An astute observer noticed none other than a pre-production Chevy Volt integration vehicle nonchalantly parked in a neighbor’s driveway.
A fleet of eight of these vehicles just returned from a 3-day 1200-mile extended test drive last week, and perhaps one of the lucky participants got to take one home for the weekend. It is known that 80 of these cars are in existence and nvolced in continuous and extensive testing
General Motors engineers are often given the opportunity to take home pre-production vehicles prior to launch. In fact, some of the learning that goes into the refinement of these vehicles is derived from these take-home experiences.
However, these IVer Volts are unusually early in development for this type of endeavor. Most pre-production cars are taken home just a few months prior to launch when they are usually at a high level of refinement. The fact that they are already allowed home appears to confirms the great confidence GM has with their robustness and the particularly advanced level of development they have already achieved in such a short time.
No, its not my house.
Apparently this is nothing new. According to GM spokesperson Rob Peterson, “several engineers have already taken these vehicles home over weekends.”
Source (Autoblog)
This entry was posted on Sunday, October 18th, 2009 at 8:43 pm and is filed under Images, Prototypes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Oct 18th, 2009 (8:59 pm)maybe the guy had to stop and borrow a couple of amps?
+1
Oct 18th, 2009 (9:18 pm)I live in the Bay area and hope to have one in my driveway soon – if I can afford it. If they play around with distribution I will buy a strong hybrid first then wait an see… I hope GM can keep it together.
I am still pissed about the change to the body prototype. I understand why they changed it. But it seems like SOME of the styling could have been salvaged. Even at a small cost to mpg. Does anyone have any real knowledge on the relationship between drag and the design changes? What might have been saved?
Thanks!
+2
Oct 18th, 2009 (9:19 pm)Herm—
He is there because he had a 40 mile range and an ICE backup. He (or she) didn’t have a range worry because the system takes that worry away.
Any vehicle IMO has to be able to operate on a continuous basis without inducing a latent fear into it’s owner. Otherwise it has introduced a reason not to buy it.
+1
Oct 18th, 2009 (9:39 pm)Is it just me, or do those rims make the Volt look even better?
Oct 18th, 2009 (9:45 pm)Bling wheels just say to the law, ‘Pull me over, I’m a s__th__d’. The wheels in the photo however look like normal size for the car, just chrome plated.
+3
Oct 18th, 2009 (9:46 pm)One more comment. This is obviously a GM employee. If it is actually at his house, he has good taste in automobiles… That’s a Dodge in the driveway!
Oct 18th, 2009 (10:10 pm)Maybe the guy is taking it on a personal road trip…
+8
Oct 18th, 2009 (10:28 pm)Just GMs future reputation! If they had given you those styling effects and gotten lower drag than one of their competitors vehicles, all those nay sayers would be pointing at how inferior GM vehicles are. Although many liked the initial prototype, I personally think it was ugly and that the Volt’s current appearance IS stylish, attractive, as well as having the best drag to maximize mileage.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+2
Oct 18th, 2009 (10:44 pm)I was a young engineer at Chrysler 25 years ago and one of the fun things about the job was being able to take “Lab Cars” home to evaluate. We also could take them on longer trips. I had a Dodge Shelby that we had just put a Turbo engine in and Corvette Gatorback tires. We broke it in by taking a quick trip to Chicago for pizza, and some data, before heading to the proving grounds. What a fun job that was.
I’m sure the engineer driving that Volt will remember his road trip for the rest of his life too. I am looking forward to my first drive in the Volt like I enjoyed those early road trips in my career.
+1
Oct 18th, 2009 (10:50 pm)I saw a Volt getting off the highway last week! I was so excited that I could barely contain myself.
+2
Oct 18th, 2009 (10:58 pm)Lyle, it doesn’t need to be plugged in, it’s an EREV, remember?
And home for this car is the lab 
Oct 18th, 2009 (11:04 pm)looks like it has a lot of ground clearance..
Oct 18th, 2009 (11:17 pm)Does anyone know if you can hook up the factory cable to an everyday extension cable?
Otherwise it looks like that rental car (the dodge) is hogging the chargine spot.
Oct 19th, 2009 (12:49 am)Where?
Oct 19th, 2009 (3:45 am)I bet anyone who would see a Volt on a driveway or the road before it comes out next year of November would sure go hog wild If I saw one as well on the road or the driveway I sure would say something like oh my god! Look what’s on the road! What is it? It’s a volt no way you gotta be kidding me! Nope.
Oct 19th, 2009 (4:21 am)GXT … read the web meeting text of three days ago. GM engineering mentions that provided cable is over 20′ long. And use of an extension beyond this is not recommended. It wasn’t a flat “no”, just that it’s not recommended.
=D~
Oct 19th, 2009 (5:09 am)The guy/gal sure is lucky.
I think I would be afraid to park it anywhere else but inside the garage.
The Volt is kinda like………sacred at this point.
+2
Oct 19th, 2009 (5:31 am)If it was one of my neighbors driveways (know em or not) that had a volt parked in it I would stop over and have to ask for a ride. In that kind of situation I have no shame. Maybe I’d bring over brownies or something but I’d have to stop bye and talk to the person at least.
+1
Oct 19th, 2009 (5:35 am)Here is the quote:
“The EVSE or charge cord will be about 25 feet and designed to all relevant codes. We do not recommend extension cords but rather that when you have your home inspection, you reposition your outlet/charging station appropriately.”
=D~
Oct 19th, 2009 (5:42 am)… appearance IS stylish, attractive, as well as having the best drag to maximize mileage.
The wording on the design change report is: The original design was not consistent with the goal of 40 mile battery range.The report went on to mention that 125 areas were addressed and improved upon. “No stone left unturned”.
=D~
Oct 19th, 2009 (6:04 am)Amen, brother!
Oct 19th, 2009 (6:26 am)LRGVProVolt
I like the current style far better as well, it’s just right.
If the interior dimensions are the same as the Malibu, (I got into a new Malibu a few months ago at the Chevy Store and really liked the seats, headroom, etc.) then the Volt is just perfect, perfect, perfect.
Oct 19th, 2009 (6:46 am)Forget the brownies…..
Take a six pack, and ask to drive it!!!!!!
HAHAHAHA!!!!
Oct 19th, 2009 (6:48 am)Lyle:
So where and when was this picture taken?????
Inquiring minds want to know……..
+1
Oct 19th, 2009 (7:02 am)If the extension is of the right gauge, I’m sure it’s okay. Look at it like an extension of your house wiring.The correct extension cord is dependent on the size and length of the cord. Just follow the national electrical code as to how far you can go with a particular size wire and load.
Oct 19th, 2009 (7:39 am)I agree. You would think GM would not allow Volts to be parked outside unattended. Hundreds of millions spent on R&D on a game-changing technology and still a year away from showrooms. I might be a bit more security conscious.
+1
Oct 19th, 2009 (7:40 am)The present Volt styling (or lack thereof, depending on one’s viewpoint) was certainly not the only possibility. An alternative that no doubt had good aero was the Ampera design. The present design most likely is strongly influenced by the cost-savings (or possibly marketing plan) associated with making the Volt a variation of the Cruze, insofar as styling. They look pretty much the same and no doubt share a lot of parts and panels.
To me the Volt looks fine but not distinctive, more or less the same as numerous other current cars.
+3
Oct 19th, 2009 (7:43 am)He’s visiting one of his relatives to say “look what I’ve got,”
+2
Oct 19th, 2009 (7:44 am)The dodge in front is the one that needs the electrification,good for 7 passengers and cargo. The ar are plenty of econo-box minicars on the road and more to come by 2011. Just sayin!
Oct 19th, 2009 (7:45 am)Is that snow on the trees, or just reflections?
Oct 19th, 2009 (7:45 am)Someone said a while back here that the Volt has the same ground clearance as a Corvette ….anyone know if that’s true?
-10
Oct 19th, 2009 (7:46 am)(click to show comment)
Oct 19th, 2009 (7:57 am)Dave K –> Can you give us the link to the transcript? Thank you.
Oct 19th, 2009 (8:03 am)http://gm-volt.com/2009/10/16/what-is-the-true-demand-for-electric-cars/
=D~
+1
Oct 19th, 2009 (8:04 am)A 30 amp heavy duty extension will work fine with no worries. GM is just saying not to use one for liability reasons.
+3
Oct 19th, 2009 (8:11 am)A co-worker jumped into a Camaro this weekend and was very impressed by the attention to detail that GM is putting into their cars. The co-worker favored the Camaro over the Mustang and the Challenger which were also at the show. He said that Mustang was too retro, a nice looking car but lacked the performance and detail of the Camaro. The Challenger has good performance but is missing the detail of the Ford and of the Camaro. He was also impressed with the 300+HP V-6 offered in the Camaro along with the excellent gas mileage of the very powerful V-8. I also read a review of the Traverse. The review was outstanding with only one minor ding. The writer said that climbing a steep hill with the four banger under the hood pushed the engine to the max but under normal conditions the Traverse is an excellent cross-over, especially for the great gas mileage it delivers. I’ve got to believe that GM is putting the same and maybe even more attention to detail into the Volt. At least I’m really hoping this is what’s happening.
+2
Oct 19th, 2009 (8:39 am)I can’t help but look at that picture of a Volt sitting in a common driveway like that and think how cool to have EV’s be the new normal. We’ve come a long way and we’re going further. Awesome times to be living in.
Oct 19th, 2009 (8:40 am)Can’t tell from the photo, but I hope not. As any owner of a Corvette will attest, curbs can be a real problem to navigate without dragging air dams or other parts. I’ve even had problem getting out of a gas station because the slope of the exit was to great… You literally have to crawl as slow as possible to avoid dragging body parts. Can be real dicey at busy intersections.
Oct 19th, 2009 (9:00 am)Voltage will drop over a significant run of extension cord. I’m talking like over 100′. The longer the run, the higher the gauge should be (above what is directly required for load). If using more than one extension cord (horrors!), use the thickest one on the end closest to your house outlet.
I’d expect you’d also need to use the lower of the two 110V charge rates (8 hours for full charge, vs 5+).
Don’t doubt that a lot of “unrecommended” things will at least be attempted.
Oct 19th, 2009 (9:00 am)Good to see that more articles are actually about the Volt since this is a Volt site
Can’t wait to see a couple irl especially production models.
+2
Oct 19th, 2009 (9:09 am)GM will simply be looking to protect the VOLT’s reputation – especially during the first year of roll-out – by ensuring that the customer’s primary home charging station has good, clean, consistent amps for charging. I’m not saying you or any other potential customer has any issues, but the last thing GM wants or needs is bad PR over a fried battery pack or, more likely, and undercharged battery resulting in reduced range due to faulty electric charging. Requesting a home inspection may seem like its over the top, but to me its just another sign that GM is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to the VOLT’s ultimate market success.
Oct 19th, 2009 (9:14 am)While they’re testing out the Volt, I’d like to know how the Volt’s performance and battery life would be affected if a Volt was never to be plugged in for recharging and instead, always operated with the ICE engine keeping battery at minimal levels of charge.
Sure it might be an extreme case if operated this way, but nonetheless the car’s limits must be known for lots of reasons, including how extensive the battery warranty would be; whether or not the warranty would be transferrable to a second owner, etc.
What would happen if this day comes…… a pristine six-year old Volt, owned by an elderly widow now deceased, is put up for sale. Might it not be the creampuff it would seem to be if she never plugged it in and only drove in extended mode? Would the battery life be shortened if never completely recharged, and if so, how badly would its life be cut short?
Oct 19th, 2009 (9:18 am)I was kind of wondering that myself, but I think it is just an overexposed picture. I don’t see any snow on the grass or the proch roof…..
+2
Oct 19th, 2009 (9:25 am)RB
If you were in charge of GM’s legal dept. would you trust me to not use some ungrounded extention cord that had bare epots covered with tape.
The statement by GM is called CYA
Oct 19th, 2009 (10:30 am)I think they should do what Ford did with the Fusion. Have a couple of “Known” hyper-milers drive a Volt and see what they can get in EV and CS mode.
Just a thought.
Oct 19th, 2009 (10:33 am)It is over light exposure from the “Drive by shooting….”
AHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!
Gettit?
+1
Oct 19th, 2009 (10:46 am)CBK:
Yeah, but it’s sooo good for the Cd!
We have had the same issues with out Impala for almost 15 years, LOL. When you pull out of the market parking lot it scrapes the air dam, and then the tailpipes. We just deal with it, because it looks so cool.
The air dams on Corvettes and the Impala are relatively cheap injection molded flexible parts. They are sort of a consumable item, as a tradeoff with the Cd and cooling issues. We have had to replace ours once in 15 years, when we finally drove it over a parking lot bumper once too often. The tailpipes are a little scraped up, but who cares?
For my part, keep the ride height down “in the weeds”. I can deal with whatever maintenance issues may result.
LJGTVWOTR!!
Oct 19th, 2009 (10:50 am)Jim I:
You beat me to it.
How about a case of whiskey and borrow it for the weekend?
Oct 19th, 2009 (10:51 am)mike:
Hey, it’s good publicity. It stirred things up on thei blog anyway. Any ink is good ink.
Oct 19th, 2009 (10:53 am)Since a Lithium Ion battery’s life is measured by the number of full cycles it sustains, I’d expect this “creampuff” to be a real steal; since it’s expensive pack may have only aged the equivalent of a dozen or so cycles over 6 years (vs hundreds).
That’s not to say that the controller for the motor hasn’t aged, since it wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between power from the generator or the battery. Also, the generator itself may have some issues.
Oct 19th, 2009 (10:55 am)Captain:
I can still remember the Mobilgas Economy Run, which was a BIG deal when I was a kid. The manufacturers all entered tricked up cheater cars, and hired ringers to drive them. if they won, they bragged about it for months. I wonder if that might be a viable thing to try to bring back now?
Oct 19th, 2009 (10:58 am)Good comment Noel ….My Z-28 had the same features & I agree completely!
+3
Oct 19th, 2009 (11:07 am)It seems most posters here complaining about the design are male… just my observation, but the concept was very stout and muscular, having a similar feel to a Camaro or Mustang. I probably would not buy a car of that sort. I am a tomboy, not a man. No hood scoops, huge wheels, or any of that crap guys like on my car. Something sporty, not macho manly.
Can you imagine a woman in her 40s or 50s purchasing something like the concept? I imagine that to be an age range that could afford this car and would care about saving gas. GM could have lost a lot of potential customers if it kept the design. Don’t assume only men are out shopping for cars.
I don’t think we need to hastily and automatically point to the aero benefits. I think the design changes make sense marketing-wise, period. Its stated goal was to be the Everyperson Car, not the Every Man Asserting His Masculinity Car.
Oct 19th, 2009 (11:38 am)stu…
The batt pack will be run only 50% of it’s capacity, therefore it’s theoretical full cycle is ony 50%. If the user never plugs it in, the power electronics will be used to always condition the battery and keep it at it’s “user known” minimal SOC. Now remember the “user known” 0% SOC is really close to 50% of the batt packs “Real” SOC. I think you may be concerened about a batt pack that has not been plugged in to charge and therefore the typical “Balance” of each cells is of concern. This has not bee addressed but IMHO, if the genset ig designed to “charge” the batt pack or maintian the charge, one would think it is using the “Balance” function of the BMS while it’s doing it.
“Would the battery life be shortened if never completely recharged, and if so, how badly would its life be cut short?”
This has always been the misconception of Li cells. These cells like to be “short cycled” and extends their life cycle. They do not exhibit the “memory” effect like NiCAD and others. They also have a much longer shelf storage life.
Oct 19th, 2009 (11:40 am)Maybe they stopped by for a “Nooner”……ifyaknowhat I mean.
+1
Oct 19th, 2009 (11:41 am)Let’s see, a mini van probably driven by a Soccer Mom MILF…..
Yup. it’s a nooner!!
Oct 19th, 2009 (11:49 am)Last I checked I still live in the USA and have the right to be a moron to use an improper extension cord. (Not that I would)
Oct 19th, 2009 (12:08 pm)Ahhh. So, that’s why its not plugged in!
Oct 19th, 2009 (12:13 pm)Low ride height makes it tough to drive in snow, or on dirt roads.Both are common around here. Also Lyle needs to navigate the potholed streets of NYC, which are even worse than the roads around here. Unlike a Corvette the Volt is not meant for a racetrack. It should be able to navigate the same roads as a urban SUV. You are more than welcome to lower the ride height on yours, I would like to see what a Volt would do at Bonneville!
Cheers
+1
Oct 19th, 2009 (12:14 pm)“They” also recommend you don’t use your Styrofoam beer cooler as a step ladder, but you can rest assured that they even bother to say that because thousands of American morons *do* use it as a step ladder.
So, feel free to snake a 100′ extension cord down the street to charge your Volt, chances are you will be fine. In the event some even bigger American moron comes along and puts his tongue on some exposed metal where you plugged into the extension cord, then you can engage in that favorite American pastime: moron legal duel.
+2
Oct 19th, 2009 (12:34 pm)The prototype had a Coefficient of drag of 0.43, about the same as a Chevy Silverado pickup truck. After much tweaking in the wind tunnels, the production Chevy Volt has a Cd less than the Prius (the Prius is 0.25).
http://www.wired.com/cars/coolwheels/news/2008/09/volt_revealed/
Air drag = 1/2 p v^2 Cd A
where p is the density of air (lower on mountain tops)
v is the speed (velocity is speed and direction; direction doesn’t matter here)
A is the cross section area of the car
A Cd of 0.43 is 79% more drag than the final 0.24 !
GM was aiming for a 40 mile all electric range, so with more air drag, they would have needed more kWh to achieve 40 miles, which would mean a bigger battery, more expensive, heavier, etc…
They must be minimizing tire rolling resistance as well.
After the Volt is established as a viable car, they might offer different sheet metal wraps (the “look”) for people that don’t mind sacrificing performance for appearance sake.
Oct 19th, 2009 (12:46 pm)Are you serious?
You don’t have to have your home inspected to buy one of these.
You probably have to get a permit to have the charger installed and the accompying electrical work done, and depending on your municipality you may need to have that work inspected.
Or if you want to sell your house….
I don’t think an extension cord is a good idea. Have you ever tried to wheel a big compressor out to the bottom of your driveway and use a 50 foot extension cord. It won’t run because of the loss over distance.
Oct 19th, 2009 (2:00 pm)Errr.
JonP.
There is no reason a properly rated Extension Cord would not work. As noted before, the typical current draw of the Volt will be around 8-12 Amps at 110-120V. Provided you extension cord and outlet are both of sufficient quality, there is no reason a 50′ or 100′ cord would not be acceptable.
Oct 19th, 2009 (2:17 pm)Lithium Batteries are different.
The Ideal charge state for Lithium Cobalt Batteries (Those typically found in Laptops, Cell Phones, and Tesla Roadster) have an ideal charge state of 40% to extend life as long as possible.
I believe the Volt’s Lithium Manganese Spirel are similar.
In the low use situation you describe, Temperature will probably be more important than “plug-in” state. Kept around 50-70 degree the Battery will be in great shape (say in a semi-heated/cooled garage). Left out in the Texas Sun for days on end with no use… poor battery
Oct 19th, 2009 (2:31 pm)Excuse me, but is that a Chrysler vehicle parked in the driveway of the GM engineer? Oh the shame….
Oct 19th, 2009 (2:38 pm)So what you’re saying is… the car’s not plugged in, because the driver is?
Oct 19th, 2009 (2:40 pm)OK, Jack, this is the second time you’ve brought it up. I think we see where your head’s at… Maybe it’s time for you to join a dating service.
Or would that be a “wenching service” in your case? My apologies, I don’t quite get the whole pirate culture.
Oct 19th, 2009 (3:03 pm)Red HHR:
Or you can raise yours, LOL. Maybe it’s time for variable ride heigth, pioneered by Citroen about 40 years ago.
The Volt is complex enough without adding such complication, but it might be a good option in the future, as CAFE becomes more binding. Of couse, the lowriders in SoCal can fix you up right now, with either hydraulics or air bags. “Low and Slow”.
I saw a picture somewhere of a Prius at Bonneville, but I never heard how fast it went. I have no doubt that a Volt will get there in good time.
Oct 19th, 2009 (3:10 pm)nasaman:
Thanks. It means a lot coming from you.
Did you happen to see the “Nova” episode on the repair/update of the Hubble telescope last night? To call it stunning is an understatement. My favorite part was when the astronaut broke the handrail that was blocking access by “brute strength and bloody ignorance”, but that’s just the Corvette mechanic in me talking, LOL.
I get so frustrated by the level of balance of payments and job exports that I despair of the future of our great country at times. Seeing those brilliant folks at work gave me new hope for the future. As I think we all know deep down, we can do anything if we put our minds to it. Which is one reason I keep up Tagamet’s mantra:
LJGTVWOTR!!
Oct 19th, 2009 (3:11 pm)Just seeing a Volt in an ordinary driveway makes me ask the question, “How do you hot-wire a Volt?” Just wondering ….
Oct 19th, 2009 (3:26 pm)How many beers have you had today?????
Oct 19th, 2009 (3:30 pm)Dave K–> Thank you for the link.
Oct 19th, 2009 (3:42 pm)The idea of an Everyperson car has many good points, but the main difficulty with it is the price, which for now is projected to be significantly higher than an otherwise comparable ICE car. That means that the customer has to get excited about something. Maybe the Voltec powertrain is enough, though someone who really likes the styling is likely to be more easily enthusiastic. Depending on style that person might be male or female, but both are sensitive to styling, perhaps female potential customers as much or more.
Oct 19th, 2009 (5:00 pm)Jim:
Things could be worse. At least it’s a domestic.
+1
Oct 19th, 2009 (6:02 pm)Then no such vehicle exists..
Gas cars can’t go on forever, you have to stop for gas some time.
If you’re in unfamiliar territory and that gas guage nears the bottom, would there not be ‘latent fear in the owner’ over whether you’ll find a gas station or not?
Oct 19th, 2009 (8:56 pm)I almost mentioned the Citroen myself, however the lift kits that I used to buy from JC Whitney were so much cheaper. I have much respect for the Bonneville speedsters, however I am more into the WRC myself.
I wonder what the chances are for a two door Chevy Cruze on the WRC circuit?
+2
Oct 19th, 2009 (8:57 pm)Canehdian—
True with your analogy except for one thing. With the ICE you have a builtin backup system. It is known as a “fillin station” and they are everywhere. Show me the same for an electric vehicle.
Oct 19th, 2009 (11:03 pm)Yes, seeing a Volt finally in a driveway is a warm sight to see. Even the pre-production model looks great, camo or not.
One of the best things i think GM did was NOT GOING CHEAP WITH THE WHEELS. Usually, with literally 99% of cars, the BASE wheel option is horrendously ugly. Even on MOST cars, the only models with attractive wheels available are the fully loaded ones. That has ALWAYS been a car pet peeve of mine. You need several thousand in upgrades just to qualify for decent wheels.
THANK YOU GM for making every Volt out there, even the base models, walk like supermodels, by giving them decent wheels.
Oh yeah, and i totally agree with those who say GM is merely covering their butts when they say not to use an extension cord.
Oct 20th, 2009 (4:16 am)quality=wire gauge
lower gauge (thicker wire) = less voltage drop and higher amperage rating
-3
Oct 20th, 2009 (6:55 am)LeoK said ” “GM will simply be looking to protect the VOLT’s reputation “” and “Requesting a home inspection may seem like its over the top,…”
—-
Some other considerations are these: I do not work for gm but rather am (possibly) paying them for a product. The corporation is not paying me. I have no doubt that if there is a home inspection it will be another charge to me. If gm’s goal is to prevent me from buying a Volt (or buying any of their products), they have found a good way to do so. If rather gm has a problem with the electricity at my house, which seems to do fine on numerous other electric devices, they need to work it out with Duke Energy, the utility, not me. If gm has issues with housing codes, they need to work these out with the county government.
Oct 20th, 2009 (6:57 am)old man
I understand.
Oct 22nd, 2009 (8:12 pm)Why would someone have a rental car at home? Although a GM engineer owning a different brand is strange, too. Maybe they were given that vehicle as well so they could get to know the competition, if this guy plans on working in minivans later.