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.

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

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

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.

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!

Where/When can I get one?
The first products for consumers in North American markets will start production in 2010, and European markets after 2010. There is a complete portfolio of Electric Vehicles and Range-extended Electric Vehicles.

What is ENVI?
ENVI is a cross-functional Chrysler team dedicated to making Chrysler the leader in producing and selling electric-drive vehicles. We are developing a generation of even more environmentally responsible Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

Looks like Chrysler is planning on several models besides the first three that they previewed, unlike GM who have been planning on only one. Something tells me that Chrysler is way ahead of GM.

http://www.chryslerllc.com/en/innovation/envi/overview/

You’ll see all the cars including the operational sports cars omitted from the picture at the top of this thread.

Aerodynamic drag in newtons equals 1/2 rho * Cd * A * V^2. To find the power needed to overcome this drag multiply this equation by V. In short, double the CdA and you double the power needed to overcome drag. Not sure what else I can provide you with.

FWIW the newtons of drag associated with rolling friction equals Kg * 9.8 * CoRR. To find the power in watts needed to overcome this drag, again multiply the newtons by V. Again, for a given speed, double the weight and you double the watts needed to overcome the drag. Again, not sure what else I can give you.

The energy needed to climb is just mass * gravity * distance. Again, double the weight and you double the energy needed to climb. You can recover some of that through regen but not all of it.

Great Video of the de Dodge EV. I wonder what the price is going to be on that baby????$$$$