrofitted with the new drive train”. This approach yields an existing design that adds another option to their existing models. Styling, chassis, interior work was already done and is probably popular. This is probably safer from a business standpoint, but certainly less exciting.

If none of them are successful and end up being canceled – GM takes losses on the entire vehicle – Chrysler will go on selling Jeeps and mini Vans and only has to lose the drive train.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:24:57 +0000

Ok, so now with Chrysler joining with also 40 miles range models that is the standard range for American electric cars. Fine, but the development seems to stop there. Now GM is not talking about future upgraded models but DOWNGRADED models with less electric range. Does not anybody else find this worrisome? Mitsubishi and the likes with full-electric cars already in production will roll over GM if they do not do everything they can to stay in the game.

For the very least: could you Lyle follow up on this and seek confirmation from GM Volt team on future UPGRADED electric car models?

By: jefro

jefro — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:03:27 +0000

GE, they bring good things to life.

Might be an excellent market for US Postal Service with a JEEP now wouldn’t it? HUUMMMM.

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:43:11 +0000

DonC, thanks for the equations (I guess) but that doesn’t tell me much. For a typical sedan maintaining, say, 60 MPH, what percentage of power is used to overcome air resistance? How does that vary with CdA?

So I just looked up some numbers for a 2006 Maxima vs. a 2006 Murano since Nissan uses more or less the same powertrain for both. The Murano weighs 366 lbs. more (10%) and has a Cd of 0.39 vs. 0.28, i.e., aerodynamics are 40% worse. The EPA MPG for the Maxima is 20/28 and for the Murano it’s 20/25.

So basically you make the aero 40% worse (and add some weight) and it only takes the highway MPG down by about 10%.

So, okay, 10% isn’t nothing, but really, who gives a crap? To listen to GM and the people on this message board talk, you wouldn’t be able to drive an electric Jeep out of your driveway without needing to recharge it. I call BS.

By: noel park

noel park — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:11:53 +0000

#34 Rashiid Amul:

Yeah, nice to see you back man. I figured (hoped) that you must be on vac.

#84 JBFALASKA:

You too, come to think of it. And AMEN to your comment, BTW.

I’ll just say it again, NEVER underestimate Jim Press. And BTW, be very, very afraid of BYD and Warren Buffett. Talk about a dangerous combination!