Grab our RSS Feed

AND

POLL: E-REV or RE-EV? Time For a Decision

January 18th, 2009 | Posted in: E-REV, Public Opinion

As we know, GM has coined a term to describe the specialized architecture of the Chevy Volt and its Voltec drivetrain. It is important to make the point that the car is first and foremost an electric car. But in addition that has a gas generator to allow the car to continue past its electric range limit and avoid range anxiety. Thus they have called it an “extended-range electric vehicle” or E-REV. When I first heard the term from Volt vehicle line director Tony Posawatz he said GM like the term because it sounded like e-revolution.

Since then, other automakers have come out with similar concept cars. One that has adopted the model almost exactly down to the same 40 miles is Chrysler. First they showed us concepts based on a Jeep Wrangler and a Town and Country minivan. At last week’s Detroit auto show they unveiled a sporty 4 seat, 4 door vehicle called the 200c thats essentially a twin sister for the Volt. The automaker confirmed one of their cars will go into production in 2010 too.

But guess what they’re calling it, a “range-extended electric vehicle.”

The problem here is that these cars’ technology could already be a little confusing for the general public, and will have a bit of learning curve. But changing the name its called only makes matters worse.

Since we are on the verge of an automotive revolution, within which many stakeholders have to play a role, including the general public, we should insist this new class of car has a standard name?

What do you think?

Source (M-Live)

Loading ...

Posted by: Lyle

116 Responses to “POLL: E-REV or RE-EV? Time For a Decision”

Rashiid Amul Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 9:57 am

Doesn’t matter too much to me. I just really want off of oil.
I hope GM can do it, but now that the Genie is out of the bottle, I doubt it can be put back in. This technology is real, IMO, and here to stay until a better technology comes along.

But E-REV rolls off the tongue better. A standard name is important because consumers will get confused with different names meaning the same thing or the same name meaning different things. This is one place where I think an early standard is important.

(Quote)
Marcus Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:06 am

E-REV works for me. Unless you can fit flux capacitor in there somehow.

(Quote)
Chad Strunk Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:08 am

E-REV…definitely. The other is awkward. While I’m not an English Major, I believe “extended-range” is more grammatically correct.

(Quote)
Dave B Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:08 am

I’m with Rashiid– not that important, but E-REV is better. How ’bout a pole?

(Quote)
Ignatius Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:11 am

Isn’t the original term PHEV?

(Quote)
Jeff Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:19 am

The market will decide the name. The most popular product will win. While not in recent years, but I’ve heard the general term “frigidaire” used for a refrigerator. Of course, a brand name is slightly different.

How about “IGO-V”? Inexpensive Gas Optional Vehicle…oops, I think that I heard approx. $40K MSRP.

Exteneded Range or Range Exteneded sounds (even if slightly) like plugging in is NOT optional. I can hear the question now…Do have to plug in during an extended road trip?

(Quote)
alex_md Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:25 am

E-REV – sounds good but not very logical. “Extended” is separated buy “-” but “Range” and “EV” clamped together. Does not make much sense to me.

I think the EV part should really stand out. I assume there will be many typed of EV design in the future. So start with EV and then add whatever you like.

For instance

EV-RE (Electric Vehicle Range Extended)
EV (Electric Vehicle)
EV-

(Quote)
Paul Robinson Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:29 am

Well, I think there’s going to be so many flavors of hybrids that it really will be up to the consumer to figure out what’s best for them. I think it’s going to be a challenge for a lot of people to balance the costs/benefits of each flavor and come to an informed decision.

(Quote)
carcus Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:32 am

Off topic,…
Can anyone give me a link (in english) where BYD’s F3DM has been given an extended test drive and performance specifications verified?
Lyle, how about a trip to China for a test drive? Ford let you drive their electric, why not BYD?
This car’s been on sale for a month in China, you’d think there’d be an in depth review of the car by now.

(Quote)
DaV8or Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:33 am

I like E-REV, but really, who ever gets their car out on the road first and wins wide spread public acceptance gets to name the system. That’s just how it works.

(Quote)
Daveo Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:34 am

This is where branding might come into play. If it’s called a E-REV enough, the general public will call them E-REVs.

(Quote)
ziv Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:46 am

Will it be worth it to point out that the Volt E-REV will be electric only out to approximately 40 miles, i.e. E-REV40+, or would it be better to just call it a PHEV40 and hope that GM can help people understand the difference between Voltec’s all electric nature vs. the Prius (the publics obvious idea of a hybrid) and its constant, albeit parsimonious, use of gasoline?
Up until last month, almost everyone I spoke to had either never heard of the Volt, or thought that it ran out of juice at 40 miles.
The phrase ‘Under promise, over deliver’ keeps coming to mind, I wish it had been GM’s policy.

(Quote)
Dick G. Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:47 am

Mine will be a “SC”-Pier-EV….”Solar Charged” Plug in extended range Electric Vehicle…..:)….Total emissions for that 1st 40 miles…..0.00

(Quote)
SteveK Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:49 am

It would be useful to have the same name for the same technology. GM was there first, so I vote for E-REV. But, companies do this all the time, they want something that sounds unique to them, hoping that the ‘brand’ will become valuable. Can’t force them.

(Quote)
mjay Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:51 am

This is where GM needs to step up and be a leader. Companies are already following, obviously. GM should step up and say “Hey, let’s get our P’s and Q’s together here.” I think other companies are going to be calling the same system all sorts of things because they don’t know what’s been trademarked by GM.

“GM’s calling it a E-REV so we can’t use that…”

AND now I’m even confused! What’s the purpose of the “Voltec” name? Are they dropping the “E-REV” name? Why would you have 2 names for the same technology?

I think it would be nice to just call it a REV. Sounds good. Maybe write it out like R+EV or keep it REV or even do R-EV. Range-Extended EV.. you don’t need to add the other E. It sounds good, it looks good, it feels right. When you write it like R+EV or R-EV you put focus on the “EV” part too.

My vote is for R+EV!!! Pronounced simply “Rev.”

(Quote)
john1701a Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:51 am

Both are just marketing labels. Use whichever you perfer. The design is still a SERIES hybrid regardless. Sales will focus on range/capacity.

Remember, by then the market will have more ASSIST and FULL hybrids anyway. So labels won’t mean much. It all comes down to price, efficiency, emissions, and availability.

(Quote)
carcus Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:01 am

BYD is calling it “DM” (dual mode). Maybe we should just call it that.

(Quote)
drivin98 Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:06 am

EVRx
(electric vehicle, range extended)

(Quote)
Van Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:06 am

These vehicles are PHEVs. They plug in, (P) they are hybrid (H) and one of their power sources is electricity (E) and they are vehicles (V). This is there classification name. GM has sought to separate its series hybrid from other parallel hybrids by claiming since the only drive is electric it is not a hybrid where either the electric motor or ICE can directly (mechanically) drive the wheels. But this is absurd because the Prius is a hybrid because it gets power from the energy stored in its battery and in its fuel tank, same as the Volt.

As far as whether range extended or extended range should be adopted exclusively, I am happy with both terms being used. So I voted other.

(Quote)
gsned57 Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:07 am

What is BYD calling theirs? Looks like they’ll be the first on the road. Although I’d rather it not be a poorly translated broken English term “Range Vehicle Extended Electric”. Cause then when you tell people you get an RVEE they may think you just bought a 6mpg RV.

Whoever builds it first should name it. It’s a special class vehicle. When the fed does their mpg test they have to put a name to the class, so the first one with a car to test should help them come up with the name.

(Quote)
mjay Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:08 am

I couldn’t stop myself.

http://www.mjaystudios.com/rand/r+ev.jpg

(Quote)
GXT Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:09 am

I think the Chrysler acronym, though more difficult to say and not as trendy, is the more accurate term.

(Quote)
Darius Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:11 am

I woul support R+EV or even EV+R. It would be some continuation or development of EV1 concept. It woul be more undersandable for general public what all this fuss is about.

(Quote)
Red HHR Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:11 am

I go with #15 mjay,
Also make the font size of the EV larger. Or simply r EV. Emphasize the EV part! EV like in evolution.

Red HHR (with an 80mile commute)

(Quote)
mjay Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:17 am

I certainly have to disagree in calling this PHEV. The general public understands what a Hybrid is. We’re not talking about a hyrbid. It’s quite the reverse. In a hybrid the electric motor assists the ICE. In a E-Rev (or whatever we call it) the ICE assists the electric motor. Plugging it in is irrelevant. PHEV just means there’s more juice to assist the ICE but in the end it’s an ICE vehicle. In a E-REV the juice is your go. It will drive the same on any juice your using, be it electricity or gas (because obviously the gas is turned in to electric power) This isn’t the case with a hybrid – the electric motor doesn’t have the same power the ICE does. So in the end – the E-Rev is an.. well.. EV! An assisted EV.. There you go! AEV! lol

(Quote)
Jim I Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:18 am

You can call me Ray, or you can call me Jay……….

Just give me an electric car to buy!!!!

And just remember: NPNS!!!!

(Quote)
statik Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:40 am

I voted in the ‘I don’t care’ section…because I don’t. I think they are both a little unnecessary, bordering on the stupid. I get why they do it…they all what the cornor on the name, they want it to be the next Kleenex.

I’m happy with just saying what I mean, without the anacronym, ‘electric-gas.’ To me that puts the proper emphasis on the product, understandable to all people.

I can afford to blow the extra 1/5th of a second for ‘the cause’

(Quote)
MarkyMark Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:58 am

EVLP,electric vehicle LPgas or EV-LONG PRONG or LONG PLUG,we need some humor,7-11 did a study to find out whether people called COKE a soda or a pop,let them do another study for us Voltiacs

(Quote)
George K Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:16 pm

I believe it is important for the public to be able to categorize these types of vehicles easily. Most people are not into it as we are, and many don’t really care about the details, just so it gets them as far as they need to go.

How about, “Longrang-er”, for “long range electric ride”

=D~~~~

(Quote)
Gary Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:27 pm

Bit off topic…

Some new pictures for our desktops and screensavers:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-volt.html

(Quote)
Gary Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:50 pm

A long time ago, we had ICE and EV. Then came the Prius, a HEV, and now Toyota is moving toward PHEV.

When GM created the next generation EV, they considered that 40 miles would limit the sales of their design so they decided to extend the range, i.e. extended-range; one word hyphenated. Thus E-REV. The R isn’t just attached to EV with a hyphen to add the E; its there since “extended-range” is one word describing the new concept.

We would read the following to describe it; “extended range EV”; extended is an adverb;range is an adjective; all modifying the meaning of electric vehicle. So, IMO, E-REV is correct English and RE-EV is just a variation of the wording.

Personally, I like E-REV. GM was the creator of the concept so that their designation should be the standard. KISS.

(Quote)
Spin Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

Turbo-Hydramatic? Torqueflite? Powerglide? Ford-O-Matic? I am sure we all know what they are.

I don’t care what they call it. Just mass produce them at a reasonable price.

(Quote)
Keith Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:55 pm

It doesn’t make any difference what it is called period.
When you go into the dealers you will be asking about a specific vehicle by its name , not by its type anyway.
“I am interested in the Milan” , “the Hybrid version first” you would say in a Mercury dealers show room , the Volt , the 200c , or the Converj , or whatever etc in other showrooms.
They all are Hybrids anyway and that is what is important.

(Quote)
frayadjacent Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 12:55 pm

But like many on this site do, I want to make up my own acronym.

I think it will be BPVWOBGFER!

Battery Powered Vehicle With On Board Generator For Extended Range!!

Long live the BPVWOBGFERs!!!

(Quote)
xed Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

They’ll never agree on a name or acronym.

The public just needs to be informed that the idea is called a “series hybrid” and all it is is just an electric primary with an additional onboard way of recharging the batteries which uses something other than electricity.

You can have anything as the secondary charge source for the primary. Gasoline ICE, Diesel ICE, nuclear reactor, pig on a treadmill.. whatever.

All that matters is that you always are driving on electric power and that the vehicle is carting around with it some way of charging the batteries so that you can drive a longer distance than the battery pack can naively support.

(Quote)
stas peterson Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:04 pm

Dick G,

Why do you want to create all that that solar ‘thermal pollution”, and Albedo reduction induced, global warming?

Besides, unless you work the night shift, your solar cells won’t recharge your vehicle.

(Quote)
Youda Farmer Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

Hybrid has been commonly used and still applies to the Volt as it still mixes two different technologies on a single platform. You shouldn’t be allowed to call a vehicle “Electric” unless it electric ONLY in my opinion. The Volt is a Hybrid, I think GM just coined a new term to try to distance itself from existing hybrids like the mighty Prius. As such GM is greatly responsible for confusing the public and have no one to blame but themselves. This is just like Microsoft who constantly renames existing technologies to fit their own marketing schemes. Its all just so silly and is a clear indicator that too many of their employees have way too much time on their hands.

(Quote)
omegaman66 Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

I say just call it what it is. An 100% electric vehicle. At no time does the car wheels get turned by anything other than electricity.
.
.
.
.
.
.
That is right… even when the gasoline “range extender” is running the wheels are powered exclusively by electricity.

So it is an 100% electric car.

Some will argue that this is just symantics but it is not. The term is 100% correct and truly conveys to the unknowledgeable general public that the car is powered at all times by electricity and isn’t a hybrid in the traditional sense.

Customer: Well if it is all electric why does it have a gas tank?
Salesman: That is just a measure GM put in so that you can generate your own electricity continuously. This give the car an unlimited range, unlike all other truely electric vehicles currently made.

(Quote)
Lurtz Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

#30 Gary

Thanks for the pictures. I didn’t realize the Volt was going to be a hatchback! That’s terrific. I never understood why those went out of style in anything larger than a subcompact. It’s such an efficient use of space.

(Quote)
Dave K. =D~ Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

DIEOPEC = Distance Initiated Electric Optional Petroleum Electric Car

=D~

(Quote)
JEC Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

E-NOW: Electrics Now Own World

or

E-EOF: Electric Ends Opec Forever

or

E-EOD: Electricity Ends Oil Dependency

(Quote)
kent beuchert Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

Good luck standardizing anything. The govt should be involved but that’s not a vote-getting, campaign contribution amassing enterprise. Now I see that Obama and the Dems are renting out the Lincoln Memorial to HBO for big bucks.

(Quote)
Casey Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Why not call it, Plug in electric gas generator with motor for extended trips but with high fuel economy on the generator,…..PIEGGWMFETBWHFEOTG,…. for short?

NO PLUG NO SALE, LJGTVWOTR, DBNGCMEME, (my house)=D~~~(my volt) .#33,772

(Quote)
Mark Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

“EREV” is a lot easier to say, and sounds a bit better then “REEV”

(Quote)
Guy Incognito Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 2:08 pm

Interesting how they argue about how to classify a car that’s one step above a concept car & is as yet in production.

However, #16 john1701a is correct.
Regardless whether you wish to call it an E-REV or RE-EV, a vehicle like the Volt is, in fact, a ‘Serial Plug-In Hybrid’ (SPIH).
I use this term & only this term when referring to vehicles like the Volt, so the argument as to whether to call it a E-REV or an RE-EV is irrelevant, at least as far as I’m concerned.

(Quote)
Mick Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 2:09 pm

EV+R … EV should be first. LOL

(Quote)
Casey Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 2:34 pm

I really do like PHEVX or PHEV+R or EVPHX or just ….EV 2

NO PLUG NO SALE, LJGTVWOTR, DBNGCMEME, (my house)=D~~~(my volt) .#33,772

(Quote)
DonC Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 2:50 pm

Too many letters. it seems like most people can only handle three — SUV, CRX and on and on. So I’d go for EVX for x-tended and EVP for the parallel hybrids.

I also think having the EV first is a good idea since the main point is that it is an EV.

(Quote)
galileo Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 2:55 pm

I say:
Stop Global Warming buy Local (American Made Cars) ..

(Quote)
vincent Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

Other for me.
Before I let it loose on the boards I’m going to trade mark it first.

(Quote)
kurt Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

We have a need to educate the public here, and the terminology alone can’t do it – but it can help.
Hybrids of today we call simply that…I don’t call my Civic an HEV. But the PHEV technology that many modern buses use is still parallel, you just have a charge to start with and don’t rely just on brakes, etc.
Volt is a hybrid, but it’s in series (PISHEV?). I like E-REV for it’s roll-off-the-tongue too, and also that it is tailorable to the car (the Prius may become an E-REV10, for example). PHEV40 works for Volt, but it’s not very specific.
Soon all of these will be your buying options. Who can name them all?

HEV, PHEV, E-REV, BEV, FCEV
A number could designate electric range ONLY IF THAT’S POSSIBLE on that vehicle, and extenders like an ICE can simply be marked with a + sign. Of course, the range-extenders are what make it a hybrid.

Thus PHEV40+ is the Volt.
Those buses would be PHEV.
Tesla = BEV220

(Quote)
Mike-o-Matic Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

E-REV for sure. GM’s term, emphasis on “E” for electric, etc.

Besides, if REEV is universally adopted, wouldn’t we enthusiast be known as REEVers? I, for one, do not want any chance of being confused with “reavers” … of any variety listed here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reaver

(Quote)
Ed M Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 4:15 pm

I glad you brought this one up Lyle because frankly I keep forgetting what all these acronyms stand for. We’ve got the BEV, the E-REV, the PHEV, etc.and after a while my eyes start to gloss over. I’ll have to keep a list next to my computer so that I can remember what they mean, heh heh.

(Quote)
Dave G Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

For me, the relevant points are this:

1) Having a common name for this type of vehicle is important. We need a name that works across all manufacturers.

2) The term “PHEV” has already come to mean a full hybrid with a Li/Ion battery replacing the normal NiMH battery, yielding an 8-15 mile electric range. Examples include the Toyota Prius and Saturn Vue plug-ins. In my view, cars with this little electric range are not worth the trouble of plugging in. For example, if you plug/unplug every day, but you only have to go to the gas station every 2 months, the total amount of time you spend fueling is probably less than a regular gas engine car. But if you plug/unplug every day, and still have to go to the gas station 3-4 times a month, then the total amount of time you spend fueling is significantly more. Due to this inconvenience factor, I don’t want the Volt and other similar cars labeled the same as PHEVs with only 8-15 miles of range.

3) The term “plug-in” has already become a general term for any type of vehicle that plugs in to an electric output.

4) The term REEV has been used by both Chrysler and Tesla, but EREV seems to have gotten more traction in the press.

So I voted for EREV, but REEV would be fine as well, as long as all car manufacturers use the same name, and as long as the name is different than the term used for the plug-in Vue, plug-in Prius, or other similar PHEVs.

(Quote)
Dave G Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

#47 Casey Says: “I really do like PHEVX or PHEV+R or EVPHX or just ….EV 2″
————————————————————————————–
Back in 2007, I was pitching EVRX (Electric Vehicle Range eXtended) on this site, but GM didn’t listen.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, marketing people started learning that model numbers that included 2 out of the 3 letters in the word “sex” generally sold more. So they started coming out with model numbers like SX-170, 300-ES, 250 XLS, etc.. Some of this still exists today.

EVRX (Electric Vehicle Range eXtended) has 2 of the three required letters, so it qualifies…

(Quote)
Art Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 5:04 pm

im just going to call them electric or extended electric. not REV, EV, EREV…..thats just silly.

(Quote)
kdawg Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 5:12 pm

#48 DonC
I like EVX and EVP.
I dont like PHEV because the P can be confused with “Parallel”

(Quote)
John Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 5:23 pm

I’m going with RE-EV (pronounced “Rev” like revving an engine). I’m not sure how some say “E-Rev” rolls off the tongue better than just “Rev”.

(Quote)
Dave G Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 5:25 pm

Yeah, I would go for EVX as well. Much simpler, and still has 2 of the 3 marketing letters from post #55. I also like putting EV first, since that emphasizes the all-electric drive train.

(Quote)
mjay Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

By that logic, why not call it…

SEX

Series Electric eXtended.

It will sell like hot cakes!

(Quote)
jbfalaska Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

How about “American Independence from Middle-East Oil-rev”. That’s the greatest sounding name to me.

(Quote)
jbfalaska Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

P.S., both cars look great.

(Quote)
ccombs Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 7:09 pm

I know this sounds stupid, but I think ER-EV is far superior to E-REV solely because of hyphen placement. The “EV” abbreviation is widely recognized as standing for an electric car. GM really needs this sort of thing to prevent people from misleadingly dismissing cars using Voltec as “just another hybrid.”

(Quote)
Dave G Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 7:31 pm

#60 mjay Says: “By that logic, why not call it… SEX … Series Electric eXtended.”
————————————————————————————–
I think it has to be only 2 of the 3 letters. See post #55.

(Quote)
N Riley Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 7:35 pm

I am not as concerned as to the name as I am of what the vehicle can do for the owners wanting to limit petroleum use as much as possible. One way GM can insure the Chrysler name does not stick is to buy Chrysler and enforce the same name. No, really, there should be no problem with either name, but you would think Chrysler and Ford would want to name their similar vehicles with the same designation.

(Quote)
N Riley Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 7:53 pm

The general public is not going to really care what the technology behind the vehicle is named. They are going to look at price, looks of the vehicle, what it can do for them and things like that. You can explain some things to them about E-REV or RE-EV or whatever else someone comes up with and it is not going to stay with most people. Most buyers are pretty shallow when it comes to technology under the cover of their purchases. IMO.

(Quote)
BillR Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

Okay, let’s start with EV. After that, add A for additional range, B for battery, H for hybrid, and P for plug-in,

For less than 200 miles range, we call it “short”, for more than 200 we call it “long”.

Some on this site want to trailer the range extender behind their EV, so we use TR for trailer or OR for onboard range extender.

Next we include the range extender type, ICE or Fuel Cell; either I or F.

Finally, we include the fuel type, A for gasoline, D for diesel, E for Ethanol, and H for hydrogen.

Thus the Volt’s designation would be

EVA-LONGORIA

(Quote)
N Riley Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 7:56 pm

#55 & 64 DaveG

I agree with the selling features of the letters EX, LX, SE, and so on, but the term E-REV will not appear on the Volt as a model number. It is the technology identifier for the vehicle and most people will just be confused with any technical terms related to the Volt.

(Quote)
N Riley Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

#63 ccombs

What you say makes some sense. GM should have called it ER-EV. That would have made a little more sense than E-REV. You say this term as “Extended Range Electric Vehicle”. Maybe it should have been just EREV.

(Quote)
N Riley Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 8:00 pm

Chrysler will have to sell a lot of their RE-EV vehicles to make an impact on the buying public. Even if GM sells 100,000 of them a year with increasing numbers after the 3rd or 4th year, the term E-REV may not impact much. Again, IMO.

(Quote)
Frank D Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

I think it’s very important for the consumer to understand the difference between an electric motor driving the wheels and a typical hybrid that still uses a gas engine for propulsion. The Votlec platform is important because as the battery technology matures, the gasoline engine can be phased out.

(Quote)
An_Outsider Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 8:40 pm

Ev2+
I’m kidding. EV+
maybe EV+RE
or anything marketing comes with that will be straight enough to avoid confusion for potentiel customer

(Quote)
kdawg Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 8:58 pm

I was at the Detroit Auto Show on Saturday.. and i was overwhelmed with all off the buzzwords for the electric & hybrid technology. I’m an electrical engineer, and if i was struggling w/them, you can imagine Grandma & Granpa’s confusion. I think/hope some standardization will happen. It will just take time. Fuel economy really seemed to be an important issue at the show. Ofcourse the Camaro’s, Lamborghini’s, etc.. got a lot of attention, but you heard a lot chatter about “miles per gallon”. Hopefully everyone remembers gas cost $4/gallon not long ago, and the electric cars will take off.

PS: The Volt looks great in person. Very sporty. I hanged out by the exhibit for awhile and helped the model answer some of the questions from newbies. It was interesting to hear her tell someone that the price of the Volt should be from 25K to 35K. I dont know where she got her data from.

(Quote)
Dave B Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 9:19 pm

Kdawg @ 73,

Thanks for the update from the model–I think she’s hitting it close with the $35K mark. 25K is too good to be true. I’m sure that includes rebates and maybe a little economy of scale. I’m still hopeful (not really) that GM will shock everyone and have the Volt for sale in 2010 for the original target price.

(Quote)
Me Here Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 9:44 pm

My suggestion re description.

Electric with a Gas chaser …

(Quote)
Ed M Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:00 pm

Art #56
your suggestion sounds good.
You know even Lyles article is a little confusing, I know his intent but to say “

(Quote)
Ed M Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:11 pm

” that has a gas generator to allow the car to continue past its electric range limit and avoid range anxiety” This car is totally electric with a gasgenerator to charge the battery. So it never runs out until the last drop of gas is spent I know this is splitting hairs but if I were a first time visitor I would find this a little confusing.
I know all visitors can work through the menu but still…

(Quote)
Redeye Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:17 pm

I voted E-REV but I don’t think it makes much difference.

Whatever they call them the manufacturer will have to explain to potential customers why their product is better than the competition.

I do think being this is all new to most people they will be curious and want to know just how they work.

Even the ladies will want to understand what they are buying, not just “Its so pretty ! How much does it cost ?” “Does it come in my color ?

(Quote)
statik Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:22 pm

I think with the barrage of show cars, (all of which are seemingly hitting the market simutaniously in the most magical of years, 2010) any specific one of them will be hard pressed to imprint their anacronym on the American public’s psyche.

…unless there is a ’silver bullet’ car hitting the market, the world will likely put them all under the same banner, whether we like it or not —’EV’

/I’m ok with that

(Quote)
Jeff M Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:57 pm

Sure it’s already been mentioned… but as I and others have argued from the begining, this is still a hybrid… and maybe GM should use the term “hybrid”… it may be easier to sell to a public already familiar with the term and may be afraid of something that seems too “new”

(Quote)
Dave G Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:00 pm

#73 kdawg Says: “It was interesting to hear her tell someone that the price of the Volt should be from 25K to 35K. I dont know where she got her data from.”
————————————————————————————–
Someone from GM with authority told her to say that, so it’s probably a good source.

I suspect that GM was just playing a games with the price last summer, saying how much the Volt will cost to build, in order to get the highest possible tax credit from congress, and now that congress has passed the $7500 credit, we will all be pleasantly surprised at how much the Volt actually costs when it comes out. Time will tell if I’m right…

(Quote)
Dave G Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:24 pm

#80 Jeff M Says: “this is still a hybrid… ”
————————————————————————————–
The main argument against calling the Volt a hybrid is that it doesn’t have a hybrid drive-train. The electric motor is the only thing that drives the wheels. But I’ll admit this is debatable.

The more important issue is how the car works from customers point of view. For example, you can drive the Volt 100 MPH on electric power alone. And if you drive less than 40 miles per day, you won’t use any gas. If you call the Volt a hybrid, then people will think it runs like other hybrids they know, and that would be misleading.

My biggest fear is that PHEVs like the Plug-in Prius will gain initial popularity due to lower costs, and people will find out that with 10 miles of range that’s not even all-electric, it’s not worth the hassle of daily plugging and unplugging, so they will write off all plug-ins in general. This is why I want a different name for cars like the Volt. They are a different type of animal, and should be judged as such.

(Quote)
john1701a Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:33 pm

And if you drive less than 40 miles per day, you won’t use any gas.
______________________________

That’s not true. Promoting that absolute is harming Volt reputation.

During the winter, the engine will have to run for warm up.

From time to time throughout the year, the engine will need to run for routine upkeep.

(Quote)
tim-the-dreamer Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:34 pm

stas Peterson@36

For my part, an attached solar panel would be the best idea because I do work nights. If I plugged in during the day my power bill will sky rocket due to peak power and that would defeat the purpose of trying to save money and lowering the use of carbon fuels. the power plant that provides for my area uses coal and the cost has gone up due to coal now being shipped to China of all places(correct me if I’m wrong but don’t they have their own mass reserves of coal that rivals ours?). So whatever they’re called I don’t really give a damn as long as I can get one and stop paying lunatics who are trying to kill us. Hell, I’m too poor to take long exspensive vacations and I don’t make many 40+ mile trips so I’ll take one with fuel cells and solar power. That’ll get my butt off oil & coal till something better comes along, by then I (hopefully) will have saved enough cash to contribute more to the economy! So lets get those freakin wheels rolling already!

(Quote)
john1701a Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:44 pm

And if you drive less than 40 miles per day, you won’t use any gas.
__________________________________

Let’s not forget the range reduction caused by Heater & A/C use either.

(Quote)
john1701a Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 11:49 pm

This is why I want a different name for cars like the Volt.
_________________________________

Yet, both ASSIST and FULL hybrids are both still given the same “parallel” label here. Help end that misleading and you’ll find the identification of Volt becomes a whole lot easier.

(Quote)
Tagamet Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 12:17 am

Dateline:07/04/2010, Detroit, MI – Today, Gm released the long awaited Chevy Volt E-REV, signaling yet another step toward the USA’s energy independence, For the first 40 miles of daily driving, this much-ballyhooed electric vehicle propels itself from the electricity available from any household electric outlet. The electricity necessary for the rest of it’s roughly 400 mile range per tankful is provided by a small on board generator that runs on gasoline or biofuel. The Volt’s total range is exactly that of today’s gasoline powered vehicles – limitless – as long as there’s gas in the tank. OPEC has not returned our calls for comment.”
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS

(Quote)
truthguy Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 12:20 am

I like E-REV better. It’s easier to say and runs of the tongue easier. That said I hope the Chrysler 200C is a sucess as well as the Volt. It’s exciting to see these two cars go forward. Both look great and I’m probably going to buy the first one I can get my hands on. I must admit though the Chrysler 200C has the more interesting interior. Now I know this is concept and it may not be what they actually build. For those who have seen videos of the interior of the 200C I’m like some opinions of the design Chrysler as come up with. I think it’s very inovative.

(Quote)
Jeffhre Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 1:06 am

Tag #87

“signaling yet another step toward the USA’s energy independence, For the first 40 miles of daily driving, this much-ballyhooed electric vehicle propels itself from the electricity available from any household electric outlet. The electricity necessary for the rest of it’s roughly 400 mile range per tankful is provided by a small on board generator that runs on gasoline or biofuel.”

That’s one of the best explanations that I’ve seen!

(Quote)
tim-the-dreamer Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 1:42 am

It’s very innovative. What’s gonna make it give volt a serious run is that parents can program it so that the young’ins can’t go beyound a certain point without mom and pop finding out ’bout it. If they can keep the price to an acceptable level, then many parents may seriously consider the 200C as jrs’ 1st car or the family’s car. Either way, it’s got some serious pull. I personally wouldn’t mind giving them sufficiant “bail-out” money on the garentee that they produce all five vehicles at a low enough price for us poor folks to get. Four of them seem to be the equivalent of a professional conversion while the 200C is a step forward in electronic concept. JMO.

(Quote)
Ed M Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 3:20 am

Dave G #82

Your right the E-REV is not a hybrid. The unwashed of the press think it is but a purist wouldn’t for the same reasons you gave Jeff M.

When I think of a hybrid I think of the Tahoe and Prius where the wheels are mechanically connected to a gas engine with electrical assist to squeeze out some extra miles per gallon.

E-REVs are totally electrical with a gas generator. As battery storage and charge times improve the generator will become redundant. This would never happen to a hybrid.

(Quote)
drivin98 Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 5:22 am

X-REV!!!!

(Quote)
joe obrien Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 8:46 am

Another example of the failure that is Chrysler, and a weak attempt to make it look like they have coined their own concept. Admit you copied the Volt and are desperate to ride it’s coattails by just sticking with E-Rev and end any possible confusion for the weak minded public.

(Quote)
Jason M. Hendler Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 8:48 am

I voted for RE-EV, because the EV portion stands out. Aside from that, I don’t think having two different monikers out there really matters. People are getting the point, and signing up for the vehicles by the tens of thousands.

(Quote)
statik Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 8:59 am

#87 Tag said:

Dateline:07/04/2010, Detroit, MI – Today, Gm released the long awaited Chevy Volt E-REV, signaling yet another step toward the USA’s energy independence, For the first 40 miles of daily driving, this much-ballyhooed electric vehicle propels itself from the electricity available from any household electric outlet. The electricity necessary for the rest of it’s roughly 400 mile range per tankful is provided by a small on board generator that runs on gasoline or biofuel. The Volt’s total range is exactly that of today’s gasoline powered vehicles – limitless – as long as there’s gas in the tank. OPEC has not returned our calls for comment.”
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS
===========================================

Nice. Glass 99.99% full.

(Quote)
Jason The Saj Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 9:03 am

Frankly, I prefer the term “REEVer” (Range Extended Electric Vehicle).

But I do like the “e-revolution”…

I am of the opinion these vehicles should be, and will eventually be called “REEVers”. However, I believe GM should use the tagline “General Motors leading the way into the e-revolution.” etc.

It’s a good marketing campaign slogan.

(Quote)
Shawn Marshall Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 9:15 am

Statik – turn on your spell checker; acronym & corner

Comments are amazing – funny ones are good EVA Longoria & BIllR treatise.

EV-ER electric vehicle – extended range gets my ‘other’ vote

(Quote)
CDAVIS Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 9:22 am

______________________________________________________
Whatever it is called, it would be consumer beneficial if each car model had a suffix to designate the initial electric only driving distance. Example: “EREV40” = Extended Range Electric Vehicle w/ 40+ Miles Electric Only Range.

It seems to me that the EV platform for consumers to best support Energy Independence is the EREV concept (however it is called). Technology and competition will quickly increase the amount of initial electric only driving range while also continuing to address the very real issue of range anxiety. Ten years from now, the 40+ miles of the Chevy VOLT (EREV40 or VOLTEC40) will be 80+ miles (EREV80 or VOLTEC80) therefore taking the mean average electric driven miles from 70%+ to 90%+. To GM’s credit, the GM-Volt Program Platform (VOLTEC) does exactly that.
______________________________________________________

(Quote)
rschmitz Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 9:28 am

Look it doesn’t matter. the leader in the industry will finally win this silly name battle, hopefully quietly. Having two names for the same thing is not unatural.
Just go to different parts of the country and see that. (I am a transplant in NC). What I in the north learned as a ski Hat, southerners call a touboguin. That has to make me laugh because a Touboguin is a large wooden sled where I was raised

It really doesn’t matter

(Quote)
smurfy Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 10:05 am

What about EV-RE? Electric Vehicle – Range Extender. Personally I think that the Electric Vehicle should be highlighted. Then if there is a range extender that can be tacked on the end.

(Quote)
fred Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 10:51 am

How soon can I buy one? Half way through winter, thinking of summer and how enjoyable it would be to do some electric local cruisin.

(Quote)
statik Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 11:35 am

#97 Shawn Marshall said:

Statik – turn on your spell checker; acronym & corner
===============================

Ok, I have no excuse for corner, lol.

But anacronym is right…a anacronym is a acronym that hardly anyone remembers what it stands for, like ‘LJGTVWOTR’ will be sometime in mid 2011 when GM starts getting Volts out (poke to Tag).

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/anacronym

(Quote)
Mark Wagner Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 11:41 am

I like the name E-REV that GM coined, but I think the appropriate standardized term should be “series hybrid”.

(Quote)
Randy C. Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 12:45 pm

I prefer ER-EV not the E-REV option provided. I make the 2 sections stand out better.

(Quote)
Roman Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

E-REV is easier to pronounce.

(Quote)
omegaman66 Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

EV. It doesn’t run on gasoline, it doesn’t run on wood, coal or anything ever. Sounds like an EV to me.

(Quote)
Art Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 2:34 pm

Why does the acronym have to be hyphenated at all? Why not simply EREV just as in SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)? E-REV is catchy but it sounds lame and unsophisticated and bares no relationship to the vehicle but instead sounds like a silly word in a slick sales pitch. What’s it mean? Electric REV? Extended REV? Dumb!

ER-EV sounds as though the word is being stuttered and doesn’t relate either. “It’s a a Extended range… ERRR I mean EV. Again Dumb!

This is new technology so treat it technically sophisticated. We can all relate. We all live in the same fast paced technological world. We don’t need cutsy little jingles and slogans. We can deal with a real acronym and it’s meaning!

(Quote)
Mark drives hybrids Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

I like ST-HV for the Chevy Volt. Series Technology Hybrid Vehicle. The Chrysler 200c is awesome and rear wheel drive. I have heard of it but never seen a picture of it. Thanks for posting the pic!

(Quote)
noel park Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

#49 galileo:

Amen!

#60 mjay:

Works for me!!

#93 joe obrien:

I’m with you. Well said.

(Quote)
Tagamet Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Thanks, Jeffhre.

Statik: You shorted my optimism by 0.01%.
Oh, and I thought an anacronym referred to someone like yourself who finds themselves (or their attitudes) misplaced in time. (poke back at ya)(g). Besides I’m not getting this LJGTVWOTR!! tattoo removed…
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS

(Quote)
Estero Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 6:02 pm

What about Range eXtended Electric Vehicle (Rx-EV)? Think of it as “the” prescription for getting rid of our dependence upon foreign oil.

(Quote)
Mark Z Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 6:28 pm

E-REV would be my choice, however the comments on three letter acronyms make sense due to their simplicity.

EV-1 says “first car,” but EV-2 wouldn’t be evolutionary.

EVE or EV-E sounds like it came from the movie WALL-E, but hints at: Electric Vehicle – extended, evolutionary, enhanced, endless, eternal, environmental, extra, engine, eager, easy, economical, ecological, efficient, effortless, and elegant.

(Quote)
Norm Borgman Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

you give us the choice of letters that spell “ever”. So it is only logical to call the car “Electric vehicle, extended range”. Through usage the cars would be shortened to the EVER cars.
Norm

(Quote)
Mohsen Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 7:04 pm

Obviously the best abbreviation is

“XEV”

eXtended-range EV

(Quote)
Greg Simpson Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 9:11 pm

They should be called what they are: Series hybrids. Other than that, let them all use their own trademarked name so they can claim no one else can offer what they offer. Just like Techroline in gasoline.

(Quote)
William Devine Says:
January 24th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

This is a ‘Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle”. It’s a series hybrid gas-electric vehicle that can be plugged in. That term already exists and works well to describe it.

(Quote)

Recent GM-Volt Forum Posts

Hacked e-mails reveal global-warming fraud? November 20, 2009
This is how open minded liberals operate. "And, perhaps most reprehensibly," Delingpole writes, "a long series of communications discussing how best... […]
BigCityCat
Is the Volt Engine Direct Injected? November 20, 2009
I recently read that the Cruze's engine will be DI. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevy_Cruze#Chevrolet_Cruze Obviously the Cruze's engine will... […]
omnimoeish
First Reports of the Chevy Volt's Charge-Sustaining (Generator) Mode Operation November 20, 2009
The first two journalists' reports of what it's like to drive the Chevy Volt while in generator mode operation have been published. 1) New York... […]
admin
Florida giving $5000 rebate to convert Prius to plug-in November 20, 2009
- Probably Hymotion - $10,400 standard price - $5000 state rebate - $1000 additional federal incentives - $4,400 final cost. Hurry because their... […]
Texas
New York Times CSM story November 20, 2009
Link to the New York Times story of November 19, 2009 about a test ride of the Volt in charge sustaining... […]
srschrier
New video: Volt drive in Detroit November 19, 2009
November 19, 2009 Detroit Free Press story with video featuring a Volt drive with Andrew Farah in... […]
srschrier
New Video: Volt Corrosion Testing November 18, 2009
From GM VoltAge, the Volt's corrosion... […]
srschrier

POLL: E-REV or RE-EV? Time For a Decision

116 Responses to “POLL: E-REV or RE-EV? Time For a Decision”

Leave a Reply

Recent Posts

Recent GM-Volt Forum Posts