Comments on: GM Not Engineering an Electric Truck…Yet

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:08:23 +0000

For the contractor, boat/camper tower, etc. a Volt truck is probably not viable but for the regular commuter (like me) who wants to be able to haul home some mulch, 2x4s or some sheets of plywood, a small Volt style pickup is ideal. Were it not for the mileage I’d still be driving one now. As it stands I just rent the home depot one as necessary and plan to group purchases. Ideally, though, I’d prefer to have the flexibility of having it all the time and a Volt Pickup would be perfect.

As to the percentage of pickup drivers who would go Voltec? Inquiring only current truck drivers and the number probably wouldn’t be that high. Include all drivers (like me) that would get one IF it were available and I think the number would be much bigger. I don’t need an Avalanche or F350… the old S10 (extended cab) was almost perfect size wise for my needs.

By: DBelcher

DBelcher — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Mercedes ev super car ha! What a wimp.
http://www.shelbysupercars.com/news-012209.php

The Ultimate Aero EV utilizes a twin motor AESP producing an astounding 1,000 HP and 800 lb-ft of torque enabling it to rocket to 60 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 mph. Not only does the Ultimate Aero EV have a range of 150-200 miles on a single charge

Not only that they won a bid to put there system in a motor home (EV 150 and Gas 350 miles)

By: Zach

Zach — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:35:16 +0000

GM needs to be thinking about EREV or natural gas trucks very seriously. That is a HUUUUGE market with even larger potential!

By: CS Guy

CS Guy — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:01:08 +0000

25 miles AER would significantly improve MPG ratings on the vehicles we as a nation need most desperately to improve (trucks and SUVs/CUVs).

Compare a Voltec pickup with a “CAFE standard” ICE @ 21 MPG.
Miles
Daily MPG
- – - – - – - – - – -
25 = INFINITE
30 = 126
35 = 73.5
40 = 56
45 = 47.25
50 = 42
55 = 38.5
60 = 36
65 = 34.13
70 = 32.67
75 = 31.5
80 = 30.55
85 = 29.75
90 = 29.08
95 = 28.5
100 = 28
105 = 27.56
110 = 27.18
115 = 26.83

I am pretty sure my math is correct. It looks like you get double the MPG at 50 miles driven a day and even at 115 miles driven in a day you’re still getting 27% better gas mileage.

I’d say that is significant only discussing savings on gas. Your point that the vehicle would be utilitarian for many people who earn a living with their truck is absolute icing on the cake. It just makes sense.

By: CS Guy

CS Guy — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:25:46 +0000

Right. And don’t forget that Toyota has gone in the wrong direction with parallel hybrid – therefore guaranteeing that you MUST use oil to get to work and back.

The future is Voltec EREV technology and BEV. GM got it right. Nissan has it right. Toyota is standing on the sidelines as far as decreasing dependence on foreign oil is concerned. This I say humbly as we own only Toyota right now.

People in US and Canada will vote with their dollars and GM and Nissan will win big.