Around 3 years ago, a neurologist named Lyle Dennis decided he just had too much free time on his hands and decided to start a site chronicling the progress and development of a vehicle named the Chevrolet Volt.
Since then, Lyle has researched, interviewed and penned well over a thousand articles on the subject. To date, not a day has gone by without a fresh article for the readership to comment on, no small feat…especially considering his day job.
A few months ago, Lyle ruined his consecutive streak of articles by graciously allowing me to fill in and do some guest pieces, and ever since then I have been nagging him to let me do a story just on him.
Until today, Lyle had rebutted my requests saying that the readership would prefer more Volt-related news, and that the site was not to focus on him, blah, blah, blah. I’m chalking his refusal up to him just being a all around humble/good guy who really doesn’t crave the spotlight…because what he has accomplished here, the hours he puts in, and the access he has been granted inside GM for our benefit is nothing short of remarkable.
So what changed? How did this article come to exist? Well, charity finally got him to buckle…as in, I promised to give Lyle’s charity a pop in exchange for 7 questions. Lyle agreed.
On Sunday Lyle will be running in the NYC Marathon for the American Heart Association. The event looks to have over 40,000 participants and covers 26 miles of New York asphalt. Perhaps you have seen the little ads poking their heads up around the site to donate? I encourage anyone who can, to support Lyle on his run.
…and now the questions.
1.) I’ll start you off easy, can you fill us in on the NYC Marathon, your charity…and how does one run marathons, be a doctor and still find time to run this site?
I love running the NYC marathon, this will be my fifth in a row. It seemed like a good idea to do it for charity this year. As a stroke neurologist, I chose to run for the American Heart Association which is the parent organization of the American Stroke Association.
The only way to find time for all these things is to get up very early in the morning, and go full steam until its time for bed again. Every day is kind of a marathon itself. As you can see I’m not one to sit idle.
2.) Follow-up question: What does your family think of the site? Does your spouse still speak to you?
I am very fortunate to have a supportive wife and 3 beautiful children ranging in age from 3 to 10. There are times my wife has heard enough about electric cars, and my kids know a little too much about them too.
3.) If you had the option to buy either the Concept or Production Volt in November of 2010? Which would it be?
Believe it or not, I actually prefer the production design. Yes the concept was cool but it doesn’t seem realistic. Also I think making a car palatable for the widest swath of the population will help lead to highest sales volume and thus lead to less oil used. The Camaro, for example, is very striking in design, but not everyone is willing to drive one.
4.) It is a well known fact that all .com owners are multi-millionaires, does it cause conflicts with GM executives when you are able to fly your jet to all corporate events and they now have to fly commercial?
Sorry that .com rule doesn’t apply to bloggers =)
5.) From your own ‘want’ list survey. What is the most you are willing to pay for a Chevrolet Volt (in USD)?
I think $40,000 is the number. I realize its high for the mass market but to me its worth it to be an early adopter. With time it will come down considerably.
6.) We know you are currently driving a electric Mini, and have tested several electric cars from different manufacturers, if GM gave you a free pass and let you change one thing about the Volt, what would it be?
I’ll pick two; a third seat in the rear and 50 amp 220V charging capability.
7.) What happens to GM-Volt.com past the launch of the actual car? How do you see the site evolving once the car is mainstream?
The site has been a fascinating experiment for me. I started it with no idea if it would ever be noticed, so all of its attention has been a great surprise.
In my very first post in January 2007 I promised to continue the site to the launch and beyond, so that hasn’t changed.
I hope post-launch it will be the go-to place for all things Volt and for Volt owners to hang out and interact, free of corporate oversight and spin.
I also hope to implement, besides the forum, the ability for anyone to create their own microblogs within the site and to be able to post frontpage content in real time, along with what I contribute.
8.) Yeah I said only 7 questions, but this is one is important…and Lyle will probably not answer anymore questions from me. Ever. Who are you pulling for? Yankees or Phillies in the World Series?
I was born in the Bronx and live in NY Statik…do you really need to ask?
Sidenote: My thanks to Lyle for doing this quiz even though he didn’t really want to…and for giving us a little piece of the internet to call ‘home’ everyday. Please donate to the American Heart Association in support of Lyle’s November 1 2009 marathon run by clicking here.
+2
Oct 31st, 2009 (6:09 pm)Thanks for the post statik.
You’re doing great work Dr. Dennis. Run a smooth race and gain strength from the knowing that your heart is in the right place.
=D~
(Quote)
+1
Oct 31st, 2009 (6:17 pm)Statik,
Great piece. It will be cool when this site hosts thw comments of Volt owners. I didn’t even think that far.
(Quote)
+1
Oct 31st, 2009 (6:20 pm)Lyle,
Have you ever met or spoken to Chris Paine? Has he interviewed you for “Revenge of the Electric Car”?
(Quote)
+1
Oct 31st, 2009 (6:38 pm)Thank you Lyle for allowing this interview. As much as I love reading as much as I can about the volt. It was great to hear about the man that puts so much into this site.
Also thanks to Statik for being persistent:)
(Quote)
+5
Oct 31st, 2009 (6:44 pm)Statik: “I’m chalking his (Lyle’s) refusal up to him just being an all around humble/good guy who really doesn’t crave the spotlight…because what he has accomplished here, the hours he puts in, and the access he has been granted inside GM for our benefit is nothing short of remarkable.
Absolutely true, Statik!!! At VoltNation in NYC last year Tagamet & I started circulating a petition aimed at General Motors to make Lyle Dennis an early recipient of a FREE Chevy Volt and we got a ton of signatures from those attending VoltNation. We then advised Lyle that we would be expanding that petition to everyone at gm-volt.com. He graciously asked us NOT to do so, as the “humble/good guy” he is, and it was with considerable reluctance that we finally conceded to Lyle’s request to stand down.
Dr. Lyle Dennis is truly an humble/good guy & a genius —he’s really one in a million!
(Quote)
+2
Oct 31st, 2009 (7:15 pm)Re:
7.) What happens to GM-Volt.com past the launch of the actual car? How do you see the site evolving once the car is mainstream?
I’ve mentioned this once before — Combine GM-Volt and All Cars Electric and publish a monthly magazine!!!
I think there will be more than enough content for years to come and there will be greater ad revenue, and he is already established as an editor-in-chief as well as one of the de facto experts in the subject.
Call me if you need a graphics guy.
(Quote)
Oct 31st, 2009 (7:16 pm)“I think $40,000 is the number. I realize its high for the mass market but to me its worth it to be an early adopter. With time it will come down considerably.”
I have to think when in the history of the auto industry have we ever seen the price of a car drop like LCD’s or Computers. If it’s $40K it will be that way forever!
NPNS!
(Quote)
Oct 31st, 2009 (8:01 pm)I think the only time auto prices came down radically and quickly was when Henry Ford introduced the assembly line. The Volt also represents something very new and I think it will lend itself quite well to automation and in fact the price will drop to the point that the masses will be able to afford it. I also believe nearly all if not all of GM’s competitors are working as fast as they can to have a Voltec type product in show rooms ASAP. And that competition will drive the price down.
(Quote)
+10
Oct 31st, 2009 (8:05 pm)I don’t post often, but it seems like a good opportunity to come out of the woodwork and say thanks to Lyle. Keep it Up!
(Quote)
+2
Oct 31st, 2009 (8:07 pm)Good luck in the race Lyle and thanks again for bringing the attention you have to the Chevy Volt.
Happy Halloween everyone. If any of you are in Indianapolis this weekend, you may see running around dressed up as the Scottish Castrol oil guy that hits people with a dipstick.
(Quote)
Oct 31st, 2009 (8:46 pm)Nelson,
__________
I think you’re both right, pretty much!!! Nelson, the Voltec systems will move on to take advantage of mass production and cost reductions, and Old Man the model T was lowered substatially in price from earlier models, but the earlier models didn’t go down in price, as far as I can tell. Ransom Olds introduced what could be called the assembly line to autos, although Fords later proved dominant and nearly swept away the entire industry.
(Quote)
+1
Oct 31st, 2009 (9:48 pm)Good luck for the marathon. I already ran two of them and know how much effort is required to get ready for one. Keep up the good work Lyle. You’re really outstanding!
(Quote)
+2
Oct 31st, 2009 (10:35 pm)Go Lyle! I did my first marathon (a trail marathon) 10 days after my 60th birthday as a walker/hiker. It took 8 hrs, 18 minutes, but I finished. BTW, if my color name wins, I am extending an invitation to Lyle to use one of the 4 tickets to go to LA.
Also, shouldn’t we try to get GM to make some Volts available for drives at the Detroit auto show, only a month later (I work in Detroit).
John
(Quote)
+1
Oct 31st, 2009 (10:37 pm)I hope the dynamic duo get to drive in range extend soon. Many thanks to Lyle and his unabashed enthusiasm for the Volt and all cars electric. Also thanks to Statik for his probing questions… And a second thanks to Statik for giving Lyle a chance to spend a wee bit more time with his family.
As for the price of the Volt being high, for now? What was the cost of the first electric starter, the first power window, the first dual overhead cam? How about the first anti-lock brakes,airbags. Yup, a Duesenberg may have cost twenty grand. Now most any blue collar worker can afford the technology that came in that car, and so much more.
/Cheers Guys
(Quote)
Oct 31st, 2009 (11:49 pm)Congress done for now TIGER bored . Perhaps it is time for GM and big Oil . We see will we not .
happy holloween .
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (12:25 am)Excellent interview Statik!
Thank you Lyle for this wonderful site!
For post launch Volt I will comment on my performance data, and any tips, & tricks on my Volt If I gain any, on this site.
I already donated under Lyle’s entrée a few month’s ago.
Good luck, and have fun Lyle, at the Marathon.
(Quote)
+3
Nov 1st, 2009 (12:28 am)Many thanks Lyle for all you’ve done! There are few causes as important as getting off oil. Unfortunately, many of the people who style themselves evangelists of this cause exude negativity and pooh-pooh any attempt at a solution that isn’t a flawless panacea. The thing that draws me to this site is that you are positive, and willing to give good ideas a go. If I am any indication, there are many people who almost religiously visit this site, even if like myself they don’t have time to post very often. You have done an amazing thing in drawing together a fan base including hyper-liberals and ultraconservatives, west coasters and east coasters, young and old, urban and rural, rich and not-so-rich, engineers and financiers; all united by an interest in the Volt. This would not have been possible without your hard work and dedication.
Sure the Volt has flaws. But I am sick of people complaining ad nauseum about the cost, the extended smokestack, the “gas guzzling” range extender, and who knows what else without offering any non-vaporware alternative. I say may the person with a better mass-market solution in the works throw the first tomato! Without a baby step- however imperfect – we’ll never solve anything. It is very easy to be a critic, but much harder to work towards positive change. Many thanks to Lyle and of course the Volt team at GM for doing the latter in the face of quite a bit of the former!
(Quote)
+6
Nov 1st, 2009 (12:52 am)Also, I want to extend a thank you to the many insightful and well-informed posters on this site. Statik, LauraM, Nasaman, Noel Park, Corvetteguy, Rashiid Amul, DaveG, Tagamet and many others I have forgot to mention are really a joy to read. Well, “joy” is perhaps not something I associate with Statik, but masochism does hold a strange appeal
. Reading comments on any other blog really makes you appreciate GM-Volt.com.
(Quote)
+2
Nov 1st, 2009 (1:50 am)Lyle, it must feel like a very heavy responsibility sometimes to satisfy us Voltniks every day. Somehow you manage to do so. Thanks!
(Quote)
+1
Nov 1st, 2009 (5:15 am)I’ll also vote for more seating, but as an EREV version of the Orlando:
http://www.chevrolet.com/future-vehicles/orlando/
or something similar. This would have seating for 6 and significantly more cargo space, all using the same exact compact car platform as the Volt.
As for 50 amp 220V charging, I’m always curious why people want this. If you charge overnight, and charge at work, this covers the vast majority of miles for most drivers. How many more electric miles per year would you actually expect to get with the higher charging capability?
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (6:59 am)Good luck on the marathon. I’m in awe of your ability to get so much accomplished. The Volt is inevitable now and your efforts have no doubt had an effect on this.
Perhaps if we keep talking often enough and loud enough, GM will continue to gain a better handle on this end of the market and we will also help grow it into the big end.
Perhaps it is nearing time to morph into GM-VOLTAGE.COM.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (7:39 am)Well said, nasaman,
It was a tough request to follow to “stand down and not to even mention it again. The nicest thing I could say about Lyle is that he’s a genuinely nice guy, who thinks of others needs first and himself pretty much last (He’s adminicular – sensitive to, and meeting the needs of others).
Thanks again Lyle (and you too statik). You both do great work.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (7:47 am)VERY very nice interview statik.
I especially like question numer 7 , and, expecially the idea of sub-blogs.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (7:48 am)koz,
I don’t get it. Why would he want to morph into “the other GM site”? Lyle’s site is the original and still by far the best. I can’t say much about the other site because I’ve gone there exactly twice. Maybe you don’t know the background which he doesn’t like discussed, but suffice it to say I don’t think morphing is a great idea.
Two cents, exit soapbox.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (7:52 am)Quick side note. For anyone worried about freezing rain outside for when needing to disconnect the charger from Volt, see
“Science Daily” for today (Nov 1) Nano Coating Prevents Freezing Rain Buildup.
(Also the study at http://www.pitt/edu/news2009/ice.html)
(off to work)
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (7:55 am)Love it! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (7:55 am)ccombs,
Your posts fit the bill too! Statik is necessary to balance the Yin and the Yang of the forum (as well as being clever and irritating). Other forums really DO keep this place in perspective as they all fall woefully short of this benchmark site.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (7:57 am)THANKS LYLE! For hes a jolly good fellow! For hes a jolly good fellow! For hes a jolly good fellow! Which nobody can deny!!!! God Bless you for all your greatness!
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (7:59 am)Regarding the 50 Amp/240V option. If (big on the IF) I had Volt, or any electric, I would appreciate being able to add charge as quickly as possible. Scenarios of waiting for my car to charge, so I can drive gas free, would come up often. Especially if you make a lot of shorter drives in your day. Being able to get more energy in the “tank” ASAP will always be a good thing.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:06 am)Hey, Where has DonC been lately? He used to be a heavy poster, but I have not seen any from him lately.
Did I miss his exit?
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:10 am)Excellent idea! Lyle can do that right after the divorce! Seriously, husband, father of 3, Dr., blogger, and then magazine editor?? (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:13 am)Nice interview Statik.
I keep thinking I have so much to do in a day, then I read what Lyle does nearly everyday, and realize I got it easy.
Never have tried Marthons, but have done a couple Triathalons (not full). But this was, what seems a long time back (mid-90’s). Amazing how much work/training is involved in something that only lasts a few hours!
Anyway, keep up the great work Dr. Dennis, and good luck today with the NYC Marathon (bandages on the nips, can be a savior)
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:17 am)I’ll consider up to $28,000 out the door. With 0% financing. Looks like it will be a Leaf or Focus for me.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:29 am)My bad, typo (or more accurately brain fade). I didn’t intend to reference that “other” site. I meant morph into GM-VOLTEC.COM. Something along the lines of CorvetteGuy’s suggestion, except I think the time is now. While we still need to keep the pedal down on the Volt, it is time to push for gen 2 and other flavours of Voltec. GM needs the nudge, IMO.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:46 am)NOW I understand. Thanks for the clarification. My bp can now return to normal (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:51 am)RUN LYLE RUN!
I just had to say that, being on the cyber sidelines….
I enjoy and spend waaaay to much time on this site so I contributed some time ago.
RUN LYLE RUN!
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (9:01 am)Just wanted to say “Thank you for everything you do” Lyle. It is very clear you sacrifice a great deal of personal time every day for our sakes, and for that we are extremely grateful. Hope you have a good run today. Thanks again.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (9:02 am)I would pick up a magazine called “Electric Car”
How about a non-profit? With the amount of time Lyle puts towards this he could write off enough to fund it? As I visit this site for learning it is an educational endeavor.
Thinking Consumer Reports for electric cars?
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (9:14 am)Pardon my filters on the world – I would suggest Lyle is a Great American in addition to all the other impressions given. America’s jobs are pouring overseas and with the help of most of our nation’s companies steering the wheel of this change. Many of us on this site will someday, five, ten years from now, facing why we should have a job that a counterpart in India, China, or Taiwan can do for less. The Chevy Volt to me is a return to the nation’s risk taking and partnering between a strong government and strong corporate partnership designed to give America an edge. May God Bless this partnership.
Thank you Lyle – CHEVY VOLT: American-Made, American-FUELED.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (9:21 am)I will add, Tesla, Chevy Volt, Fisker Karma, all the new technologies, funded with government support and private support, are stipulated to be BUILT IN USA.
Thank God we’re waking up. Thank you Lyle for the dedicated support to the car that changed everything.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (9:25 am)What will happen is the cost to make will come down and GM’s profit margin will go up. Consumers will continue to pay $40K.
NPNS!
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (9:40 am)Profit is GOOD! Who needs it more than GM? (also a bit off topic)
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (9:43 am)If you don’t believe that one person can make a difference in this crazy world of ours, you need only look at what Lyle has accomplished in terms of raising awareness about EVs in two short years. He is a true inspiration. He inspires me every day…to read his blog…to evangelize electric vehicles…to donate to the American Heart Association in support of his run today…to sign up on the Volt want list…to think about a world without oil…to believe it is possible.
Thank you Lyle, and good luck today in the NYC Marathon. I look forward to reading many more of your posts as the much-anticipated Volt rollout draws near.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (10:04 am)I’d like to add my thanks to Lyle as well…and also vote for the 5th seat as highest Volt II priority.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (12:09 pm)Lyle, thanks for the daily info on the Volt. Everyday, I always look forward in reading it.
Thanks, again
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (12:34 pm)I like what The Rock said on WWE . If you knew what the Rock was Cooking , well you should never Piss off a cat . But I like Pie .
Get some after the race and cool down peroid .
GM + Big OIl . Not good to miss lead or lie .
Tiger has bag of tricks that make lots of new things happen .
How much are you ready to pay the public to keep the EREV”S off the road , out of your pockets of course ???
GOD’s Good Blessing’s
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (12:45 pm)Lyle,
I just wanted to add my very big thank you to all of us who consider your site “home” on the internet. It is hard to know why the Volt and electric transportation are such an undying passion for so many of us but they are and we thank you for giving voice and direction to so many of us. Hopefully, we can continue to share our enthusiasm when we all finally own one!
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (12:49 pm)Let me say first that Lyle has done a wonderful job with this site, and in the process has brought us all a great deal of information as well as the pleasure of being tiny parts of the overall Volt community. Thanks!
Regarding DonC, I have been wondering the same thing. One theory is that DonC was here so as to to contradict statik on all matters large and small. Without statik’s frequent posting DonC likewise has disappeared.
Of course I don’t really believe that. Whatever has happened, perhaps it is just a nice vacation, and DonC will be posting again very soon.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (12:58 pm)Even though I think that Lyle has done a really outstanding job with this site, I still looked at this part of the post with skepticism
3.) If you had the option to buy either the Concept or Production Volt in November of 2010? Which would it be?
Believe it or not, I actually prefer the production design. Yes the concept was cool but it doesn’t seem realistic. Also I think making a car palatable for the widest swath of the population will help lead to highest sales volume and thus lead to less oil used. The Camaro, for example, is very striking in design, but not everyone is willing to drive one.
It does not seem to me that people buy expensive cars because they are “palatable” nor will they buy Volts that look and function just the same as Cruzes except they cost more. People have to feel passion about spending that much money to actually do it. Some — especially posters here — will feel passion about Voltec, but most everybody would have been a lot more comfortable with the Volt if it had more distinctive styling, whether the concept or something else that was a bit closer to the edge of automotive styling.
Of course, maybe Lyle is right and I am wrong. I hope so.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (1:24 pm)Could you quantify that?
I suspect this is more of a good feeling issue than a real difference.
How many more electric miles per year would you get with your driving pattern?
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (1:48 pm)Thanks Lyle for the site, I read it daily.
I cannot wait for the future of electric cars.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (2:00 pm)I hope you’re wrong too! (g). I loved the Concept car, but my wife just as passionately loves the production vehicle. Since all tie votes go to the female, we both like the production model. I agree about the need for some passion in a big purchase, it can be passion about a *lot* of things other than styling – like less foreign oil dependence. With the early Volts, it better not need to be a strictly fiscal decision or we’re sunk.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (2:53 pm)Lyle: As many have said, good luck w/the Marathon. I hope that you & others can see an article, from inc. magazine .. “The Connected Car”/Bernard Avishai .. in the November issue. … Also, some of the posters have mentioned the $40k asking price, when Volt finally appears. .. There’s a question of rebates, from Fed gov’t, or even, certain State gov’ts, that can bring the total cost down .. maybe closer-to around $30k. Thanks, and good luck!
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (2:56 pm)Keep up the good work Lyle!
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (3:29 pm)Few actually declare a purpose. I have, and despite it being quite clear & unchanged since long before Volt was even an idea, people continue to theorize anyway. They also seek me out to keep discussions lively.
Ultimately, I see Voltec as a complimentary technology. It can fit nicely into the mix of offerings. Some don’t like that idea of co-existence or agreeing with someone supporting a former competitor. Some focus so heavily on the engineering, they forget the balance necessary for business.
The point is, we need the feedback and sources like this provide a great mechanism for that.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (4:39 pm)He declined to interview me tor the movie even though I was at GM HQ while he was filming it and GM suggested it.
I’ve reached out to him since to no avail. Guess he doesn’t think my role is important in electrification of the automobile.
Anyway thanks to all for the support – it was a great run!
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (4:54 pm)Tag
A serious mental lapse caused me to temporarily lose my grip on this fundamental rule.
You are of course correct.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (4:57 pm)Presumably he imagined he would avoid one-dimensional boosters and just talk to significant participants. My what a mistake! Maybe he will think again.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (5:13 pm)3.) If you had the option to buy either the Concept or Production Volt in November of 2010? Which would it be?
Believe it or not, I actually prefer the production design. Yes the concept was cool but it doesn’t seem realistic. Also I think making a car palatable for the widest swath of the population will help lead to highest sales volume and thus lead to less oil used. The Camaro, for example, is very striking in design, but not everyone is willing to drive one.
+++++++
I agree the Camaro is very striking in design, and I’d love to drive one. I would not, however, love to put significant quantities of fuel in the tank on a regular basis (sub-30 mpg @ plus 30k miles per year). EREV Camaro would be nice. 29 mpg highway is tempting, 35+ mpg would be sold. GS initials looked nice on 70’s Buick’s, could be “Green Sport” today.
Be safe during the Marathon Lyle, and good luck! If “supportive” means “hasn’t filed for divorce yet”, I’d say my wife is supportive of my charitable efforts too. Guess I’d better go unload the dishwasher…
Thanks Statik. Good to see ya Tag.
(Quote)
+1
Nov 1st, 2009 (5:49 pm)Statik and Lyle, 2 great individuals. You are both awesome!
Thank you.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:08 pm)Wanna throw in my $0.02USD… one cent per point:
1. LOVE the picture, I literally LOL’ed!
2. LYLE RULES!!
‘nuf said. Cheers, all.
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:15 pm)2
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:16 pm)Good to see you too!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
(Quote)
Nov 1st, 2009 (8:47 pm)I have to say Lyle is an inspiration to me. I am sure many others that read and participate in this daily are inspired as well!
Thanks Lyle!
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (12:51 am)GM will finally be able to create a new model that will take the comfortably under 30 slot the Volt was anticipated for. Although that slot may still not actually be comfortably under 30 even for a very long time. But Yes, the current Volt will not just have it’s price slashed.
Lutz has said there is no margin and they’ll lose on each car sold. I had thought that’s a good reason to keep the volumes low, so they don’t give aweay the store trying to develop the Volt. Like Toyota started slowly with the Prius.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (1:00 am)I see where you would think that, but really, no car has ever so closely resembled an LCD or computer…this one will totally drop. Supply chain and competition will rise, technology will improve. Only thing I’m worried about is availability of Lithium long-term…
On a side note, apparently some very educated people who have Master’s degrees and work at GM don’t have a clue about the Volt’s efficiency or overall energy savings. “We’re just moving the pollution to the smokestacks so what’s it matter?” Now THAT was a fun conversation, because for once I knew a lot more about a car than a car manufacturer. I guess some of us know what we know and stick to it.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (2:45 am)Hooray for Lyle~!
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (4:06 am)Thanks Statik, I share your opinions and those of many other among us about what Dr Lyle Dennis has done so far.
On a side note : Last Friday was a great day in Belgium, for the first time, a full page of advertising in the main magazine “Le Vif – l’Express”, was devoted to the Renault electric concepts. With this motto (approximately) : “If everyone can build an EV, not every one can make it affordable, we shall do it in 2012″.
Regards,
JC NPNS
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (4:12 am)A daily reader from Sweden want to thank you Lyle for all the informative and enterteining articles from day one. Salute to you and your efforts!
Probably a Volt owner in 2-3 years, hopefully.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (8:11 am)I, for one, have a 46 mile round trip commute. I leave early (before 6AM) and return between 2:30 and 4PM. With a Volt I would be using a small amount of gas for my commute (odds of getting a daytime charge are small). With a rapid recharge option I would be able to head back out later in the evening to shop or dine using either zero or minimal gas.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (9:04 am)Until today, Lyle had rebutted my requests saying that the readership would prefer more Volt-related newsHey Dr. Dennis.
Over the course of 3 years, you have become “volt related”
best of luck on your marathon and thank you for the interview and the site.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (9:44 am)What more could I add to what everyone has said about Lyle being a good, humble guy. We can not really appreciate what he has done enough. Great job Lyle and same to you Statik for the article. Two outstanding guys, in my book.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (11:29 am)Nelson says:
I think $40,000 is the number. I realize its high for the mass market but to me its worth it to be an early adopter. With time it will come down considerably.”
I have to think when in the history of the auto industry have we ever seen the price of a car drop like LCD’s or Computers. If it’s $40K it will be that way forever!
————————————————————————–
You may be right but consider this:
All cars are going to get more expensive. After the 1973 oil embargo automakers had to re-design their entire fleet. GM started with their biggest cars first (Caprice, Electra, 98, Deville, Bonneville (I think the top Pontiac was actually called the Grandville back then).
These cars were completely new in 1977 and were considerably smaller and about 700 pounds lighter than their 1976 counterparts. They were also more expensive. It was a hard sell for GM to get people to buy smaller cars at higher prices. It was even harder because GM’s midsize line (Malibu, Lemans, Cutless, etc) were now actually bigger than the full size cars. The mid size cars didn’t get redesigned until the 1978 model year.
I think history is about to repeat itself. The automakers now have to re-design their entire fleet, not just American companies, but any car company that sells vehicles in North America. Redesigns cost money, new technology like hybrid and partially electric cars will add even more to the costs. 40,000 bucks for a small or midsize sedan my not be far fetched in 10 years.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (11:53 am)Lyle,
Nice job coming in under 4 hours. That’s always been my goal when I do marathons.
Just to let you know about my insanity, I will be running the JFK 50 mile ultramarathon Nov. 21st, for the fourth time. This is just west of DC in Washington County, MD. I’m hoping to finish in under 10 hours. My best time has been 10:15, so I am looking for a personal best. My wife just hopes I don’t die.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (11:54 am)#1 says it all. You can’t say it any better than that. Well done to all and 1 MILLION thanks for all your efforts. Or maybe I should say 60 BILLION. Works for me. All the best!
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (11:56 am)Very cool! Thanks for participating. International posters really add value to the blog. Keep it up!
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (12:00 pm)See my comment at #76. I’m working my way up from the bottom this morning, so I just found your comment. It’s Monday, so what can you expect, LOL. Very best regards.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (12:07 pm)I also want to add my thanks to Lyle for creating and maintaining this site. And to Statik for the interview.
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (6:30 pm)Lyle – THANK YOU for the tremendous dedication to this site, the Electric Vehicle, and in particular the Chevy VOLT. I absolutely believe you have single-handedly kept the VOLT front and center through the most difficult economic crisis in our economy’s history. Without your site, there is simply NO WAY that GM executives could have kept such focus on the VOLT. You have not only given all of us, your regular blog readers, a fantastic experience – you have provided this incredible forum as a source of inspiration to all those laboring within General Motors to know there is a wide audience and bright future for VOLT and EREV technology.
Kudos to Statik for a great story.
FYI … sorry I did not get to comment on this over the weekend … being a lifelong YANKEES fan, I went to Game 2 at Yankee Stadium and then drove to Philly for Game 4 on Sunday…. now I’m headed home to watch them close it out in 5!
(Quote)
Nov 2nd, 2009 (7:55 pm)It originally looked like the Volt was going to have a “switch mode” charger (like a laptop) that could be plugged into 120 or 240V. Apparently this reasonable idea was dropped in favor of a more complicated charging interface.
IMHO, the owner shouldn’t need 2 chargers. The on-board charger should do the job.
(Quote)
Nov 3rd, 2009 (10:38 am)The Volt really, really needs to have at least a child seat mounting capability in the center-rear seat spot, and better yet, just a thin, higher seat that straddles the middle battery hump for kids or car seats to sit (kids really don’t mind straddling a hump). This will allow people like me (with 3 kids) to buy the car, and it will enable it to be labeled a 5 seater to compete with emerging competitors like the “Leaf” and others. 5 person seating capacity is one of the most basic “check offs” on whether a car will be bought by a lot of people, and I think a lot of people will go to competitors for that very reason. I think everyone is ignoring this issue right now in order to help get a Volt, in any form, into production, but since everything else seems to be working out nicely on the Volt, this will be a central “no-sale” point in 2010 and 2011. Unfortunately, it will probably be for me. I really want to get one, but my wife won’t stand for a second car that can’t carry the family. Also, a lot of 2 child families often carry an extra friend or family member around with them, so they will likely shy away from the car. Maybe it’s not too late for GM to add this as at least an option?
(Quote)
Nov 3rd, 2009 (10:58 am)The Volt is like the first PC. It is the first of its kind. It is hard to think of a car this way, but there is nothing like the Volt in the world today. Then whole paradigm about cars and their consumption of fossil fuels is coming to an end.
I believe that the Volt with its tax incentive, will be in the 35000 to 40000 range, and rev II will be 28000 to 35000 for the options packages. It is like the the transistor, a game changer that can not be stopped or put back in the bottle.
Side note: Lyle, been here reading, learning, and on occasion posting. You and this blog are one of my first stops each day. I cannot say thank you enough for all you have done.
Since I have sold my Sparrow because of range, I have been dreaming of another alternative, and Lyle, you brought it to me.
Thanks to you, Statik, and all the other posters that make GM-VOLT the site it is today.
David (Zel)
(Quote)
Nov 3rd, 2009 (2:17 pm)A sub-blog for each VIN would be a good idea. Otherwise, the owners would step on each other single-threaded.
(Quote)
Nov 3rd, 2009 (2:49 pm)This is a compact car that will mostly be had by commuters that already have other vehicles. Five seats is not on my check-off list and is probably not on the ‘most basic’ list. imho, most compacts that advertise 5-seats can’t really seat 5 adults.
A fifth seat won’t be an option for this generation using a ‘T’ battery.
I agree with Lyle about the 50-amp charging. I don’t want my vehicle to be ‘not ready’ all night. This is not such a problem with the Volt because of the genset, but, it’s a psychological limitation.
As with most married guys, wifey-poo has a lot of the total votes. However, I find that my salesmanship and negotiation skill is handy for these larger purchases
(Quote)
Nov 4th, 2009 (1:48 pm)Hey! What the heck happened to my avitar/gravitar?
(Quote)
Nov 5th, 2009 (9:17 am)In his chest?
(Quote)