Comments on: GM-Volt.com Ford Focus BEV Test Drive

By: Ford Announces BEV Focus for 2011 | Sequence Omega

Ford Announces BEV Focus for 2011 | Sequence Omega — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:46:23 +0000

[...] Ford has stated previously that the vehicle will get around 100 miles per charge – though I’m starting to question that number. Even setting the parameters at 200W/mi, 100 mile range, 75% depth of discharge (the Volt only has 50% DoD), the battery would need to be about 27kWh. At $750/kWh (for 2011 production), the battery alone would cost more than $20,000. At a 50% depth of discharge, the battery would be 40kWh and cost $30,000. For comparison, a Ford Focus starts at $15,500. Removing the traditional power train could save several thousands of dollars, but you’re still looking at a price tag around $29,000, or $22,250 after the $7500 federal tax credit. It might be $10,000 cheaper than the Volt, but you aren’t going on any road trips with it. [...]

By: Real world range and life.

Real world range and life. — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:55:03 +0000

It’s simply not credible to make around 3,500 pounds get 100 miles using a last year’s tech 23 kWh lithium powerpack and get a decent life span out of the powerpack. My guess, based on my real world lithium powerpack electric vehicle use, is that a 45 mile range would give them a 5-10 year lifespan, depending on keeping the car in garages (home or parking) when not in use and the quality of Ford powerpack management and integration system. If they truly totally drained it to maximize range, I guess they would get 100 miles, exactly once, after which they would have an inert bunch of lithium, ready for recycllng.

Also, if they can get powerpacks in quantity for less than $1,000 / kWh, they are doing well.

By: Dave G

Dave G — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:43:18 +0000

#151 DonC Says: “I believe the peak demand in the NE is in the winter between 6 and 9.”
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This surprises me. I live in the NE, and it gets really humid in the summer. Without air conditioning, you sort of wilt.

In the winter, most people use natural gas or fuel oil heat. I don’t know anybody that uses electricity to heat their house.

IIRC, all of the blackouts we’ve had have been in the summer during the day.

Where did you hear that peak demand in the NE is in the winter between 6 and 9?

By: LB

LB — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:30:32 +0000

Excellent!

By: Canuk

Canuk — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:04:38 +0000

Lyle: Excellent post about the Ford EV. It is amazing that Ford let you test drive their electric before GM, especially with all the free publicity you’ve given GM from this site.

With this in mind, wouldn’t it be a neat idea to change the tact of this board a little. Suppose you pit the development of GM’s Volt against Ford’s EV, so that this site constantly keeps tabs on how each is coming along on its journey to market.

I don’t know how doable this would be, but I bet that once the “race” became known, it would make for some good reading for us. Also, more importantly, it would problably spur the competitors to speed up their development a little.

Anyway, good to see that Ford is getting serious about electric drive.

Thanks,
Canuk

By: fred

fred — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:28:42 +0000

I’ll buy one, if it’s cheaper than the Volt. And if I can get one.

By: Sleeve

Sleeve — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:03:37 +0000

Ausmartin, what do you mean “But I got to laugh for the old engine trap door they are still using manual stays, can’t they afford mini gas struts.”

Don’t you understand who pays for the parts in a car?

By: THOM

THOM — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:10:52 +0000

Cant knock ford. They didnt take the government welfare and still is able to slop a working prototype together for the show.

Where is the GM mule that was in washington?? Did cushman need there golf cart chassis back???

By: Rashiid Amul

Rashiid Amul — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:15:52 +0000

Solar roof prices could really tank this year.
This might be the time to buy.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7013690631

By: Tom Harwick

Tom Harwick — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:50:54 +0000

#121 stas peterson Says: “Solar is even worse at 25-40 cents per KWH versus the 3 cent to 5 cent per KWH for Nuclear or clean Coal.”
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You’re talking about photo-voltaic solar panels. Yes, these are quite expensive.

But solar-thermal power plants are already cost competitive with nuclear and coal – right now, today:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEGS
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I followed your link, and it did not support your assertion that solar thermal power plants are cost competitive. The Wiki article indicated that the plant exists, and has been generating power since 1996. But it says nothing at all about cost. If this plant were competitive, people would be building more of them,