Comments on: New York Times Report on the Chevy Volt Generator Mode Driving Experience

By: jeffhre

jeffhre — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:59:31 +0000

DonC: However, Brooke did quickly adapt to — and seemingly liked — the high regen and one foot driving. So I think he showed admirable flexibility and we should give him the benefit of the doubt, accepting the behavior was unpredictable and therefore undesirable.

Yes very true, thank you. I misspoke in combining the reporters experiences with my attempt at a humorous interpretation of the larger experience of consumers moving from one technology to the next.

By: The Grump

The Grump — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:30:10 +0000

1) This is a engineering problem – for the software engineers. The “set” genset points are the problem. They need software to act as an “overseer” – which would GRADUALLY speed up the genset to the preset genset points, then gradually slow down the genset when a surplus of electric has been added to the battery. Trying to maintain a precise, razors-edge 30% SOC at all times is a fools errand – resulting in sudden, startling changes in noise and vibration. All completely unnecessary.

2) Exactly what is wrong with a sound-cancellation system to assist the Volt is maintaining a quiet interior? Isn’t “quiet” a hallmark of electric driving? Previous posters are right – get Buick’s soundproofing engineers on the Volt immediately. $40000 is a high-end Buick price, not a Chevy price. Volt owners deserve – yes, deserve – a quiet car for that price, not a typical Chevy econo-buzzbucket racket.
——————————————————————
If I were in charge, and I heard the genset kick in, I would…
1) Pull a 45, put a hole through the ICE,
2) Tow it back to headquarters, and make the engineers look at it,
2) Fix the engineers with a steely stare, and simply say…

“Try again – and get it right this time, or you’re FIRED”.

(People work better when you give them an incentive – it works for Donald Trump). I did mention that I am somewhat of a grump, right?

By: khl

khl — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:02:52 +0000

Perhaps ear plugs or more insulation and better motor mounts would do the trick. Kinda reminds me of the guy in the food additive business who said, “What this country needs is a better white rat.”

By: Darius

Darius — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:24:44 +0000

That was absolutely expected by engineers. I will tell you more – in order to avoid roaring you have to have bigger engine or more advanced either different CARB regulation with allowed lager SOC fluctuation range in the charge sustaining mode and larger capacitor. But why you man have to worry about that if it is only noise problem in very few instances?

By: martin

martin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:31:01 +0000

I agree … big deal.
3,000 rpm – so what – totally normal for a genset.
If it was 6000rpm and sitting at the light yeah that would be a drama.
People need to get overthemselves with the new “concept”
Cheers!