Aug 05
GM and LG Chem Get Battery and Electric Car Grants: 500 Chevy Volts to Early Consumer Test Fleet
On Wednesday President Obama announced $2.4 billion in Recovery Act funding was being awarded for an electric drive vehicle battery and component manufacturing initiative.
“For too long, we’ve failed to invest in this kind of innovative work, even as countries like China and Japan were racing ahead,” he said. “With these investments, we’re planting the seeds of progress for our country and good-paying, private-sector jobs for the American people.”
“If we want to reduce our dependence on oil, put Americans back to work and reassert our manufacturing sector as one of the greatest in the world, we must produce the advanced, efficient vehicles of the future,” said President Obama.
The money is distributed as follows:
* $1.5 billion in grants to U.S. based manufacturers to produce batteries and their components and to expand battery recycling capacity;
* $500 million in grants to U.S. based manufacturers to produce electric drive components for vehicles, including electric motors, power electronics, and other drive train components; and
* $400 million in grants to purchase thousands of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles for test demonstrations in several dozen locations; to deploy them and evaluate their performance; to install electric charging infrastructure; and to provide education and workforce training to support the transition to advanced electric transportation systems.
As noted, the bulk of the funds went to battery makers for use in creating battery manufacturing facilities. Johnson Controls was awards $299 million, A123 got $249 million, and EnerDel got $119 million among others.
Included in this category as well was General Motors and Compact Power Inc. GM received $105 million for the production of their Brownstone MI Chevy Volt battery pack assembly plant. Compact Power, subsidiary of LG Chem, was awarded $151 million to produce its lithium ion manganese cells that will be used in the Volt program. LG Chem will be using these funds to build a US plant.
GM also received an additional $105 Million to be used for “construction of U.S. manufacturing capabilities to produce the second-generation GM global rear-wheel electric drive system.”
Since the Volt is a front wheel electric drive system, this suggests GM has something new in store for us with the second generation Voltec vehicles.
Finally, and most interesting, GM also received $30 million in another category. This money is to be used to “develop, analyze, and demonstrate hundreds of Chevrolet Volt Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) –125 Volt PHEVs for electric utilities and 500 Volt PHEVs to consumers.”
This certainly looks like GM plans on getting 500 Chevy Volts into the hands of US consumers for fleet testing sooner than the November 2010 launch date, with some sources saying perhaps as early as the summer of 2010.
I officially asked GM spokesperson Kerry Christopher about this.
“We’re excited about working on this project but not in a position to release specific details at this time,” said Christopher. “We just found out this morning that we would be receiving the grants. When we have information ready to share, you’ll be one of the first to know.”
Source (DOE )
This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 at 5:57 pm and is filed under Battery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Aug 5th, 2009 (6:04 pm)I’d like to be one of those 500 early testers, even though I’m in British Columbia, Canada. BC is full of trees and tree huggers, so I have a fighting chance.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:07 pm)This is good news!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:12 pm)GM also received an additional $105 Million to be used for “construction of U.S. manufacturing capabilities to produce the second-generation GM global rear-wheel electric drive system.”
Wha-wha-whaaaa???
Let the speculation begin…
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:13 pm)Nice to see LG and A123 getting some green[back] love.
Lithium Goodness spreading fast.
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-12
Aug 5th, 2009 (6:14 pm)(click to show comment)
-8
Aug 5th, 2009 (6:23 pm)Do you suppose any of this taxpayer money showered on GM will affect the $40,000+ price of the Volt? Dream on.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:23 pm)Heck, I’d even *pay* to be one of the 500 early testers … similar to Lyle and his BEV Mini.
Seattle is full of Prius’, especially now with the latest stimulus program for the Japanese economy (i.e., “Cash for Clunkers”). It sure would be nice to drive by the gas station in my Volt, waving to the poor suckers whose “hybrids” are still addicted to foreign oil.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:25 pm)Good luck with being a tester Lyle, I’d say your name would be at the top of their list; If your lease has not run out on the Mini-E by then, I can see the mini being parked next to a tree for a while.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:26 pm)Yes, its seems like the site has been DeGaussed.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:28 pm)Tag,
“This certainly looks like GM plans on getting 500 Chevy Volts into the hands of US consumers for fleet testing sooner than the November 2010 launch date, with some sources saying perhaps as early as the summer of 2010.”
Looks like your Independence Day theme may not be so far off!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:29 pm)Possibly for trucks, SUVs??
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:34 pm)There is no point in testing only a couple of months before the actual sales begin. You’d expect a much larger lead time so as to implement any changes required. Otherwise the “test” would have no use (except perhaps for media purposes).
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+14
Aug 5th, 2009 (6:38 pm)Performance roadsters and coupes for me please! Or maybe a performance two door sedan like a 3 series BMW, except looking like a Camaro! There are a lot of people besides rich people that are ready for no excuses, kick ass electric cars.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:39 pm)Unless they’re just testing firmware.. that is easy to update.
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+4
Aug 5th, 2009 (6:39 pm)Obama has been in office for 1/8 of his first term. He has already made more big decisions than most presidents make in 4 years.
I sent an email to The White House in March mentioning that although much has been accomplished he needs to stay on task and stay away from victory parties. Seems like he is listening and continues to act quickly.
Wouldn’t it be fun to see a parade honoring returning Iraq War vets being led by a phalanx of Chevy Volt? Did someone mention The 4th of July?
=D~
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:40 pm)Yeah same here, I would more than love to be one of the one’s that get to test the volt.
If your reading this GM, I’m ready, willing and in Ohio!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:40 pm)Guys I can be ready as soon as next summer. I will have no trouble finding a buyer for my 60 MPG 2006 Insight. May I be one of the first to purchase a new Volt.
Take Care,
TED
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:42 pm)That’s likely to be the Converge… Don’t you think?
Take Care,
TED
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:44 pm)I’m not encumbered by any Mini lease programs, so I could take delivery anytime if needed. Just wanted to throw that out there.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:49 pm)Maybe an EREV Corvette?
A thru-the-road hybrid, electric rear-wheel, gas front-wheel?
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:49 pm)This may still be related to the volt. In Australia for example, rear wheel drive is much more preferred as in general we don’t have to deal with such harsh cold conditions as found in parts if the US and Europe where snow and ice affect steering to a greater degree. Front wheel drive simply sucks in the wet conditions when accelerating; especially when you are going uphill. I’m personally very put off by the Volt being front wheel drive; instant torque would mean spinning the wheels in wet conditions almost all the time when going up a hill – even though this would not be a deal breaker for me, many in OZ would not consider a front wheel drive car.
Just to make it perfectly clear to GM, Having to lease the battery however would be a deal breaker for sure.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:53 pm)Moses brought us the Ten Commandments.
Obama brought us an alternative electric drivetrain with a 10 yr/ 150 k warranty!
Oh Moses Obama! We are so sorry for our internal combustion fornicating ways! Save us!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:56 pm)Oh, I so want to argue with you!
But you may be correct. That said, I’d still expect a better lead time so as to test all aspects of the car, not just programming.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (6:57 pm)Emphasis on SECOND generation.
(No wonder no one replied to my posts late in the last thread – all about the grant money.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 5th, 2009 (7:01 pm)BillR
I was JUST about to post that (lol). This may be the “possibility” that came out in the answer to my chat question.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (7:02 pm)(raises had re Independence Day release)
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:06 pm)Ted,
Dibs on the Insight if I’m not one of “the chosen”. That should be an interesting process (picking the 500).
Speculation on “how”?
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:08 pm)No, it isn’t. Obama is committing too much cash to a technology that will never replace the internal combustion engine when there is one that will. Battery technology has been targeted for improvement since at least the early 1990s. In all that time, it still isn’t practical to build a BEV. Recharge time will never be a matter of minutes, but instead it will be a matter of hours.
Fuel cell technology since the early 90s however has improved exponentially. Prototype Chevy Sequels cost $250k a piece to build by hand using a lot of platinum. They are breakthroughs that are reducing the amount of platinum needed and honestly, mass production will drop that price even further. A billion dollar investment in fuel cell technology would bring this technology to market with the infrastructure to support it sooner than 2015.
With the proper mandate and investment, I bet we could see affordable fuel cell cars hit the roads by next summer.
The prejudice against fuel cell technology by the absence in this package of funding for the commercialization of fuel cell technology is disheartening to say the least.
I bet you the price of this package that battery technology won’t improve enough to make it worth it. Even if optimistically it were
possible to pack a 300 mile battery in a minivan without losing
seating, that battery will require 8 hours or more to recharge.
Most likely, that battery will add $30k or more to the price of the
vehicle. Worse, everyone plugging in their 300 mile battery will
result in a major strain on the electrical grid and rolling blackouts.
With half of the nation’s electricity coming from coal, electric cars
that recharge off of the current grid will be dirtier than clean diesels.
NFCNS
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:10 pm)It’s interesting that eestor was not included in the grants for such a promising technology (/vaporware).
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (7:11 pm)DeGaussed is a good term for it!
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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-1
Aug 5th, 2009 (7:12 pm)Now, with all this free friggin money for the Batteries thrown at GM AND LG, I need to ask,..
WILL THE PRICE BE DROPPED FOR THE VOLT?!?!?!?!?
/cue the crickets….
If it does not, then something really fuked up is going on in this industry.
I mean cmon, if they got funds to do this and the speculated price of the Volt remains the same or more or at/above $40,000.00 then cross my name off the fukin list. Serious, this sh|t has to end. Corporate welfare sucks A$$!!
Yeah and I get that a price was not released but we heard it from the horse’s mouth on David Letterman and on many other sites indiacating prices above $40,000.00.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:14 pm)Raises HAND I mean. Argh. The darn keyboard can’t spell.
Statik SOOOO mis-timed leaving here. COME BACK!
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+4
Aug 5th, 2009 (7:19 pm)EEEEEasy Capt.
We’re all just speculating. Price won’t even be addressed until a few months before the Production release.
Right now we should be speculating about those 500 Volts!
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (7:21 pm)There’s nothing to prove they have a product to manufacture and/or works. Every company has one that was mentioned.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:22 pm)It looks like EEStor did not get any money. Wouldn’t they have gotten some of that money if they really were close to a major breakthrough with their ultra capacitor as claimed?
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:23 pm)Just the thought of half a thousand Volts rolling around out there makes me giggle.
I DO worry that the placement of the 12,500 220V charging stations being done will match the production limited rollout – only because PA isn’t one of the 4 or 5 states listed.
Oh well, I’m patient.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:27 pm)A complete list of what’s proposed is here:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/recovery/pdfs/battery_awardee_list.pdf
Map is here:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/recovery/pdfs/battery_awardee_map.pdf
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:28 pm)The 500 Volts means nothing to me. They’ll hand pick the person who get’s it these RC1 (Release Candidate 1) cars.
You know, it’s one thing to offer speculated pricing in their situation given but it’s another to get showered by more tax payers $$$ and not offer a break. Sure it’s early n the news. Let’s wait and see what comes up…..the price!
Just watch. Mark my words matey!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:28 pm)Electric motors controllers can have a soft start which means gradual torque at startup as to prevent the wheels from spinning in ice and snow. I’m sure the Volt will have this.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:30 pm)You have to have a pruduct to manufacture and show it works first. Then they can have the money.
It was for “electric drive vehicle battery and component manufacturing”, key word there is manufacturing. They don’t manufacture anything. Why give them $$$ to manufacture nothing?
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:31 pm)Capt,
Not excited about 2000 Volt wheels on the Road? I don’t get it, why not? Help me out here.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:32 pm)lol……AAAAHHHHHH…
my typing sucks.
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+2
Aug 5th, 2009 (7:40 pm)Regardless of taxpayer assistence, GM already announced that even at MSRP $40,000 they’re losing money on each Volt produced because the specialized components are so expensive. So why wouldn’t they try to cut their losses?
And even if GM reduced the price to $25,000, the dealers would probably mark the first generation up $20,000. It is, after all, a limited edition. Personally, I’d rather see GM get the money. Since we taxpayers own the company and all…
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:42 pm)Rear wheel drive Electrics. Momma that is just soooo sweet. Let the games begin!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (7:59 pm)Your July 4th date was the very first thing that popped into my head when I read the last part. And I said you were overly optimistic! So much for realism.
I personally love the idea of tying the Volt release to July 4th. That wold be very cool.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:01 pm)Zenn (and a few others did).
… just sayin’
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:02 pm)Oh he would have something major negative to say. The problem is, he was so good at it that I can’t even imagine what it would be. So I can’t really “statik in” for him, so to speak.
Maybe he just knew things were getting better and he wouldn’t be able to have so much fun any more.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:02 pm)RWD = Converj
I belive most if not all Caddy’s are RWD, but have not checked this
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+6
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:06 pm)Hey Cap, repeat after me: Price is set by supply and demand. Price is set by supply and demand. Price is set by supply and demand.
Seriousy, it doesn’t matter what MSRP GM sets. The market will set the price. If the the MSRP is $35K and people will pay $45K, the dealer will sell at $45K and keep the difference. Just ask Corvette Guy, he knows the drill.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:06 pm)Since I am one of the biggest fans of the Volt, and undoubtedly its chief proponent, I hereby submit my name to be among the first chosen to be a Chevy Volt tester.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:06 pm)Wonder how long the electric utilities and lucky 500 ppl get to keep their Volts before returning them to GM.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:08 pm)The current DTS is front drive. The rest are rear drive or 4WD.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:11 pm)Don’t they actually have a product to manufacture?
ZENN that is….
jus askin bro…
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:11 pm)It would be sooo cool if that journey of a thousand miles started this coming Independence Day! What a dramatic move that would be! I know that they won’t be the final release version, but they have to be so close they’d still be “the real deal”. Maybe not QUITE like the lunar landing, but it could be the same kind of memory cue. Most people remember where they were when the lander touched down and Armstrong took those first steps. People may well remember it a few decades from now the Independence Day, 2010 first dramatic step away from oil.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:16 pm)DonC re statik’s timing.
Naw I doubt he’d bail just because things MIGHT be coming around. He still hasn’t SEEN or TOUCHED a production Volt, so anything could happen yet. He’d know that the production plant isn’t up yet or the batteries aren’t thoroughly tested YET. He could really peel a dark cloud out of a silver lining! (I’d bet he’d be high on GM’s list of beta testers)
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:17 pm)I’ve been following this site daily for over 2 1/2 years.
Since the President made this announcement while visiting my county today, I’ll happily accept one of the Consumer Test Volts.
I’ll take one in silver with the Corinthian leather seats.
Let me know when I can pick it up.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:18 pm)My issue is who’s really getting hit with the “LOSS” per Volt sold and aren’t we the tax payers covering this? We all know the govt doesn’t generate positive revenue to support this.
Since we that tax payers are footing this “Golden Shower” upon them, why do we need to even pay the full price? Why do we even have to go through the rebate process to save our own $$$?
lol, don’t get me wrong, I’m EXstatik about this.
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+3
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:24 pm)LauraM
Congress will probably just pass a law that the dealers are only ALLOWED to make a 10% profit. Hey, why not? It’s not like it’s unconstitutional or anything. (sarcasm off).
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:25 pm)DonC
See my reply to LauraM
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:28 pm)But they need the money to produce the product! (lol)
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+3
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:29 pm)Vinvent,
AMEN! That will be sweet. Exciting times.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:30 pm)Gary;
I hope that you get one too .
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:30 pm)zipdrive,
Ahem, take a number! (roflmao).
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:32 pm)k-dawg
I hope they don’t measure it in heartbeats, because mine is doing a little dance. Seriously, I wouldn’t be surprised if they wanted them back before the official Nov roll-out.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:34 pm)Good news, indeed!
So… Where do I sign up to be part of the consumer test fleet?
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:35 pm)Exp_eng
I’m not as picky. I’d take one with 4 wheels, cloth seats, and a 40 AER.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:36 pm)Yes, he’s made of bunch of important decisions, but I think that has more to do with timing than any virtue on his part. So far he hasn’t talked about anything remotely resembling decent regulation of the banks. (Giving more oversight to the Fed is a joke. At least IMHO. We need Glass Steigel back. And the uptick rule. Etc.) So far he hasn’t talked about raising the gas tax (an absolute necessity, IMHO). The stimulus plan was very poorly constructed–at least IMHO. And he signed that omnibus pork-laden bill without any serious attempt to reign in earmarks. The deficits are skyrocketing. And he doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere with health care. And while we haven’t seen his attempt at education reform, so far it sounds like he’s catering too much to the teacher’s unions with education reform. At least IMHO
That said, I give him credit for these grants. He is trying his best to save our manufacturing sector. (Although I wish he didn’t give so much to the unions.) And, I agree with him completely about the necessity of saving American manufacturing.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:36 pm)“it doesn’t matter what MSRP GM sets. The market will set the price.”
Yes, I will keep that in mind….
Price is set by supply and demand.
Price is set by supply and demand.
Price is set by supply and demand.
Price is set by supply and demand.
Price is set by supply and demand.
….
Thanks Mr. DonC
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+2
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:41 pm)It’s gonna be a pickem up truck yawll!!!
YEEeeeeehawwww…
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:42 pm)Amazing, the thought of being able to drive an early version of the Volt is astounding.
I would love the chance to drive and report details back of all the powertrain tweaks, and refinements.
I’ve been working on cars for years, and have been a huge supporter of EV’s from back in the EV1 days.
Only wonder how one could “apply” to be one of the lucky 500.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:44 pm)AhHAahAHhaHAA!! You’re exactly right, Tagamet.
To paraphrase an old saying, “Constitutional ain’t got nothin’ to do with it” … where what’s concerned is most federal government activities, throughout the past 12 months.
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:44 pm)I think A123 deserves it myself.
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (8:44 pm)Now the pressure is really on at GM to perform .
How do you spell “stress” ? “VOLT”
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:46 pm)Yeah, good luck with that
You’re gonna have to arm-wrestle me for it!! 
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:51 pm)Hey Tag, when the 500 Volt’s wheels hit the road, you’ll need a new “tag” if you will….
LJGTVWOTR will have past.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (8:57 pm)No. I was saying Zenn and some others gave a lot of $ to EEstor.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (9:00 pm)Ya know, that hadn’t occurred to me yet. I’ll be thrilled to “lose” it. Then it’s just NPNS I guess.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (9:07 pm)OH!
OK, I getcha now.
My bad dude….no beef.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (9:11 pm)as much as that sort of symbolism crap tends to annoy me, I think it would be incredibly good marketing to release the test fleets on July 4.
“We declare independence from foreign oil” etc. would be a great slogan.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (9:20 pm)I WANT ONE PLEASE! I am #1200 on the waiting list. I am a high school teacher and very media savy and will get it in all of our local media outlets.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (9:22 pm)Technically, that time has already passed
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Aug 5th, 2009 (9:23 pm)If this is the place I would like to submit my application to test one of the pre-production Volts. I was formally employed by a major aerospace firm and held a position in their test laboratory so I am experienced in testing methods and practices. I have a 57 mile, one way commute to work, and the ability to charge at work. I work the afternoon shift, so the trip home will be with headlights on. My place of business is in midtown Manhattan, so the Volt will be driven in the worlds largest auto market daily, and when parked it will be visible from the street. On some weekends, the Volt will make the 400 mile round trip to my summer home in the Poconos.
When and where can I pick it up?
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+3
Aug 5th, 2009 (9:23 pm)They could buy the rights to the Independence Day movie soundtrack. It’s rousing and they could use Will Smith as their representative.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (9:39 pm)Current volts are deliberately soft started to stop reporters spinning the wheels (as revealed in a review I read), but you will find a lot of people want the benefit of “instant torque”. The same review said the soft start won’t be there on the final product. This is of course counterproductive in the wet with a hill start. But again, there is the “instant torque at stake here. If the Volt can sense it is going to spin the wheels and accommodates, this would greatly improve the situation but this has to be carefully implemented, as the car might feel really slugish when taking off, or even worse not take off at all on those hill starts…
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Aug 5th, 2009 (9:42 pm)What I think is interesting is that the DOE apparently has more access to GM’s future product specs than we do! How do they know there’s a rear wheel drive EV power train in the works. What gives?
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Aug 5th, 2009 (9:43 pm)Actually, I was formerly employed. lol
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Aug 5th, 2009 (9:45 pm)Hehe, I love the green competitiveness that’s building up in the Pacific Northwest! I love how almost any corporation who needs sedans are using Priuses for their fleet for the green cred.
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (9:46 pm)Why wouldn’t the govt know what’s in store at GOVT Motors? We own the place, we’re just not management.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (9:47 pm)I think Prowler (from the forums), AKA SPARKZZ, should be a test driver. He is a loyal GM-VOLT.com poster and has been driving his Tesla now for a while so he could give some helpful comparative critiques of the Volt.
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (10:10 pm)I wonder if this 500 will be in addition to the fleet that GM employees, sounds like it. Maybe GM will use our wait list to find some beta testers.
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (10:15 pm)Spin,
You had me until you threw in the Pocono summer home. (g)
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (10:18 pm)Was thinking the the same thing.
Anyway this is great news, and I can’t wait to see these test fleets and the good publicity it will generate.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (10:19 pm)Well there would only be one thing to do…paint the car in American Flag theme.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (10:20 pm)This man does not speak for all of us…I personally have nothing to do with fornicating with engines of any type.
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+4
Aug 5th, 2009 (10:34 pm)I’m surprised our government is being so smart! If you think this is good, wait until all the other countries start announcing similar programs so they can keep up!
Since we know it’s all about the battery, the more billions that are spent the better. With good batteries we have a fighting chance to transition away from petroleum with minimum pain and suffering.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (10:39 pm)Why do I get the feeling someone is going through and thumbs-downing every post from Tag?
Interesting though not surprising that a bunch of schools are getting funding for this, not just companies.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (10:43 pm)EEStor and Zenn didn’t get loans
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-1
Aug 5th, 2009 (10:50 pm)Technically, if I traveled 50 miles, the OPEC tether comes back like a choke chain.
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-5
Aug 5th, 2009 (10:51 pm)phuk that. it’s all about MEEEEE dammit!
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Aug 5th, 2009 (11:16 pm)Owners don’t get much say ultimately, except for the original entrepraneurs, until they’re pushed out anyway.
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+1
Aug 5th, 2009 (11:18 pm)Oh my
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Aug 5th, 2009 (11:20 pm)What do you do when someone gives you money? Complain that you don’t have enough time to use it
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+10
Aug 5th, 2009 (11:22 pm)Wow. I got minus 2 on this comment. I guess some people think EVs should only be shitty little low performance people movers. Truly sad. Let it be known that the desire for automotive performance (high speed fun driving) and stylish looks will not die with the ICE. I can guarantee you this.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (11:32 pm)We need something akin to Glass Steigel, but you and I seem to be the last ones to think so, appears to be a hindrence to free markets in most eyes. I’ve been wanting to say deficits explode during wartime also but few complain about that, thanks for the opening.
What was the topic, Hehehe, would be good to see ccombs / Tags Independence day commercial with a line of a hundred or more Volts driving out of Hamtramck.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (11:33 pm)I’m with you all the way on this. A lot of these decisions seem like they’ll be haunting our collective pocketbooks for a long while (horrible misuse or negligent pork protection for the taxpayer). But on this topic of supporting manufacturing jobs, the money doesn’t seem out of control and I certainly agree in principle about recovering manufacturing jobs in this company. (Excepting of course that it’s just more money, and we’ve already spent too much that we don’t have in general). Haven’t seen or heard anything that makes me think this was a bad idea yet. I haven’t seen anything specific on the bite that the unions might take out of this at this point though.
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+2
Aug 5th, 2009 (11:43 pm)The revenue comes from developing a viable industry before Asia and Europe start sucking away the investment dollars, consumer dollars, market share, profit and taxes generated from innovative and successful industrial operations, while lessening receipts for foreign oil and gaining the economic multipliers of having those dollars in NA with less need to pay for the effects of pollution from using oil and burning gasoline.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (11:46 pm)To Kerry Christopher;
I am available to join your National Presentation Team.
I look forward to hearing more about the rollout.
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Aug 5th, 2009 (11:58 pm)Did someone say $10,000 over?!!!
That might work on a high performance car where the goal is to burn up as much gas and tires as quickly ad possible, but when the goal is to SAVE MONEY at the pump, a large addendum sticker is just going to piss people off and generate a LOT of bad press.
I don’t think there will be much if any for that reason.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (12:01 am)I’ll take one…no, really I would….today…now!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (12:04 am)It sure would be nice if GM did use our wait list to choose beta testers. I have questioned about the testing done in the lab to see how the batteries perform under extremely hot weather like we have here in the Lower Rio Grand Valley. I am retired and have nothing better to do (well almost nothing to do – except for my wife finding numerous chores for me … lol) than test a Volt, if I were lucky to be one of those chosen few.
Before retiring I knew an associate who was lucky to have a sweet deal testing vehicles. He would have a different vehicle every month. These 500 Volts that consumers will be testing probably will be providing GM with real consumer feedback on the Volt in a variety of locations around the nation under conditions more varied than what has been done before. They will no doubt be giving GM ideas that we will see in future Generations as well as important feedback on consumer acceptance of the Volt.
What a fantastic way of advertising this car with 500 vehicles spread across the country!
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-38
Aug 6th, 2009 (12:10 am)(click to show comment)
Aug 6th, 2009 (12:18 am)It is actually a “cabin”.
Did I get you back?
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Aug 6th, 2009 (12:19 am)I like to be one of the testers too – even the fact that I live in Denmark – why not ?
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Aug 6th, 2009 (12:21 am)You were -3 and I bumped you back up to -2 (lolz). I’m right on with you, however, I do think that now is too soon. GM NEEEEEDS to focus on energy efficiency, as that’s what the majority of the public is looking for.
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (12:38 am)hayley,
I noticed that too, but I try not to sweat the petty stuff. Thanks for noticing it though!
I’m glad the universities are getting some funds for research, simply because I was in education a lot of my career (though not in the union (I don’t like teacher strikes that hold kids hostage). Possibly to prime the pump in the areas the govt wants to emphasize? possibly to pay back teacher union favors. Lots of successful research turns into a small business and that eventually means cutting edge jobs e.g. MIT has a ton of startups. It’s not new to this administration – except for the sheer volume of $ (adding to our national debt.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (12:41 am)Sorry, yachts have cabins too (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (12:45 am)ESPECIALLY that last sentence. Great advertising and stirring up the “buzz”. I just hope that they don’t go to the most powerful congressmen’ districts based on political power.
Be well,
Tagamet
PS I’m retired and could test it every waking moment!! Even the “human engineering/industrial psychology” angles.
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (12:48 am)Statik would have known that and provided a link to back it up. Probably by how many they could build in a given timeframe.
We miss you statik.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (1:21 am)It’s a clear message from the US government that eestor won’t be introducing a “battery” during the time frame of this grant.
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-26
Aug 6th, 2009 (1:39 am)(click to show comment)
Aug 6th, 2009 (5:05 am)Of course, I am volunteering to be a tester as well.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (5:45 am)A traction control feature would allow you to easily turn this off or on. When on, you can’t spin the wheels.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (5:49 am)this money infusion helps reduce the long term risk of this technology. But, if they rush the 500 Volts before they are totally satisfied that all bugs have been worked out, it would add risk to the long term confidence of the consumer.
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+2
Aug 6th, 2009 (6:16 am)The $7500.00 tax credit comes to mind.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (6:34 am)Undoubtedly GM had to do a little disclosing of how it would spend the money before it got the grant.
I’m glad to see that LG will get the capital to build the plant in the US that they’ve said they would…. more jobs.
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (6:40 am)Probably not the Converj … The idea behind the Converj is to minimize development costs, and maximize profit, by essentially putting new sheet metal and a nicer interior on a Volt platform.
I would guess it’s the Voltec Orlando. THAT would be a killer app.
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (7:12 am)My guess is that would be for trrucks.
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-3
Aug 6th, 2009 (7:24 am)We are catching up to them.. most countries that matter and have a big role in the economy have already invested heavily in battery tech.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (7:26 am)Next gen camaros and corvettes? Something I have been begging for on messageboards for a while.. We’d see the better, stronger, tech in those cars that would trickle out to the mainstream cars as new tech is created.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (7:44 am)Hope you are reading GM!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (7:51 am)Let’s watch carefully and see who these specially selected “testers” are.
Maybe they will be a cross-section of people like us
More likely, they will be well connected people, political, press, entertainment.
Either way, it will be good to get some Volt wheels on the road.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (7:53 am)I am wondering why this sort of news doesn’t make the mainstream media. This is exciting but I just haven’t heard much about this in the news.
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-1
Aug 6th, 2009 (7:56 am)Will be great for GM if they do the EBay thing and then just ship to the nearest dealership for the winner to pick up. Then GM will be making that extra 10-20k per car that someone is willing to pay.. that will help offset the cost of things and prevent GM from taking too hard of a hit. Once auction sales start to level off then introduce the volt to the dealerships. It is a GM product and they should be allowed and able to make a huge profit off of it instead of some slimeball at a dealership that will charge over msrp and THEN even add some additional crap fees… and what can you say about the fees? “Well, then I am not taking the volt if you are charging those fees”.. They wont care.. they will just take the next person in line that will pay whatever for the volt.
With the amount of money GM could make by auctioning the car it would behoove them to create their own auction site at GM.com. .. Pay the dealership for taking the car or setup GM owned dealerships/warehous/distribution centers.. a walmart/ sams club for cars. Keep it simple, cheap, and low overhead. Keep some models on site for test drives too. If GM is going to profit they need to rethink their distribution and sales method. Take out the middle man that is profiting hugely.
There can always still be gm authroized dealerships and repair shops. That should be profitable still. At least for a little while until the cars become exteremly reliable.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (8:12 am)Hmmm. Rear wheel drive EREV? Put the drive shaft AND the battery in a center hump and you are talking some serious space issues, folks. Seems like a rear-mounted electric motor would go a long way to addressing that.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (8:19 am)With no need to route turning shafts through distributed gearboxes, perhaps electric rear drive is a (relatively) simple matter of bolting on and stringing wires (much more complicated from the electronics/controller point of view, though).
These could be in-wheel motors, or an integrated motor/transaxle mounted in place of a conventional differential (and probably similar in size), with shafts from there to the rear wheels.
As I’ve mentioned on the board in the past, these could have a higher final drive than the front wheels to give better performance over a range of speeds (front wheels do most of the braking, so a lower gear ratio there means more regeneration).
There could very well be an AWD option offered on Voltec platforms that we already know about.
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (8:23 am)Hmmm. Do you suppose he still votes?
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (8:39 am)Lol, that would explain all my negative 1’s.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 6th, 2009 (8:41 am)Rashiid,
This is likely different because it mentions how many of a specific company’s vehicles are to be purchased.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (8:43 am)Let me say it once again. I am ready, willing and able to take a pre-production Chevrolet Volt and drive test it just as soon as GM is willing to give it to me. I have the time, money and desire to do this. GM, just contact Lyle for my email address and contact me when you are ready. I live in an area that would be good for testing the Volt.
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+2
Aug 6th, 2009 (8:43 am)Omni,
It’d be nice to circle THROUGH gas stations to wave at the people at the pumps!(lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (8:48 am)http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090806/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gm_hybrid;_ylt=AtNYtqUg44DYFXJrwFoMpWis0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTJ1YTM5aGxyBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkwODA2L3VzX2dtX2h5YnJpZARjcG9zAzgEcG9zAzUEcHQDaG9tZV9jb2tlBHNlYwN5bl9oZWFkbGluZV9saXN0BHNsawNnbXBsYW5zcGx1Zy0-
Take Care
Arch
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Aug 6th, 2009 (8:51 am)I’ll bet statik is really sorry he picked this week to muzzle himself….
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (8:54 am)I think you have to run around bare-chested with a sword, or something.
No wait, wrong “500.”
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Aug 6th, 2009 (8:55 am)Canadian company.
Not to diminish anything said above.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (8:58 am)Since we have discussed being part of a test fleet years ago, I think that GM should go back through Lyle’s old posts from 2007. I think you will see that many of us volunteered for this way back then!!!!
You newbees will just have to wait your turn…..
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
In all seriousness, I hope that GM places those 500 Volt’s all over North America (USA & Canada). That is the onlt way to get a real test of the system in all weather conditions, road types, and driving styles.
Go GM – Go GM Volt Team!!!
NPNS
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Aug 6th, 2009 (8:59 am)Yes, or in-wheel motors.
There’s no doubt that AWD on an electric car would be mechanically simpler, but don’t forget also that the power electronics (controller) is going to need an extra set of channels for each motor that’s added.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (9:01 am)This is very UnAmerican. Sorry I want Electric cars as much as anyone. BUT throwing money at something never fixed anything.
We are moving toward electric cars with or without government grants.
These were not loans these are gifts to private companies.
This is like no bid contract, But there is no contract, think about.
The clowns we have in Washington will throw money at anything correction at everything.
And they wonder why we are all mad as hell.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (9:02 am)How would regen work on a rear wheel drive vehicle? The majority of your braking takes place with the front wheels since the vehicle transfers weight to the front under braking. (assuming you are moving forward!) Sure there is still some braking that takes place with the rear wheels but if you have ever driven a vehicle with only rear brakes (I have) it is downright scarey how little braking ability you have. It would seem to me that a rear wheel drive electric would have diminished ability to recapture its energy during regen braking.
Now AWD is another story of course.
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+3
Aug 6th, 2009 (9:02 am)Capt re 50 mile choke chain:
And you’d have saved 80% of the gas. Just plugin between trips for an hour and save it all.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 6th, 2009 (9:04 am)Lev,
Works for me! I’d LOVE a flag on mine. Tough to do that with a Nisson.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 6th, 2009 (9:12 am)Capt,
I’m EXstatik AND EXlaxtic!
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (9:17 am)It appears as if GM was prepared for this eventuality and now it has come true. As we all know, new technology comes at an expense and GM has been aggresively working the VOLTEC issue.
These grants which seem to fall in all the catagories that GM’s technology base covers will be a blessing if GM does not see it as an opportunity to give out ridiculous bonuses. NO! we will not forget in the near future that the American Auto Industry with the help of the Union caused their own problem.
GM has a good restart with the Volt/VOLTEC project and it needs to be taken as a start for future success.
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (9:18 am)Mike-O-Matic,
The constitution comment seems to have quieted things a bit (however briefly).
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+4
Aug 6th, 2009 (9:20 am)Jim I
Yep re statik’s timing. I hope that it drags him back here!
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (9:21 am)Rashiid,
My bad, I got cross-threaded. You’re correct.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+2
Aug 6th, 2009 (9:23 am)Jackson,
That’d bring a chorus of “Put it back ON”. Besides wasn’t it the “300″ Spartans?
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (9:32 am)RB,
Good point re the selection process. Will they alot a certain (small) percentage to be assigned through this site (Lottery?). I hope so!
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (9:34 am)Will it fit on your couch?
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+3
Aug 6th, 2009 (9:39 am)DaV8or,
Don’t worry about the negative points, someone is giving me a -1 on ALL my posts. Somebody’s just got too much time on their hands.
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (9:40 am)awd…Awd…AWd…AWD
Forward genset/traction motor with clutch to switch or Hybrid through the road.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (9:42 am)Maybe that’s Jay’s (Statik’s) new joy. Heeheehee
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Aug 6th, 2009 (9:55 am)I would be very surprised if they don’t have traction control. Good question for Lyle to ask.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (9:56 am)The clowns in Washington may be in for a little surprise next fall. I am going to be working towards that end as much as possible. Then in 2012 there may just be another surprise in store for the remaining clowns. No political party is exempt.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (9:58 am)I don’t have a problem with this grant. I think it’s a great idea all the way around. My problem is that he gave too much to the UAW through the GM and Chrysler restructuring. And I’m worried that that will undermine their future viability. But that has nothing to do with this grant.
I agree that US has too much debt in general. Public debt and private debt. But there is a difference between taking on debt for consumption and taking it on to make an investment. The US spends way too much on consumption and not enough on investment. IMHO, that’s our biggest problem. This grant is an investment. And I definately approve.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (10:00 am)A rear wheel drive system could very well be for small pickup trucks and delivery vans. It does open up a wide range of possibilities.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (10:06 am)Lev, some enlightened one does not like your missive about our LEADER. Likely, your negativity will put you on an enemies list. I tried to talk to a friend yesterday about the inability to have any thought other than glowing smiles and a raised right hand to the current situation and also The Leader’s inability to tolerate opposition. I got a raving lunatic yelling that I was, along with others, dividing the country… . I am looking forward to a Reichstag type “fire” in the future to, ah, UNITE and guide the people.
Per the money for research, fine. NASA is an excellent example of tax dollars doing something in the grand order of human achievement. Sadly, of the trillions of dollars being thrown about (away), devaluing the currency, (Humm thinking about the Reich Mark hyper inflation) NASA is only, NOW, about .5% of the Fed. budget and The Leader wants to cast a dark eye at that pauper’s budget! Why? Because things like NASA just don’t mean anything to this guy. So a bone to research is about one good thing done.
The Lads are reminding me that the previous DECIDER was out of his league too and thus we have our new fearless LEADER.
Zeus and Apollo smell, “What is it? Smoke?”
Regards——–Higgins & Furry Co.
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (10:15 am)How about that?
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Aug 6th, 2009 (10:18 am)Me too.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (10:19 am)Yes. Deficits explode during wartime. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t have a consequences. When you’re in a war that you need to win at all costs (WWII), it makes sense to take on that cost. But we didn’t needed to go into Iraq. And most of our spending over the last eight years wasn’t even war related! And it definately limited our ability to take on more deficits now.
Also, there is a difference between domestically owned federal debt, and foreign owned federal debt. We paid over $400 billion in interest on the federal debt this year–that means higher taxes and fewer services. Roughly half of that went overseas, which adds to our trade deficit.
These articles explain it better than I can:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/28/federal.debt/index.html
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-07-04-national-debt_N.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/business/economy/04rates.html
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (10:24 am)koz,
For a Volt I’ll make house-calls (my house that is) (lol)
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (10:27 am)LauraM, well The Leader is on some constructive track for curbing the ridiculous neutering of the U.S. manufacturing base all for the profit of Corporations who seem to reside mentally, outside the confines of the host Nation State. Maybe.
Raising the gas tax is too self serving for the Volt types. You will hurt the poor who need to drive, have to drive, to get to work… and you will hand Das State even more money to throw to it’s ever dependent and growing supporters. Europe taxes petrol to the sky and nothing has come Volt like from it. Unleashing the tech genie will do the trick and research and actually making an electric type auto will be the start to reducing the oil cartel.
Unfortunately or not what I said about traders rigging the prices of oil is NOW FINALLY being give a serious look. The traders are in a sweaty panic! This will bring the price of oil in line to real market forces and not the Alice in Wonderland prices that we have seen. While that helped the Volt… it was not real, and pissed a great deal of people off. Oil will settle downwards but fear not, projects like the Volt are too well seated to just end! Yet the final paragraph sets a somber tone.
The rolling disaster of hyper inflation due to devaluing the currency will wreck havoc not seen since the German Mark collapsed. Oh, and the price of oil will skyrocket. Likely the Dollar will then be replaced by the very demigods that created this situation.
Regards LauraM!——-Higgins & The Lads
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Aug 6th, 2009 (10:29 am)500 Volts, or 2000 wheels, are just a spit in the ocean. The new tag can be:
Let’s Just Get Some More Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!
LJGSMVWOTR!!
Or:
Let’s Just Get 1,500,000 Volts” Wheels On The Road!!
LJG1,500,000VWOTR!!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (10:32 am)Actually, EEStor is American. ZENN, a Canadian car company owns a small part of EEStor, as does Kleiner Perkins – perhaps that’s what you’re thinking. Anyway, of course, GM’s going to get more money thrown at it, if only to prevent the original bail-out wasn’t a waste of taxpayers’ money. Besides, if EEStor comes through – and I know it’s a bif ‘if’ – EEStor won’t need any government money.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (10:34 am)Hey Arch! Good to see ya man!
I used to call you the King Of Links. Maybe you can take up some of the slack from the loss of statik.
Best regards.
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (10:35 am)Thank you Mr. President.
Go ahead on!!!
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (10:35 am)I feel somewhat at a disadvantage when trying to make comments on this site because most of these articles Lyle post are at night (early evening) and I do not have the time to access the site until around 9 a.m. the next morning. So, if I reply to someone’s comments it is usually 12 to 15 hours after the person submitted the comment. By that time there might be 25 to 50 “replies” connected to that comment. Most of the “replies” don’t even have anything to do with the original comment, but are replies to other replies and cover a wide range of topics not even related to the original comment. This is one of the primary reasons I don’t like this new format. I do like the reply feature, but I wish people would not just tack any comment onto the original comment unless it is directly related to the topic of discussion. If you want to bring up a different topic, do it as a separate comment. Please! Just doing this one courteous thing would help keep the topic clear of “clutter”. Now, I have vented my thoughts. On with the discussion.
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (10:40 am)You do remember that Statik said he would be looking in and reading our comments. So, Statik is this the way you are treating our Tag just to kid with him? You are such a kidder. But we miss you still.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (10:41 am)You & Me Both!!!
I am long time member of the Libertarian party, maybe it is time to give us a chance.
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+2
Aug 6th, 2009 (10:42 am)The majority of the public wants cheap cars that they don’t feel stupid driving. This is why hybrids still can’t crack 3% of the US market– they give up too much in the name of efficiency.
The only concession the Volt appears to have made so far, is in styling– it’s a bit bland, but very aerodynamic.
I’m hoping the Volt makes electric cars mainstream.
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+2
Aug 6th, 2009 (11:05 am)Starcast wrote :
This is very UnAmerican. Sorry I want Electric cars as much as anyone. BUT throwing money at something never fixed anything.
——————————————————————————————
Well, it’s a bit naïve to think that ‘throwing money’ on something doesn’t change the dynamic of the situation.
It’s misinformed to think it’s unamerican.
The US engaged in the race for space in the ’60s because Russians were ahead. Realizing that, JFK set an ambitious goal. And threw money (a lot) toward that goal.
End result : the US won that race, eventually the cold war ended in favor of capitalism and the entire computer industry (and silicon valley) was the benefit of that space program.
So it’s truly american to spend lots of money to win a race where America is trailing. And the new industries that will be born thanks to that spending effort will help the country become richer. Or stop getting poorer, depending on how you look at things.
The private sector will develop where it is cheaper to establish the manufacturing plant. Right now, it’s anywhere BUT in the US because other countries are subsidizing. To stay in the race, the US must do the same.
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Aug 6th, 2009 (11:09 am)Since I live in northern VA and work in DC, I’m hoping that there will be an effort to get Volts on the roads where members of Congress and their staffs drive every day.
If not, I am hoping for the lottery Tagamet mentions above!
Good luck!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (11:12 am)I think the reason he is talking about and acting on so many issues with time for adequate debate is that the longer people have to look at his plans the less they will like them.
My personal opinion is that this is the first money he’s spent that might actually have an real impact on the economy (in the future) and our energy independence.
Though I disagree with our current President on the solution to most of our problems, in this he has arrived where I have been since those snide sand hillbillies at OPEC choked off the oil in 1973.
Then we can finally move on to finding new ways to finance and improve our roads, water networks, electrical grid, and waste disposal (minus Yucca mountain aaargh!)
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Aug 6th, 2009 (11:19 am)k-dawg
Could it be a modified Zeta RWD platform?
Sign me up for a 2014 Buick Velite (Wildcat)
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Aug 6th, 2009 (11:46 am)I understand that raising the gasoline tax will hurt the poor, but they can neutralize that by making part of it deficit neutral and sending the proceeds to the poor. A gas tax is the only way to encourage people to a)take public transportation (there are people who drive when they could take the subway), b)get kids to take the school bus, c)make people drive their cars around town instead of their trucks, d)stop buying SUVs if they don’t need them. I could go on….
By the way, the federal government is broke. And they desperately need money to a)fix our crumbling infrastructure (and maybe making it more environmentally friendly), b)build more public transportation, and c) pay back the deficit. They’re going to have to raise more money somehow.
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+1
Aug 6th, 2009 (11:47 am)N+N,
It DID occur to me that it might be the spirit of statik haunting the place. With all this funding stuff hitting the news, I really thought that he might come back. We could sure use him!
Did you notice that some of the funds were to pay for the specialized parts – probably used in the Volt? THAT could effect the initial price and REALLY get it rolling out of the box!
Be well,
Tagamet
LJGTVWOTR!!***********NPNS!
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Aug 6th, 2009 (12:24 pm)I am not sure any particular week would have been a better week. I look forward to getting some good information at least once each week. There is just too much going on in the auto world for us not to. Plus, Lyle will be getting his IVer ride pretty soon. It is all good. Except no more Statik. Generally speaking, of course.
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