AND 
More Volt Test Drives Published and Live Volt Webcast to Schools Accross the US Today
Chevrolet has worked very hard this holiday weekend showing off the Volt in Southern California, including providing drives to influencers such as Jay Leno. Yesterday the first wave of journalists test drives occurred in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium. This group included Edmunds, Popular Mechanics, Huffington Post, Autoblog, and the LA Times.
Edmund’s John O’dell was the first to publish his account calling it “informative, but far too short.”
“The Volt felt solid as a rock,” he wrote. “Well-grounded and nimble with its low-slung, 400-pound lithium-ion battery pack really gluing it to the road.” He called its EV “quiet and smooth,” and reported the car to be competent when in charge sustaining mode. The crossover from EV to CS mode was seamless and with acceptable noise levels.
Once again the occasional engine rev was described as “off-putting,” like putting a regular car in neutral and revving the engine a bit. Chief engineer Andrew Farah told him GM will rectify this, something he advised me he was “very confident ” would occur. He also explained the racing occurred whenever the battery level dropped lower thane where the car wanted it to be (about 30% SOC).
O’Dell found steering to be “tight and responsive” but acceleration to be less than the MINI E that a reporter brought to the track (GM refused to allow a Volt verses MINI-E drag race).
There was not enough room to test 0 to 60 which GM reports is less than 9 seconds. O’Dell noted there was sports-mode which added 26 hp.
O’Dell thought the road test was rigged because it was held on a section of the parking lot that was flat with a lot of broken asphalt and therefore road noise might have masked some of the car’s noise. He also didn’t get a long time review because he had to share his hour with three others Edmunds drivers (I’m going it alone).
O’Dell also speculated the Volt’s total range would be 340 miles with an 8 to 10 gallon tank and therefore would achieve CS fuel economy between 30 and 38 MPG.
In the end his report was positive and he concluded “Verdict: A solid car with loads of promise from a technology that undoubtedly will help bring clean electric driving into the mainstream.”
Popular Mechanics Barry Winfeild also reported a similar positive experience and wrote,”our brief experience with this Volt prototype in LA was impressive.”
Today at 9:40 am PST is a live assembly from Harvard-Westlake Middle School for more than 800 students and staff about the basics of electricity, including why it’s important and how it can be used to transform the way we drive. Middle school teachers and students from across the country were invited to participate, and over 100 have signed up. You can watch the presentation live in the viewer below.
Also, I am taking off for LA early this morning and will be getting into my Volt for a test drive at 1PM CST. You can follow my progress on Twitter in the scrolling box at the bottom of this post or on the twitter app or website of your choice. Soon you can expect my full review and HD video.
105 Responses to “More Volt Test Drives Published and Live Volt Webcast to Schools Accross the US Today”
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November 30th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Congratulations on your ride Lyle – Can’t wait to get your review
November 30th, 2009 at 12:13 am
(click to show comment)
November 30th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Congrats Lyle, and happy belated Thanksgiving!
November 30th, 2009 at 12:28 am
With my short commute I’ll probably be keeping it in sport mode and take it off when I go on longer trips. =)
November 30th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Lyle:
I really hope you get a nice long test drive.
15 minutes just doesn’t seem like enough time to give the car a real test…..
But have fun anyway!!!!
NPNS
November 30th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Hey found something interesting…
NY times article about the Volt. Kinda old so I dont know if the feature will make it into production but Frank Weber noted there will be a “limp home” feature if the Volt is out of battery & gas!
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/chevy-volt-inspires-a-new-language/
November 30th, 2009 at 1:06 am
And here is the report from Popular Mechanics:
http://www.origin.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4338192.html
Go Volt!!!!
NPNS
November 30th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Did we just finally get the number we have all been waiting for – CS mode MPG? 30 to 38 MPG for real?
I think the consensus was if its under 40 – not good.
November 30th, 2009 at 1:23 am
Just to clarify, the Honda Civic GX 0-60 is in the high 12s-14s range. That is down right slow.
We now have several reports about how the power is only adequate (which is what one would expect from a 0-60 of 9s… that is 150ish HP 4cyl power, not 250+ HP V6 power… and yes I know the electric engine gives more torque down low, but that that translates to a 0-60 time of 9s shows just how slow the Volt must be compared to an ICE at a higher RPM).
I’m going to assume that to have any chance of getting “up to 40″ miles electric, that means no sport mode, and that means 0-60 times more in the 10s range.
So I guess we can pretty much officially add “like a 250+ HP V6 sports car” to the list (40 miles electric, under $30K, 50MPG, concept looks, economical to operate, etc.) where GM has been a bit optimistic (that is me being overly kind… “intentionally misleading” is probably more accurate).
November 30th, 2009 at 1:42 am
The PM article also talks about a “limp home” feature!
November 30th, 2009 at 2:25 am
It’s very possible we will see a competitors BEV come out in the next 12 months. Will we see something like the Volt? That’s extremely unlikely, but would be awesome. I think most of us here would be excited to see it and compare it to the Volt.
That being said, the entire reason GM is even talking about the Volt before they’re available is for PR reasons. They are obviously going to milk it from every middle schooler and auto show enthusiast they can get and change their “drunk on cheap gas” image around.
November 30th, 2009 at 5:49 am
NGMCO is doing a good job of of getting their image back on the rails. The ultimate spring board being higher prices at the gas pump. The OPEC powers that be will do what is necessary to maintain $70 – $80 per barrel prices short term. And shift gears to manufacture events leading to $85 – $95 per barrel oil in 2010. They are greedy and will do this. Even at the expense of forwarding the EV revolution.
NGMCO is preparing for this move by presenting a very good fleet of 30 mpg+ vehicles. The Cruze being the Civic killer. The Volt cutting into the BMW/Audi ranks. Equinox denting Honda’s CR-V sales. Camaro covering the Mustang and Charger market. With the relatively efficient larger truck models holding there own.
GM is catching a shave and donning a new suit before offering stock for sale in 2010.
=D~
November 30th, 2009 at 6:29 am
Lyle – have fun on your road test.
Hopefully yours is more like the proving grounds tests of last week than the parking lot experiences others have gone through this past weekend in LA. If the latter, am guessing your opportunities to address the lengthy list of posters’ questions will be limited.
Either way – looking forward to your impressions.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:45 am
Mon 11/30/09 2 hrs 10 mins ago
NAIROBI, Kenya – Somali pirates seized a tanker carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia to the United States in the increasingly dangers waters off East Africa, an official said Monday, an attack that could pose a huge environmental or security threat to the region.
Oil up $2.50 (?) per barrel on the news.
=D~
November 30th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Good journey Dr Dennis, I also look forward impatiently to your comments, your impressions, the interviews you manage to get and your extrapolations from the current situation.
I hope you do not suffer too much of some kind of jet lag.
JC
PS
[This following comment is out of this particular topic but I think worth to be communicated to the members of our community.]
I just got a mail asking me to make a communication in a conference organized next March by the public authorities of my region about what they should do to accompany the introduction of EVs … I confess I’ll use a lot of the material available on gm-volt.com and allcarselectric.com. Thanks to all.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:23 am
I would love some competition for the Volt, but there is nothing in sight.
Specifically, there is nothing that has the following basic features:
• uses electricity or gas
• has at least 30 miles of all-electric range
• is made by a major car maker
• has an announced production date
November 30th, 2009 at 7:37 am
After reading the Edmunds blog and the Popular Mechanics article, two thoughts occur:
1. Car reviewers tend to be be obsessed with acceleration. Acceleration that the average driver finds perfectly acceptable can be found wanting by a reviewer. Hence, I’d take the damned-with-faint-praise “acceleration is adequate” description by Edmunds with a grain of salt. I suspect that the average ICE driver, not having experienced the seamless torque of an EV, will find it more than adequate.
2. With the NYTimes having set the bar, every reviewer is going to mention the issue of the engine revving to recharge the battery. And I fear that a succession of articles harping on this will establish in the public mind a “shortcoming” that will not exist in the production vehicle, but which will be held against it by a general public that does not follow the car as closely as we do.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Dont make up your mind until you drive it.. 0-30 times would be more instructive.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Is it really too early to start shouting about the Volt? Hell no! This will take time to market. Now is the perfect time and GM knows it.
People think there will be a lot of EV technology to choose from this year? Not likely.
Aptera is now going to be delayed a whole year! Fisker? Haven’t heard anything from them and seeing how they will have similar technology (serial hybrid), they are likely to have the same problems that the Volt is having and thus will need more time.
It looks like GM is cruising with the most advanced design AND development at this point in time. The others are falling away due to technical issues and due to the global economic collapse.
The Volt gives us all hope that there might, just might, be some solution to the energy crisis. Go GM go. This is your time and don’t let up on the pedal. The finish line is in sight with nobody even close.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:50 am
They have to write something bad to demonstrate their independence.. the issue will probably be adjusted away by the time the next series of reviews come around. If they dont have something to write about then they start talking about “awkward styling” or some other nonsense such as door panel design or soft plastics.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:50 am
Workplace charging icentives. Parking garages & parking lots required to be “EV ready” (power distriution in place for future plug-in points) and with a small % of spaces with plug-in ports installed. There is a bit of a chicken and egg dilema that would benefit greatly from public action.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:54 am
The iMiev and the Leaf are pretty advanced along in their production plans.. plug-in Prius could be offered instantly by Toyota.. you are probably talking about EREV competition.
November 30th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Thanks Koz, BTW our deputy minister of finance decided two weeks ago to give a 21% tax credit (that is the value of the VAT) to the corporations that will install charging ports for their employees and a 120% deduction (plus an amortization in 2 years of the cost of the EVs they would use for their business.)
regards,
JC
NPNS
November 30th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Have a good trip, Lyle, and enjoy your test drive!
November 30th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Enjoy your test drive Lyle! Looking forward for your review.
(off to a backlogged 14 hr. day, be back at 10pm).
November 30th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Texas, Fisker can only be helped by the Volt and Leno’s EV racing segments, so all alternative fuel / propulsion vehicles are becoming more acceptable in the public’s eyes.
Fisher is also using a much bigger engine, so it won’t have to rev so high to provide peak power requirements. Fisker may even have the engine follow the pedal, so who knows if they even have any issues on a system Quantum Technologies has been selling to the military for years.
November 30th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Have a look at the L.A. Auto Show web page. Do you see Nissan listed? Hard to believe, but I don’t see them on the floor plan map or on the list of exhibitors.
http://www.laautoshow.com/ExhibitorList_P.html
=D~
November 30th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Just visited the Detroit Auto Show website (mid January) and there is a new feature called the EcoXperience sponsored by a state economic development organization (MEDC). This will feature a test track and drives of hybrids and EV’s. The Volt is not mentioned, but you might want to visit the site: http://www.naias.com/the-2010-show/medc-ecoxperience.aspx
Just noticed that cars that ARE mentioned are from last year’s show, so Volt should be there.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:03 am
That means every business in France that can get their hands on an electric will do so.. its free money
There will be people fighting in the dealerships trying to find a car to buy..
November 30th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Jim – thanks for the link. Anyone notice that the VOLT in the PM photos features parking sensors in the FRONT bumper? (the sensors are NOT on the photo above) This is the first I’ve noticed these – but it would certainly make parallel parking easier for those folks who like to play bumper cars!
Overall good, positive word or mouth building for the VOLT. GM will keep listening and making ‘tweaks’ where possible. I am confident that the Gen1 VOLT will be the best it can be.
Lyle, enjoy your WELL DESERVED RIDE! And if you see any breaks in the chain link fence around Dodger Stadium, go for it! We’ll all help you make bail:-)
November 30th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Edumunds claims to have spoken to Volt Chief Engineer Andrew Farah about the different aspects of the Volt. They write “This is the word, direct from Volt Chief Engineer Andrew Farah”. In section 7) on fuel efficiency they state that the Volt in engine-generator mode will have a fuel economy of between 30 and 38 mpg. Is this Andrew Farah’s word, or is it yet another obscured speculation from Edmunds?
http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/11/chevy-volt-technical-updates-from-chief-engineer-andrew-farah.html
November 30th, 2009 at 9:44 am
If you subtract an AER of 35 miles from the “340″ mile range, and assume 1 gallon is reserved, then the Volt would go about 305 miles on about 7 gallons of gas, for a CS mode “mileage” of about 43 miles per gallon.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Here is a direct quote, the operative word is “likely” :
“GM still isn’t ready to divulge the specific numbers, but the fuel tank – for either gasoline or E85 ethanol-gasoline blend – is likely to hold somewhere between 8 and 10 gallons, for engine-generator fuel economy of between 30 and 38 mpg (on gasoline, we expect; ethanol reduces fuel efficiency).”
This is top secrete info from GM.. either they are still calibrating the computers so they have not settled on a CS Mode MPG or they are saving it for marketing reasons. Think 65mpg in the traditional sense, true average mpg in the hundreds in the new way.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:07 am
The Popular Mechanics article says something puzzling to me…..
“(the Volt) feels adequately powered in its normal mode, which allows a maximum output of about 90 kilowatts (about 121-hp). The Volt is downright peppy in Sport mode, which is selected at a pushbutton on the dash and boosts output by 20 kilowatts (27-hp).”
Where did PM get the 90KW/121hp numbers? We’ve always been told by GM that the normal traction motor output would be 120KW/160hp ….and the LA Times 11/29 article also gives it as 120KW/160hp. (In addition, the LA Times says, “The Volt has a sport mode that boosts battery/motor output by 27 horsepower. In sport mode, the Volt acceleration feels well within the reported 8 seconds to 60 mph, perhaps a little better.)” I hope they’re right!
November 30th, 2009 at 10:36 am
I saw those quotes as well.
I don’t know if GM is holding out about telling us a few surprises for the actual release, or if they decided to have a “wimp mode” to get the 40 miles AER as promised. If that is the case, I would probably have it in “sport mode” most of the time, as my usual daily driving for six out of seven days per week is just under 30 miles. On Fridays, I drive about 130 miles, so the ICE will be in use anyway….
I guess we will have to wait and see what Lyle has to say after his test drive!
As I have said before, this last year will be a killer, and then having to wait another year or so to actually be able to buy a Volt in Ohio will be even worse!!!!
NPNS
November 30th, 2009 at 10:36 am
I thought GM downgraded the traction motors peak output to 110KW a while back. This is the first time I’ve seen the a motor peak number given for econo mode (90KW). Sounds like they are tweaking the terminology and final settings for the Volt. I wonder if the “new” normal mode that has 90KW peak also limits A/C and other power draws or if those are tied to a separate “econo” mode. I guess the reduced output modes are what gets them to the 40 miles AER.
It’s all good. Some people may always want the high efficiency modes, while others (like me) will want the ability to access the higher power when desired. Just because 110KW is available doesn’t mean it has to be used. Some people will like this hard limit to keep the “honest”.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:37 am
I get the impression (though perhaps it’s only wishful thinking) that 30 – 38 mpg in CS mode is part of the conversation concerning Sport Mode. Comments, anyone?
I still hold out for a higher figure for the less lead-footed mode; but if I’m wrong, the Volt will still turn out to be the ultimate car for those (like myself), for whom mpg ON THE HIGHWAY is almost meaningless.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:39 am
URL to LA Times story:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-neil30-2009nov30,0,6526970.column?page=1
November 30th, 2009 at 10:50 am
You could have a dual stage gas pedal with stronger springs on the second stage.. so you could feel when the extra 2 barrels in the carburator opened up
November 30th, 2009 at 10:52 am
It was just an opinion, IMHO.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Just about all the information during the last couple of months has suggested that in CS mode we’re going to see around 35 MPG. So I think the 30-38 mpg talk relates to the standard operating mode.
However, at higher highway speeds of 65-80 mph the mpg seems mostly a function of how consistent you can keep the speed. The best mpg I ever get — by a good bit — is going a steady 75-80 mph between Phoenix and San Diego. (The car is rated 16-24 but I get 30. The best mileage in town with most of the drive freeway is maybe 25 mpg going 60 mph).
November 30th, 2009 at 11:09 am
They won’t have to do anything. Just take a look at the huge market for automobiles in China and India. Their demand for petroleum not only for cars but also industry will drive the price of a barrel of oil well beyond $85 – $95 within a few short years. That’s when the EV owner will be the envy of everyone owning an ICE vehicle.
Hears hoping a new war doesn’t beak out somewhere! Good luck!
Happy trails, we hope, ’til we met again.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I think you’re right that GM started quoting the traction motor at 110 kW some time ago. Maybe as long as a year?
One thing to keep in mind is that motors can usually run for brief periods at several times their rated output. Motor outputs are sort of the reverse of motor outputs, where the rated power is a hard limit not usually obtainable in practice. This, if there is a power limit it would have to be at the battery pack/genset level.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Excellent news Jean-Charles Jacquemin!
The whole world is awakening to a new day.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Congratulations Lyle … I will be with you in spirit.
Go GM Go!
NPNS
November 30th, 2009 at 11:23 am
IMHO, that misconception caused by the unrelenting news media will backfire; GM can use the falsified claim in their adds to bring attention to it and drive potential buyers to test drive the Volt and see for themselves what the truth is! The buzz will help take care of it.
Happy trails to you ’til me meet again.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:38 am
That should be good news for Opel Ampera. May be that GM’s decision to not sell off Ampera after all was a good one.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:50 am
I’m looking forward to the L.A. Auto Show this coming weekend! I hope they have a couple of VOLTs on display. Hopefully one in some other color than silver.
November 30th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1039006_five-questions-tony-posawatz-2011-chevy-volt-vehicle-line-director
Volt Line Director Tony Posawatz: And finally, answering the question: Can we really assure a 10-year battery life with only two years of testing?
The answer is: NO!
November 30th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Alas, too true.
November 30th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
“1. Car reviewers tend to be be obsessed with acceleration. Acceleration that the average driver finds perfectly acceptable can be found wanting by a reviewer. Hence, I’d take the damned-with-faint-praise “acceleration is adequate” description by Edmunds with a grain of salt. I suspect that the average ICE driver, not having experienced the seamless torque of an EV, will find it more than adequate.”
I absolutely agree. I own a first-generation Chrysler PT Cruiser with a 5-speed stick shift. I remember reading all the reports of how gutless this little car was, etc. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had four people (me included) in it as I’m getting on the freeway, where someone doesn’t mention how much zip it has.
November 30th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
(click to show comment)
November 30th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Herm: Yesterday you questioned my posting: “Why not the 1.4 L Turbo…” As you see from today’s guest-driver VOLT commentary CS mode mileage is in the 30’s. The 1.4 L turbo is far more efficient supported by the 50 mpg figure given by GM for the Cruze. Also note the VOLT tank is half the size of Cruze. Sure its a few bucks more. But the advantages are manifold. I’ll bet there’s a raging debate within GM over bucks vs. range. Be mindful its 2011-2012 for general public availability – surely GM is driven by concerns of keeping the VOLT relevant. Plus by then the Cruze (I hope its renamed) will be well established.
November 30th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
So, after watching the live webcast, we know that the Volt will travel 300 miles TOTAL, not 340 as has been speculated. I also know that the Volt is a true 4-seater, as the video of the interior shows a console with cupholders between the rear seats.
November 30th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I am thankful for GM for developing the Volt. It is easy for us to focus on our disappointments, such as inadequate (in my opinion) rear seat head room and foot room. Yes I wanted a larger gas tank to provide 400 mile plus range, but such behavior is childish. Not only will the Volt allow those with the money to stop their individual support for the terrorists, it will also usher in cars from competitors, like the Plug-in Prius and the Leaf. And who knows, maybe the Volt 2.0 developed by the new GM, will address some of the many perceived short-falls mentioned in this thread. As for me, my hat is off, and I am shouting GO Volt!
November 30th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
That’s fine, because I really wouldn’t know what to do with 250hp on any vehicle under about 5000lbs. I’d hate to haul around a lot of engine that I don’t use — which is why I’ve never bought a car with anything other than an I4.
The fastest car I’ve owned actually had about 90hp (and a ton of torque). It was a VW Jetta TDI, and the reason it was fast was that it handled well and had good brakes — so it was easier to do panic-stops from high speed. My typical usage was to merge and run on the highway for a couple of hundred miles, the not-so-stellar 0-60 time was meaningless, but its ability to climb mountains and corner comfortably with the cruise control set at 80+mph made it exactly the right tool for driving fast.
I currently drive a Prius on most road-trips (it’s much cheaper to run than the Jetta, because of Toyota’s superior reliability), and even the Prius has more power than I need. Sure it gets noisy when climbing mountains on cruise control (I drove across West Virginia on I-64 twice last week), but I rarely pushed the pedal to the floor.
So, if the Volt has the same get-up-and-go as a Prius, I’ll be very happy with it. If it has more, I’ll just have to strengthen the muscle that keeps my foot away from the floor, or put a stiffer spring on the accelerator or something.
November 30th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I think it was a beat writer grasping at straws to make news. We’ll probably have to wait a bit longer to see the real numbers.
November 30th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
“O’Dell also speculated the Volt’s total range would be 340 miles with an 8 to 10 gallon tank and therefore would achieve CS fuel economy between 30 and 38 MPG.”
This guy’s speculation is the same as anyone elses. Until production Volts are out there to really test (like a long-term Road&Track test) everything is speculation.
Like I have been saying and will continue… the pure CS mode mileage is just a number that has little meaning in the real world. How often will you actually empty the tank between charges? I MIGHT do it a couple times a year. All other times, I will use a gallon or less a WEEK. That’s about 300MPG worst case!
I doubt that GM was actually quoted with these numbers. Sounds like a mis-quote to me.
November 30th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
You can have a 10-year warranty with ZERO years of testing. It’s actuarial science not battery science. IOW, the warranty is for marketing purposes. Why do you think some car makers are now giving a ‘lifetime’ warranty. It’s because hardly anybody keeps a car for life.
They only have to know enough about the actual battery life to price the warranty into the vehicle.
November 30th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I’m almost sorry I wished the trolls Happy Thanksgiving, LOL. Next year I’ll wish them indigestion from their turkey. And coal in their stockings for Christmast too!
November 30th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Actually, I’m guessing the power limitation comes from the power electronics. These get much more expensive as the power gets higher. The bat pack shouldn’t have issues with 120KW spurts. For sustained output, I think all three components will have issues. BTW, the Converj concept states 120KW. My guess is they intend to use same components as in the Volt, except upgraded power electronics. The bat pack may be Gen2 for the Converj but I expect GM will be using this in Volts too when it is available.
November 30th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Thinking back over my lifelong purchases, I’ve bought a first generation (or very close) product more times than I care to remember. The first 128K Macintosh computer, the first iPhone, the first rear-entry Hanson ski boot, one of the first Advent projection TVs, one of the first CD players, one of the first VCRs, one of the first concrete tile roofs, one of the first “mag” (non-spoke) wheels for a motorcycle, etc. As much as I believe that the Volt will become an automotive milestone, I think I will end up waiting for 2.0 or later generations before I buy.
I think that two major components of the Volt – the battery pack, and the ICE – have the potential for major upgrades in the years ahead. Nissan supposedly is planning for a new lithium-ion battery using a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode for their 2015 electric cars, and that battery can store roughly twice the charge of current lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, I could see something like Capstone’s microturbine replacing the unremarkable 1.4L ICE that will power the initial run of Volts.
Having said that, my hat’s off to all of you early adopters, as it is your dollars that will propel the technology forward. Thank you in advance!
November 30th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Here is a review at autoblog, which I think is well done.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-chevrolet-volt-quick-spin/
November 30th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
… perhaps it’s not too late this year to hope they choke on leftovers!!!
November 30th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
This is great news.
I think we have independent confirmation that extended range EV is a really good idea, because Taiwan’s Delta electronics is copying it!
http://www.edn.com/article/CA6709170.html?nid=3351&rid=9114882
I hope the Volt comes out in time to beat them by at least a year.
November 30th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Good link. The Asians remain the most credible Volt competitor. Hyundai is said to be working on a Volt-like concept also, but I haven’t heard anything in awhile (for all we know, they could be planning to buy from Delta).
November 30th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Very nice article
” As we continued running in charge sustaining mode, we were never able to feel the engine start and stop while the car was in motion. However, after a series of hard accelerations we were able to occasionally hear the engine running when it went into higher rpm modes. The sound was similar to or better than most other comparable compacts”
So much for the sound issues..
November 30th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Don’t pay too much attention to them. At this point, we know better.
November 30th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
That’s good news. Personally I didn’t think the sound was really an issue. Just gonna be a learning curve for most folks. They’ll get used to it.
November 30th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Lyle just got to drive the Volt for an hour (per Twitter), mostly in CS mode. He describes it as “an amazing and deep experience.”
November 30th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
“Amazing” is good.
“Deep Experience” is a little too ‘zen’.
How about “Fun” – “Exciting” – “Performer” – “Quick” – “Feels like a more expensive car…” , and did I say “Fun” ?!
November 30th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Lyle,
CHIRP THE WHEELS!!!!
Lay some rubber too.
November 30th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
#65
I agree with Jackson, great link. Check my math, but 1 liter for 20-30 km equates to 78-116 mpg, I think. And this in a 1660 kg car? That’s 3650#! Amazing, if true. Or maybe that’s the magic AER+ CS=EPA mileage scam, LOL. Although I don’t see where they said anything about plug-in.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I am not sure if anyone noticed but…
Thats an actual MPG number, 42.2 MPG.
That interface looks kind of confusing, not sure which mileage is correct.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I hope he didn’t fall asleep at the wheel.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I wouldn’t worry too much on the mpg. It’s being driven on a flat track designed by GM. But 42 to me is still adequate.
You’re right though, it’s confusing as he11.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
ABG has a closer more definfed pic of the center console…
November 30th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Thanks for the link. They’ve got a pretty in depth write up with lots of pix included. Most pix look pretty good. GM has added some nice touches but I do have a couple of nits:
-Imaging on door panels is ugly, IMO. Just use solid colors with soft finishes (not hard plastic).
-The driver’s screen is too busy. Move non-driving essentials to center screen. Display gas in gallons remaining. Only the driver knows where the car is going and what type of driving will be done to get there. All I want to know is how much gas and how much usable charge I have to get there. All the trip and other composite/historical info can be combined onto a secondary screen or the center screen.
-Body color has been extended around the rear corners which looks nice but they should fill in the whole lower secton of the hatch to match. I’m not a fan of the black in this area where the Volt logo and bowtie reside.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
From:
http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/volt/2011/2011-chevy-volt-eight-gallon-fuel-tank-assists-340-mpg-range.html
Once the gasoline engine is sustaining the charge, Farah says the Volt will run at least 300 additional miles. The Volt is outfitted with an eight-gallon fuel tank, which means drivers should expect to earn at least 38 mpg in the city when driving in this “charge sustaining” mode.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I’ll believe firm tank-size and CS-mode mpg figures when GM releases them, not before (with the possible exception of a real independent test capable of deriving real numbers; which today’s drives were not). Does Edmunds explain how they got hold of both before everyone else?
Even if the Volt turns out to be a disappointment in this specific regard, I continue to believe that the approach of decoupling the engine from the drive wheels has the potential to do far better than this.
November 30th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Of course they wont divulge that but taking 40 AER away from 340 leaves 300 miles run on an 8 gallon tank gives 300/8= 37.5 MPG ~38mpg, they rounded up.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
This doesn’t explain how they’ve supposedly nailed eight gallons as the size of the tank. GM has not released this information yet — have they?
November 30th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
True, but I think that has been the number flying around for a while…I think. Let’s see if Lyle get’s any more info in this. Probably tomorrows thread.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Same here
November 30th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Yes, ultimately the power to the motor will be limited by the controller. I was thinking that GM wanted to control the discharge rate of the cells, but you’re right that more power to the motor would require more electronics, and more electronics means more cost. Could be either the cost of the additional electronics or both really.
The main point is that, unlike an engine’s hp rating, the rating of the motor is kW is not be a hard limit. The motor in the Volt should be able to produce several times the 110 kW rating for brief periods.
I see in one of these reviews they’re saying the motor is limited to 90 kW and sport mode boosts that to 110 kW.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I think that transparent plastic on the door panels will be customizable, that and the graphics in the drivers screens are for the kids.. they like that kind of stuff.
The old fuddies will probably use pictures of their grandkids in those places
November 30th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
From Twitter, Lyle has had his drive – it sounds like it was a religious experience. Drove for about an hour, mostly is CS mode. Lyle is da MAN.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
#84
Same here.
November 30th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Any word on the headlights?Neon ring, LED, HID? LED taillights?
Final configuration? They look finished, are they? Or does GM still have something up its sleeve?
November 30th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Anyone take a look at the photo’s in the Popular Mechanics Article? The 4th one shows the instrument panel, and displays an Average MPG of 42.2.
http://www.origin.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4338192.html?page=2
November 30th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I’ll keep saying it until I get a Volt to prove it. The CS mileage is not important! (neither is this picture showing 42.2 mpg. The trip odo/mileage means nothing for one lap!).
In an earler post, Farah said that he used 0.2 gallons to go 200 miles. Easily done if he recharged every trip over a weekend. (1000 mpg, btw.) He probably has 240v, so, 3hrs for full recharge.
This gas mileage thing is just too variable when you can go 40 + 40 + 40 etc. miles using ZERO gasoline.
The point of Volt is the electric drive. Smoothness, quiet, linear acceleration, coolness, home fueling. MPG means nothing.
I’m way over 25 and I actually like the door panels. It matches the theme of the center console. Personally, I want leather, but, that’s just me.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
The Edmunds blog just guessed at the size of the gasoline tank:
http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/11/chevy-volt-technical-updates-from-chief-engineer-andrew-farah.html
GM still isn’t ready to divulge the specific numbers, but the fuel tank – for either gasoline or E85 ethanol-gasoline blend – is likely to hold somewhere between 8 and 10 gallons, for engine-generator fuel economy of between 30 and 38 mpg (on gasoline, we expect; ethanol reduces fuel efficiency).
GM still isn’t ready to divulge the specific numbers, but the fuel tank is likely to hold somewhere between 4 and 6 gallons, to emphasize the fact that the Volt is an electric car with a range extender, and not a conventional ICE car.
This gives an engine-generator fuel economy of between 50 and 75 mpg.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I believe we’ve been told that everything in the car is an LED — except the headlights (too expensive). What’s used there is anyones’ guess, but I’m thinking it will end up being pretty ordinary; in the first iteration, anyway. HID is the other obvious possibility, but would add cost where price is a sore point already.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
It sounds like Lyle is a happy camper after his test drive in charge sustaining mode. I bet he feels a bit like one of those Apollo astronauts after they made their first steps on the moon. Bob Lutz has called the Volt project GM’s “moon shot” you know. I bet Lyle’s telling himself … “damn, they really DID make this car we’ve been blogging about the past few years a reality”.
The Volt will probably go down in history as the first electric drive vehicle that goes mainstream and becomes a bestseller in its segment. The car that kicked off a whole new era in automotive transportation. This is great. The Volt is well on its way to a dealership near you.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Consumers in Southern California are starting to get a preview of what the EV wars will look like between the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, as they both made recent tours around San Diego to build momentum for their 2010 launches. Southern CA has become a front line market for the Leaf and Volt – success here will play an important role in how these new technology platforms are adopted around the country. Will Chevy make strategic partnerships with local green transportation companies? Especially executive class – transportation companies like TerraMoto. The reality is that the EV Wars have begun and Terramoto Transportation, Inc., is a San Diego based Clean Transportation company that has pioneered a groundbreaking luxury sedan service using the most advanced fleet of environmentally friendly, alternative fuel vehicles available. Would this be a good fit for the Volt?
November 30th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Divulge? That would imply GM knows the number and they’re just not telling anyone.
But how would they know the mileage in charge sustaining mode when they’re still tuning the design? Remember that everything is controlled by software, and that’s far from finished.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I disagree. One of the big unknowns is the Volt’s MPG in charge sustaining mode. The instrument display clearly shows an average MPG measure, not an equivalent MPG measure (i.e., 40 miles electric + 42.2 miles on 1 gallon = 82.2 MPGe) Thus, the 42.2 value appears to not include battery mileage, it is the average MPG using only the ICE.
More information gleaned from the photo.
http://www.origin.popularmechanics.com/content/imageview.cfm?img=http%3A//media.popularmechanics.com/images/chevy-volt-4l-1109.jpg&caption=%20
From the dash display, the EV range is 0, thus the vehicle is in charge sustaining mode. The gas gauge shows approximately 7/8ths of a tank remaining with a total range of 196 miles. The average MPG is calculated as 42.2, so approximately 7/8 of a tank remains and roughly equals 4.6 gallons of gas (196/42.2), thus a full tank is approximately = 5.3 gallons. I’m guessing it’s closer to 6 gallons, as most gauges go past the full indication.
I’m not sure what the icon that looks like a B overlaid on a road with 184.3 miles next to it represents. Maybe miles driven on battery power since the trip meter was reset? Anyone else have any ideas?
November 30th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Lyle………..were you there asking questions?
November 30th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
The LEAF, the leaf. Its introduction is in the autumn of 2010, a time when leafs die and blow away in the wind.
The LEAF car will wilt and die as well. Because it costs too much to ask buyers to give up trips to Aunt Millie’s for Thanksgiving dinner because Aunt Millie lives 2 hours away. Because it needs too much time to recharge.
Who in their right minds would pay $30k for something that travels 1/3 the distance of what they are driving now before running out of power…. and takes 40 times longer in time to fill up and hit the road again to travel 1/3 the distance of what they are driving now.
Is all that sacrifice worth the money saved from not having to buy gasoline? HELL NO!
November 30th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Probably “Trip A”, “Trip B” …….184.3 mi. Since last reset.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Remember how they promised transparency?
That comes with the understanding that its likely to improve later.
As for how… how did they come up with the 230 MPG estimate?
December 1st, 2009 at 12:11 am
My point is that it just doesn’t matter.
Instantaneous mpg or mpg for a specific trip is a very small part of the yearly gas usage. The peaks and valleys on that yearly graph may be important to statistics nuts, but, they just don’t matter for real-world foreign oil use reduction.
The difference between 30mpg and 60mpg in CS mode doesn’t matter when you use a half gallon to gallon of gas a WEEK. It’s a minuscule number.
Personally, I will go from 20 gallons per week of gasahol (90% gasoline) to 1 gallon or less per week of E85 (15% gasoline). That’s close enough to zero for me.
December 1st, 2009 at 12:12 am
I haven’t seen anything that backs me off my original 30 to 35 mpg city/hwy comined estimate.
December 1st, 2009 at 12:23 am
Some people just can’t (or won’t) change their thinking to save the world.
If you need to drive to Auntie’s house, then, use a machine appropriate to task. Leaf is for city commutes not open country driving.
I am considering a BEV (such as Leaf) for my second car precisely because the second car only travels 5 to 15 miles per day. (Actually, I am considering building one as a conversion.) My primary will be a Volt because it can go to Auntie’s with no problems.
December 1st, 2009 at 2:32 am
I commute on a bike 25 miles a day, so your ’save the world’ comment comes off as patronizing and insulting. Too many people are just too lazy to change their wasteful habits to save the world. And yes – spending $30K + extra insurance for a 5-15 mile a day car sounds ridiculous.