General Motors has graciously offered members of the GM-Volt.com community the opportunity for an exclusive test drive of a pre-production Chevrolet Volt.
Space is being limited to only 10 participants and the event will take place at the end of March in New York City either on the 29th or 30th. The final date, time, and location will be announced shortly.
In addition to the opportunity to drive the car around a half mile track, and experience both EV and generator mode, executives from the Volt team will be on hand for discussion.
I wish I could invite everyone who reads this site to be there, but at this time it is unfortunately just not possible. The most equitable solution I concluded was to hold a contest.
Starting today, if you are interested, submit either an essay up to 400 words, or a YouTube-hosted video up to 2 minutes, entitled “Why I Want a Chevy Volt.”
You must send your entry or its url to voltnation@gmail.com for it to be considered. Writing it in the comments section of this post will not allow it to be considered.
The top ten entries will be chosen from all essay submissions and videos submitted by March 12th. The overall best submission will also have their travel expenses up to $500 paid thanks to GM-Volt.com site sponsor NetLook.com. Entries will be judged on their creativity, passion, quality and entertainment value. Other factors such as GM-Volt.com site participation may be considered.
The winners will be announced and posted here as soon as they are determined.
Good Luck!
Volt Nation 2008
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 9:43 am and is filed under Volt Nation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+4
Mar 4th, 2010 (9:48 am)This is awesome.
+8
Mar 4th, 2010 (9:55 am)This is very cool. What a great idea! Some people here have written wonderful snippets about why they should be a tester. They can take that and with a little bit of editing turn it into a submission — a winning one.
I’m just disappointed that the contest doesn’t require that people submit video of their performing the “Volt Dance”. Now THAT would be entertaining!
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (9:58 am)Sounds like alot of fun! Unfortunately we can’t make it if we won, but I hope Lyle will post the winning submissions here for us to see.
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:01 am)cool…
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:02 am)Only 10? – that’s odd. Why not 100?
+10
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:05 am)I would have kept that chestnut to yourself Don…sounds like a winner, (=
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:13 am)Why a Monday and Tuesday?
Hopefully, y’all who drive one will post your impressions. No way I can go to NYC right now, so, I defer to others that are closer.
Loboc
Ft. Worth, TX.
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:18 am)Although I’m local, I’ll have to decline. I would be too emotional behind the wheel. The Volt means a lot to me. I’m tearing up as I type.
NPNS!
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:19 am)With my horrendous schedule, I highly doubt I will be able to do this.
How unfortunate.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:27 am)Very awesome! As a relative newbie here I think there are a lot more deserving people that would lap up the chance to do it but this is a great idea. Thanks Lyle and thanks GM!
Lyle, you may also want to post a deadline. I did not see one in your post and that might be important.
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:27 am)Hmmm… If everyone declines what does that say about the 50,000 want list?
GM has thrown down the gauntlet to put up or shut up.
Lyle, you should probably ping everyone in that area (heck, the east coast) on the list.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:28 am)Be prepard for a stiff competition Lyle. Are you going to have us pick between the top 3 Lyle to decide who gets the #1 spot? I am dying to see some of the videos of the contest entries, as well as video of the 10 lucky winners test driving the Volt and getting their own chance to ask the Volt team questions! How awesome is GM?
Statik, I hope you’re up to the challenge of a youtube video! We all know you’ve got a silver tongue around the keyboard, but let’s see you go all out!
I wonder if GM read our thread about just giving some normal people (read non-engineers) a chance to test drive the Volt even for a little while and glean the feedback.
Also, special thanks to Netlook for sponsoring the winner.
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:32 am)If I have a winning entry, can I send my wife in my place? She will be the primary driver, and she would have an excuse to go shopping out there. I’ll wait for the SoCal Dealers ‘Ride and Drive’.
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:39 am)Awesomeness.
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:45 am)Nice gesture from GM. Let’s hope they are that graceful for the unofficial waiting list.
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:49 am)A very cool and generous offer, I’m looking forward to the resulting feedback.
Although in my case it would be far simpler to trail someone with a Volt leaving the nearby GM Tech Center or semi-close Milford Proving Grounds and follow them home, then beg for a ride (not that I would actually do that).
+4
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:05 am)Oh Lyle, why oh why must this be right in the heat of tax season
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:06 am)DITTO!
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:06 am)This is really great! Personally, I’m more likely to make it to Dan Petit’s BBQ in Austin, TX in May. I will already be in Dallas for the weekend (a little over a three hour drive from Dan).
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:07 am)That’s a darn good idea!
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:10 am)That sounds like the beginning of a good submission!
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:12 am)Lyle, even if I don’t win I volunteer to drive the Volt from Detroit to NYC for the testers.
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:25 am)I’m there….That is if I am chosen.
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:29 am)Good luck to all who enter this contest. I would like to enter, but I am to contest like oil is to water.
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:32 am)#10 KUP Very awesome! As a relative newbie here I think there are a lot more deserving people that would lap up the chance to do it but this is a great idea. Thanks
Lyle and thanks GM!
Lyle, you may also want to post a deadline. I did not see one in your post and that might be important.
I believe the deadline is when they have the first 100 entries. Good Luck!
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:33 am)Oh holy crap. I’m way too busy ATM to write an essay in time, but man alive what a prize. Good luck everybody.
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:36 am)“Why I Want A Chevy Volt” essay input will provide abundant and useful information for future Volt advertising. A very good topic to write on.
Thank you NetLook.com for kicking in the travel assistance. Will love to hear how the Volt compares with currently available cars. This is one thing that the engineers and celebrity test drivers tend to skim over. We hear “linear acceleration” “quiet ride” “bright display”. We don’t hear “seats feel comfortable” “bigger than my Civic” “steers like my _____ “. This is the meat and potatoes most want to know about.
I believe Noel is correct. Dave K has over spent his snark allowance toward a test drive. Being that the 10 drivers will be picked from this site. We are sure to read about the good, and maybe the not so good, experiences. That is, if they are allowed to speak freely. Good news for all and an image credit for GM.
=D-Volt
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:45 am)#3
Same goes for us. +1
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:48 am)#15
Amen. +1
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:53 am)Unfortunately I had to throw together a quicker essay than I would otherwise have liked to, as I was concerned that 100 people may submit an entry before I get out of work today.
Oh well, I’ll still keep my fingers crossed. It would sure be great to test drive a Volt!
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:53 am)Unexpected, this is.
I must admit to having a somewhat complicated reaction to this wonderful offer. Not complex at all is my deep appreciation and gratitude towards GM for making it.
Since I went onto the wait list, I have been forced to replace my old Saturn due to my increasing age (can’t push in the clutch through 2 hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic anymore). It had been my plan to replace it with a Volt GEN I. I have no doubt that the old SL-2 would have made it to 2011 – 2012. I was unwilling to lose mpg to gain an automatic; and so I did not buy an american car for myself (for the first time in my life). The soonest I would consider replacing that car is 2014 – 15 (anything else would be a waste of the resources).
Since that time, I’ve also been laid off. This tends to limit my daily driving requirement (as well as my available funds).
These factors have conspired to make me a candidate for GEN II.
There’s also the matter of my challenging criticisms of GM in recent days. I would feel less than worthy if winning such an honor, even though it has always been my purpose to improve GM’s chances of offering Voltec across a wide range of platforms, all over the world.
If I could trade a GEN I test drive opportunity for a concession, I would love to see GM make a public commitment to GEN II, and to production plans beyond the announced 10K + 60K + 60K for GEN I.
Best wishes to the lucky 10.
ZT / Jackson
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:55 am)Sure wish I could go. Good luck to those lucky 10 people!
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:56 am)#27
Well I wasn’t referring to you in any way. I have always found your comments to be literate, constructive, and on point. Actually it was just my guilty conscience talking, LOL.
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:01 pm)Dang! I’ll be in Chile. Is this date set in stone?
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:04 pm)Great idea! And generating productive feedback at the same time. Naturally this being March the opportunity can be expanded. What’s more, this idea moves towards gm-volt.com waiting list being given GM recognition as a priority backlog.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:10 pm)Hi Zach #31 …
Sorry to hear that you are in between jobs. Try to avoid the common reactions of becoming nervous and feeling desperate. I suggest you get a piece of paper and make two columns. On the left list your skills. On the right list your likes and interests. Take a long look at the two columns and start a net search on your State jobs site.
I went through a similar procedure and found something that’s working well for me. The boss and I are compatible. One day he stated, “I like a man who knows what he wants”. It really shows.
PS: Yes I agree. Would be an awkward meeting for us both with anyone associated with GM. The Volt will make an appearance locally before the end of Summer. In the meantime we can enjoy hearing from people in the NY area.
=D-Volt
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:24 pm)Oh man! I’m so excited I can’t hold my cup o’ java!!! I hope the test track allows us to put the juice to the car, and I hope if I am fortunate enough to get there – I can beg, plead and do everything short of selling my soul – to convince GM that this car needs mass-production at levels that equal Cruze.
I’m tellin’ ya – THE TIME FOR VOLT HAS COME!
Now on to put on my thinking cap – creativity or bust!
RECHARGE! James
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:27 pm)Why not have more drives for people who pay their own expenses?
And pay for the 10 Grand-Prize winners.
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:32 pm)That’s great!!!!
Now I need to figure out if I can still write essays
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:40 pm)It says that I’m too busy to travel approx. 14 hours (roundtrip) for a test drive that I will be able to get in a few months near home.
I will be able to afford a Volt when it becomes available in a dealership nearby. The fact that I will not participate in this contest doesn’t mean a thing. Good luck to all.
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:41 pm)BillR…BillR…BillR…BillR…BillR…BillR…BillR…BillR…BillR…BillR…BillR
Are you going to NYC at the end of the month? If so, do you want to commute together?
-Rashiid
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:44 pm)With only 400 words, we don’t have to worry about Dan Petit winning, as I don’t think he could type his name in under 400 words…… Just Kidding Dan!!!!
I am already starting to work on my entry. And I don’t care how busy I am, if chosen, I will be there for a test drive!!!!!
Good work Lyle!!!!
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:44 pm)Exactly my concern —that >100 people would submit before I could. Oh well, at least it shouldn’t sound too “stiff” …things I write in haste usually read a bit more “conversational” than those written painstakingly.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:45 pm)This is a wonderful opportunity for those who can put together an interesting article. I live in Southern California and the travel expense would be way more than $500, so I am graciously going to let others seek those 10 spots.
Besides, not knowing the price or the competition’s final product, I am waiting until at least May to decide whether to buy as opposed to dream about the Volt.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:50 pm)Ditto that, Rashiid. Sooo busy lately, that I’m not even reading ALL the comments on every story
But I’m not that creative anyway. I respectfully withhold my hat from the ring
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (12:55 pm)I’ve been practicing my essay for the last 2 years whenever I talk to someone who’ll listen to me about how amazing the volt is. I’ve got a few converts and probably some people who nod just to get me to shutup. I had to post the boring essay since I wanted to get in before the first 100 deadline but I’ve got a video idea Lyle that I’d like to put in it’s stead. We’ll see how it all turns out. Good luck to all who apply and hope to see you guys in NYC for a test drive
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (1:02 pm)How the hell am I supposed to concentrate at work now? thanks Lyle
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (1:08 pm)Good luck to all. Myself I don’t go to NY city for anything. So I will just wait until they let us drive one here in Michigan.
I think this is a great thing for GM to do for GM-Volt.com followers.
If I was entering I would make it clear “the reason I want a Volt is for the POWER!”
Mar 4th, 2010 (1:19 pm)So, Lyle, can you tell us when you have reached the magical number of 100 entries?
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (1:34 pm)Aw, too far away from the West Coast, but good luck to all.
Waiting to hear the feedback from all the test drives!
Everybody can thank MAX BOB in person!!!
GO EV !!!
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (1:37 pm)#48
Me too, except substitute SoCal. And I do agree that it is a great thing to do for GM-Volt.com followers. +1 Whether I can attend or not, I take it as a nice tip of the hat to all of us.
And best of luck to all of you loyal essay writers.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (1:40 pm)Zachary- I would recommend Bolles’ What color is your parachute as a super way to increase the odds for getting the job you want. Get it at your library.
I too, hurried off an essay in order to be in the hunt for judging. My observation is that automobile purchases are decided on emotion then justified by reason. That is why so many are talking about the savings in fuel or the ecological benefits justifying the higher price.
If you seriously want a Volt, take a $1000 deposit to your Chevy dealer. A bunch of deposits would tell GM that there is a real interest.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (1:42 pm)Have submitted.
Lyle, thank you for the opportunity to participate.
All the rest of you –> only 9 places left (smile).
Actually, it won’t be hard to do better than I did, but I thought I’d submit “just in case.”
Mar 4th, 2010 (1:47 pm)You and me too. But give it a try — sometimes lightning strikes
Mar 4th, 2010 (1:49 pm)statik gives out special decoder rings….
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:07 pm)OK, RB. You convinced me. I just submitted my essay. Now only 98 left (counting yours, of course).
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:17 pm)Well, I changed my mind. I’m throwing my hat in the ring, couldn’t resist.
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:24 pm)Essay has been submitted.
Even if neither of us win, maybe it’s okay to go as a spectator.
I’m ready when you are, and maybe we need to create an updated T-shirt.
Regards,
Bill
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:37 pm)My entry is in as well.
Waiting eight days to find out how gets to go will be a killer……………
Good luck to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:37 pm)I’ve submitted my entry, hope you like it Lyle!
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:42 pm)Doesn’t LauraM live in NYC? She could pocket the $500 and walk to the test drive.
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:42 pm)Just so everyone who wants to (but doesn’t have the time to be the first 100 essays), Lyle has opened it up allow videos until March 12th. So get a camera and dictate those essays if you miss the deadline
I’m sure he will let you know when he has reached 100….as of now he is at about 25.
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:46 pm)Lyle,
I would love to see the ten winning entries and also the comments from those VOLT test drivers after their trip.
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:52 pm)Yeah, I guess mine will come across more as conversational too, Nasaman. For me, it might also lack a little of the “emotional” or “passionate” aspects that the contest is looking for. On the bright side, there will be 10 people going to test a Volt regardless of whether or not I am one of them.
Mar 4th, 2010 (2:56 pm)Your avatar is tempting me to submit some yet-to-be-made-up parody of a Flight of the Conchords music video.
Mar 4th, 2010 (3:01 pm)Well, you have time, (=
Mar 4th, 2010 (3:07 pm)I wonder if they will use their I-vers or if they plan on bringing out a fully painted, headlighted, almost unit#1 to the event.
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (3:17 pm)Can we assume someone will be there to video this event so the rest of us can have fun with it too?
And by the way, the more I see the Volt pictures, the better it looks compared to almost all the other electric and hybrid cars and prototypes out there. It really is a good looking car.
I look forward to seeing the real thing one day. (that is not my contest entry)
Mar 4th, 2010 (3:41 pm)Great. See you there. And, still 8 more places for others to be selected
-17
Mar 4th, 2010 (3:52 pm)(click to show comment)
Mar 4th, 2010 (3:57 pm)Rat farts! I live within 2hrs of this event but I’ll be in FL at the end of March.
Plus I have to admit much like ZachTaylor/Jackson I’ve had (and am having) some life and work circumstances that have pushed me closer to GEN II.
+5
Mar 4th, 2010 (4:14 pm)Welcome, newbie.
I know you are new because you have apparently not seen the hundreds (maybe thousands) of earlier submissions of this question at this website.
The EV1 was created to fulfill a State of California mandate for auto manufacturers to offer an electric car for sale or lease or be barred from selling any cars in the state. Using the technology of the time, this resulted in a cramped, 2-person vehicle of very limited range which would cost much more than the Tesla Roadster, today (this at a time when gas was at or below $1 a gallon). As such, it was offered only on a for-lease basis. Of all the vehicles offered by various manufacturers, the EV1 reportedly performed the best.
When the state mandate was rescinded, GM, who had retained complete ownership of the expensive cars, refused to extend leases (or were they suddenly terminated? I don’t live in CA, and don’t recall). In fact, very few if any lease holders would have been able to purchase the vehicles outright (though several did offer to, despite the car’s limitations). It would have cost GM so much to continue servicing the impractical vehicle out to it’s mandated lifespan that these offers were turned down.
There was no way for the EV1 to survive economically without a government mandate; once that mandate was removed, there was really no other sane recourse but to end the program.
The project was not without merit for GM, however. It was while performing tests with the EV1 that someone came up with a small trailer-mounted generator to save on recharging time. It was far from efficient or practical, but it planted a seed which began to bloom in more modern times.
The Volt is not the same technology as the EV1, new battery technology has been developed which can greatly lower the cost of producing such a vehicle.
Even so, the Volt is, functionally, EV2. If you look at the original Volt mules’ T shaped battery pack alongside the EV1′s, the similarity is startling (the Volt’s is smaller). Most significantly, the Volt comes much closer to economic survival in it’s own right (and will, outright, once expected development and cost improvement is accomplished in a few years).
It has not “taken so long to replicate the same technology.” It has taken so long for new technology to advance to the stage where it is now feasible to sell an EV outright; one which can find a home and a purpose pretty much everywhere.
-1 because I’m suspicious that you’re actually a recurring troll. This explanation provided in case you are not (the rest of you not submitting essays please jump in with corrections/further explanation if needed).
Mar 4th, 2010 (4:22 pm)Exciting Idea ! Sounds like great fun. Interesting to see who is best salesperson at selling their story.
I’d go but those are the days I mow the lawn.
Mar 4th, 2010 (4:23 pm)Dang, those dates are just not practical for me, damn shame too as I’ll be in NYC from March 20-25 for the first time in my life…I’ll just miss the dates… Oh well, wouldn’t have anywhere for my 3rd kid to sit anyway.
Mar 4th, 2010 (4:23 pm)I’m still interest in going. I just won’t be able to write an essay that would qualify.
I don’t have the time to sit down and do it the correct way.
When you come down here, do you come down Route-8?
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (4:26 pm)What you said!
Mar 4th, 2010 (4:33 pm)do we have to be one of the 10 winners to attend? I would just like to chat with technical folk and not “pretty faces” when i was at DC auto show volt was there but no one to talk with and it was NOT with the other EV’s / green cars. (last yr there were a tiny bit of EV’s. this year there was 1.5 acres of room for green/ev vehicles including 5 from our club evadc)
If i submit an essay i would be honest and say I would take my daughter who is desperate to drive my Kewet electric and she would do the test in the volt in my stead so this would most likely disqualify me.
as an aside, the folk who say they are “too quiet so they are deadly” could be stifled by my comment that my uncle, age 7, was killed (run over) by a distracted driver in 1917 who was staring at a pretty girl and not the road. should the pretty girls cover up or the drivers pay attention
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:05 pm)Forgive my ignorance, but if GM had accepted these offers and sold the cars, how would further servicing of the vehicle cost GM anything once the title is transferred to the new owner? I thought maintainance of a vehicle falls upon the owner’s checkbook, not the OEM.
Don’t forget, Toyota DID sell their RAV4-EV’s, and many are still on the road today. I actually saw one in the Bay Area the other day.
It was a dumb decision on GM’s part, but we should probably be thankful for their blunder. Since it resulted in such a PR nightmare for GM, it may have actually paved the way to creating the Volt, which we’ll get to see on the road very soon!
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:15 pm)My daughter helped me make a video. Id love to dore more with the special effects but oh well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6mrIIzJWFw&feature=youtube_gdata
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:23 pm)===========================
Jason:
The problem with your logic is that the EV-1 was never mass produced. There were only about 1600+ vehicles ever built, and those were basically built by hand.
So say GM sold those EV-1′s to the people that said it was OK to no more service by GM, and the next week they had a fender bender. Now, with no parts available, you would have to have a custom made fender built that would cost thousands. Multiply that by the many thousands of parts in a standard car, and you can see how complicated it becomes. And then the lawsuits against GM would start, for selling cars that have no service parts. That liability is why they recalled them and had them crushed.
Legally, it made sense at the time to do it that way. In hindsight, GM would be way ahead of the game if they had kept the project alive………….
But the EV-1 was a science project, and at that time, would not have made GM any money, which is the long term goal for any automobile manufacturer.
JMHO
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:31 pm)UNFAIR! UNFAIR! UNFAIR! ……MY KONTEST ENTRY HAS BEEN “KILLED BY KUTENESS”!!!!!!
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:41 pm)PS: I just remembered Gsned57′s KEWT KILLER in #79 KAN’T KOUNT ‘KAUSE it was illegally entered here instead of at voltnation@gmail.com —WHEW, WHAT A RELIEF!
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:42 pm)Essay transmitted.
Yeah, I caved.
It is hard to, in conscience, compete with those who are ready today to pony up for a Gen I (I’ll have to wait for Gen II); and I shouldn’t spend the money to come (the essay won’t win).
I just couldn’t resist.
Maybe Lyle has already gotten 100 essays, and mine will simply add to the body of work that GM (or he) is collecting.
Dang, it is hard to count up all those words …
+2
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:46 pm)Are you kidding me, miss a chance like this?!?
I live in Quebec, Canada, and probably won’t see a volt in real life for the next two years. I’ve been waiting a long time to thumb my nose at BIG OIL it ain’t funny. We poor saps up here have been gouged for so many years it’s sickening.
I was first repulsed by big oil when the price of gas was a mere $0.46 per litre and suddenly, overnight, the prise went up to $0.56 per litre, that’s $0.45 per Canadian gallon in the 80′s …. Ooops almost forgot, this isn’t where I’m suppose to submit my essay.
+4
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:46 pm)Submitted my essay an hour ago… its titled – “The Death of Cynicism by Electric Shock”. I have spent so much of the last 8 years disliking GM that I want to own a VOLT, and see that cynicism die away.
Its not just the entanglements and miasma surrounding the EV1, or selling NiMH tech to Texaco who subsequently mothballed its large scale production by ANYONE.
or…
In post world war 1940′s and 1950′s, where GM systematically purchased, negatively restructured, and dismantled successful Railed Public transportation systems in cities all across the US, behind a campaign of “Automization”, with buses.
I could go on to talk about a culture of entitlement and an attack on blue collar values of dependability, shared sacrifice, and innovation…
However… I want to own a Volt, because I see it as the tool.. the silver bullet to kill that cynical man inside of me.
I want to believe that a company of such sheer size as as GM, could look upon the culture of its past, and say no. Then, through painstaking sacrifice, pull itself together, and for the first time in a long history of negative choices, move to work towards the long term future of not only itself, but the American people as a whole.
I used to hate the Saying.. “GM is America”, or “Where GM goes, there goes America”… but as I imagine myself sitting behind the wheel of a brand new Chevy VOLT. The steering wheel firm beneath my hands… I would actually welcome such a statement, because I WANT to be a part of future in which shared destiny, innovation, and cutting edge engineering are once again active vocabulary in the mission of an American Motor Company…
I want a Chevy Volt…
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:47 pm)I’m not following why this would be awkward. Because you wouldn’t buy a Gen I Volt? Lots of people take test drives and never buy the car.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:47 pm)Rashiid —> go ahead and write an essay the wrong way. It’s an adventure, and you never know. From your posts I imagine it will be good, maybe outstanding. Just write it and send it in.
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:49 pm)Well I am in the process of uploading a video to YouTube. Never did that before.
Should be done in a hour oh so? I might be able to write an essay befor the upload finishes?
Can we enter an Essay and Video? Counting down…
Cheers
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:50 pm)Yeah, Liability. That’s the part I missed. Thanks, Jim I!!
Mar 4th, 2010 (5:59 pm)I understand and agree that liability would be an issue with a custom built, low-volume vehicle. The reasons that GM did what they did make good business sense. What I’m confused about, however, is how did Toyota make it work? Yes, their EV’s were converted production RAV4′s, but were the parts within all off-the-shelf, or custom-made? The same circumstances of an accident would apply to Toyota as well.
Mar 4th, 2010 (6:00 pm)She is so beautiful, Gsned57.
Mar 4th, 2010 (6:17 pm)Driving a car like this is a privilege that would be nice to have. So those who can’t is too bad, but those who can, good luck!
Mar 4th, 2010 (6:21 pm)Never forget the salesperson’s creed — “tis easier to ask forgiveness than permission”.
Mar 4th, 2010 (6:21 pm)Toyota stuffed batteries into existing bodies, and substituted motors and controllers for engines. It was much less of an investment for them, the minimum required to satisfy the letter of the California mandate. On the positive side, it meant that a dented fender could be easily replaced. I don’t know, but strongly suspect that things like batteries and motors remained the sole responsibility of the purchaser.
GM used a more advanced battery (still inadequate by modern standards), hand built aerodynamic body shells to maximize the limited performance, and took it as an opportunity to experiment. You get what you pay for (and if you put everything on the line, only to have the prop pulled out from under you, such an investment can also be a liability).
Since we are talking about the ashes of disaster which lead to the Volt’s roses of success, I daresay that today it is Toyota which came out of the California program empty handed.
Mar 4th, 2010 (6:29 pm)Well Video is 1/3 uploaded. Lame essay has been sent in…
Now all we have to do is wait. Think I will go have a bit to eat.
If I did make the cut, I think that it would be as much fun as going to Toad Hall, a collection of 50 red sports cars. http://toadhallcars.com/ I will be there this weekend!
What would be better to appreciate 50 classic red sports cars, or to be a part of a beneficial revolution for mankind.
Mar 4th, 2010 (6:31 pm)Just submitted my essay. Anybody know if the 100 limit has been reached yet? Jeez it is tough when under the gun timewise (and at work).
Mar 4th, 2010 (6:31 pm)Cheater, cheater. That’s shameless exploitation
Mar 4th, 2010 (6:39 pm)I agree, things have turned out alright. Too bad such a great car had to be destroyed in order for the Volt to emerge, but I suppose the Phoenix analogy is very appropriate.
Mar 4th, 2010 (7:21 pm)Thanks Rashiid and nasaman she’s awesome. I can’t wait till she’s riding around with me in my volt or better yet with some siblings in an erev Orlando
Mar 4th, 2010 (7:37 pm)We’ve marketed this machine to everyone, from bosses bosses to neices nephews! We’ve helped Lyle put over 50,000 on the “want list!” We continue to lament and confront every mistatement and misconception. We’ve been boosters by the tens of thousands. We must have put out a billion dollars worth of good will and marketing effort by now.
We will continue to look forward to seeing the Volt wheels on the road. And GM marketing will make the most of our 10 positive “future customer” reviews. Netlook.com thank you for getting into the spirit of the thing, very gracious of you!
Note to GM marketing, ten VoltNation test drives? We will gladly give you the man in the street angle and align with your marketing needs. Doing our best for all the reasons we’re excited about the Volt. But 10 test drives for all of VoltNation? Well at least you’re showing up, in a manner of speaking.
Mar 4th, 2010 (7:38 pm)Without digging through details from the past. It’s best left said that GM earns credit for taking the high road with this gesture of 10 limited demo drives. The big prize for auto makers is being the first to boast “Leaders in electric vehicles”.
The first car magazine demo drive of the Volt went well. The single ding being that the acceleration was very linear. And that the edition of a mock power band would be desirable. Perhaps we’ll one day see a “Best EV win” shootout?
=D-Volt
Mar 4th, 2010 (7:43 pm)LauraM – you are there in Gotham, you are articulate and a Volt fan….you’d be a great test driver!
Alas… this former New Yawkah is some 950 miles distant these days, so the Volt driving experience (and purchase) along the banks of the Cumberland will have to wait awhile. To GM:the daily driver is hanging in there, now 11 model years old…will it make it to Volt? Middle TN by when?
-2
Mar 4th, 2010 (8:14 pm)“==========================Jason:The problem with your logic is that the EV-1 was never mass produced.There were only about 1600+ vehicles ever built, and those were basically built by hand.So say GM sold those EV-1’s to the people that said it was OK to no more service by GM, and the next week they had a fender bender.Now, with no parts available, you would have to have a custom made fender built that would cost thousands.Multiply that by the many thousands of parts in a standard car, and you can see how complicated it becomes.And then the lawsuits against GM would start, for selling cars that have no service parts.That liability is why they recalled them and had them crushed.Legally, it made sense at the time to do it that way.In hindsight, GM would be way ahead of the game if they had kept the project alive………….But the EV-1 was a science project, and at that time, would not have made GM any money, which is the long term goal for any automobile manufacturer.JMHO”
What a load of crap….
I’m sorry, but there are plenty of companies out there who make limited runs of vehicles and they don’t seem to have any issues with staying afloat. It was simply that GM did not have the will to continue the program.
There are plenty of people who could afford the vehicles as they were… even hand made. I believe that is how Ferrari gets by. Economy of scale would have brought the price down but even then, you can price it to where you make a profit and have it cost more. You are STILL going to get people who are interested in that kind of car and you will sell all of them. And I’m sure that if you messed up your fender that nobody would be able to make an aftermarket body part for your car.
GM had a winner and they pissed it away. I just hope that they learned their lesson and go all the way with the Volt.
Harrier1970
Mar 4th, 2010 (8:20 pm)Well, my first YouTube video uploaded…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ2JSaPv2rs
Just my very small bit in an an attempt to be a part of history.
Who knows the Volt that I may drive could end up in the Smithsonian.
Well, you have another benchmark. Good Luck on YOUR entry.
Cheers
Mar 4th, 2010 (8:31 pm)I’d be more than happy to go to New York to lap the Volt. Soon, I’ll be able to do this daily.
Mar 4th, 2010 (8:33 pm)Nice post HHR. Good luck. Looking forward to the historical launch.
Mar 4th, 2010 (8:41 pm)+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (8:47 pm)Would be nice just to meet up with some of the gang. Many of us are long time posters. I’d sure like to use any time there to convince GM to look at the sign up list. Whoever gets the nod to go, please ask the question. May be close enough to launch to get a real answer now.
Mar 4th, 2010 (8:49 pm)Thank You jbfalaska. How is the snow up there?
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (9:01 pm)GM could have recalled the lease, broken down half the cars for parts and sold the remaining ones for $100k or something like that.. they might have sold a few. I believe by law they have to keep a spare parts supply for 8 years or something like that.. plus the paperwork and network to support those cars. GM would have been better off (from a parts supply viewpoint) if they had taken an existing car of their lineup and just done an electric conversion on them.. but nooo, they had to go all out and develop a dedicated electric car from the ground up.. and a weird looking one at that..ungodly amount of money spent.
Mar 4th, 2010 (9:20 pm)Nice! Good luck to ya!
+3
Mar 4th, 2010 (9:51 pm)GM had a loser on their hands. Big time. A car that goes only 100 miles and costs about 80K in the year 2000 when gas is 99 cents a gallon is a loser. GM wants to mass produce cars. They are not in the business to hand build cars for a small group of environmentalists.
Even today, we debate whether the Nissan leaf can sell in significant numbers with its advanced batteries, much lower cost, and at a time when fuel prices are much higher.
Blaming GM for killing the EV1 ignores some simple facts. GM was forced by a government decry to build cars like the EV1 and they did a wonderful job. The EV1 was a technological master piece. After the govt took the gun from GMs head and told them the mandate to build cars like EV1 was over, GM wisely stopped and killed this money losing science project.
If electric cars were really ready for prime time in the last decade, why did the European car makers not jump on the band wagon. In France, electricity is plentiful and gas is very expensive. Is Puegeout to stupid to build an electric car. What about BMW and Mercedes, etc. etc.
To say that GM killed the electric car implies that only they could do it and the European car companies, with higher gas prices and plenty of electricity, were to ignorant to build one.
The truth is, it was simply too soon for the electric car revolution when the EV1 was out. Only a government mandate could make it happen. When the Governing bodies pulled the mandate, they killed the electric car.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (9:52 pm)GM had a loser on their hands. Big time. A car that goes only 100 miles and costs about 80K in the year 2000 when gas is 99 cents a gallon is a loser. GM wants to mass produce cars. They are not in the business to hand build cars for a small group of environmentalists.
Even today, we debate whether the Nissan leaf can sell in significant numbers with its advanced batteries, much lower cost, and at a time when fuel prices are much higher.
Blaming GM for killing the EV1 ignores some simple facts. GM was forced by a government decry to build cars like the EV1 and they did a wonderful job. The EV1 was a technological master piece. After the govt took the gun from GMs head and told them the mandate to build cars like EV1 was over, GM wisely stopped and killed this money losing science project.
If electric cars were really ready for prime time in the last decade, why did the European car makers not jump on the band wagon? In France, electricity is plentiful and gas is very expensive. Is Puegeout to stupid to build an electric car? What about BMW and Mercedes, etc. etc.?
To say that GM killed the electric car implies that only they could do it and the European car companies, with higher gas prices and plenty of electricity, were to ignorant to build one.
The truth is, it was simply too soon for the electric car revolution when the EV1 was out. Only a government mandate could make it happen. When the Governing bodies pulled the mandate, they killed the electric car.
+4
Mar 4th, 2010 (9:53 pm)I thought long and hard about it… there are just too many issues on my family’s plate for me to leave at the end of the month…
But the thought of reading or watching 10 of our commenters impressions makes me feel like…
Spanky, from the little rascals, somehow broke into a patisserie.
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:13 pm)Quite night. Everybody must be busy with their projects. Wish I could make it this year. There have been some good ideas for commercials outlined in past threads. It would be neat to see one used in a video.
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:32 pm)I can assure you that it looks better in person than in the pictures.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:34 pm)Even at just 10 demo drives this is a very positive and significant event. This gesture, in itself, boosts the image of GM. 10 hardcore EV enthusiasts have the chance to spend $1000 (more or less) for an early test drive. With the additional benefit of being able to speak with several GM employees. I suggest GM allow the spouses of the contest winners to ride along. Few individuals spend $40k on a car without the co-blessing of the spouse.
The Volt will eventually make the dealership rounds. And all who wish to demo the Volt may do so. In the meantime the upcoming demo feedback will have to be enough. Some shoppers are waiting for whichever $30k EV is available first. The upcoming feedback from the gm volt dot com demo day is huge in this regard.
The Volt wins the “looks” contest. The Volt probably loses the “price” contest. These demo drives could tilt the balance. Or at least keep the shoppers waiting for a shot at a local demo drive. I am not planning on buying a new vehicle until I have driven the Volt. I realize this may be up to 2 years from now.
=D-Volt
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:44 pm)I checked, and all video characters must be at least as tall as Bugs Bunny’s ears in order to enter the contest. Also, they may *not* demonstrate a CQ (Cuteness Quotient) greater than 50 (100 is “average”). This poor child is far too short and obviously has a CQ at least twice the allowable level.
OK, OK, I wonder who won the remaining spots……
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (10:58 pm)Hear, hear! We want a family erev!
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:00 pm)Ohhhhh man this sounds good, I just hope it isn’t on the 29th. I have a big concert I want to go to.
But this just means I will have to get on my video making.
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:15 pm)Well, my essay’s in the hopper. No word on reaching 100 yet? Date is fine for me. Sounds like it’s around the time of the NYC auto show which I’ll be attending. Test drive would be icing on the proverbial cake.
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:20 pm)Wow! What a day to be away from the office. Unfortunately, I might have to go to London at the end of March. And I don’t want to apply for one of the spots when I’m not sure I can make it.
Besides, there are people here deserve it much more than I do. And who would do a much better job describing the experience than I ever could.
But I look forward to reading everyone else’s reviews.
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:28 pm)Timaaayyy!!! would floor it and not look back. Over the hills and thru the woods to CNN-live I go. True reality TV. Twitter sensation. National exposure. Police escort. For 300 miles.
Folk hero.
I’ll sell 10,000 all by myself.
I want my
I want my
I want mt Volt, GM
(just kidding about the stunt. hope you had fun with the fantasy)
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:38 pm)Good attitude Laura. Hope you have a super time in London. I plan on balancing a trip to Vegas with coaching Little League the end of March.
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
Michael Jordan
=D-Volt
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:39 pm)Good attitude Laura. Hope you have a super time in London. I plan on balancing a trip to Vegas with coaching Little League the end of March.
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
Michael Jordan
=D-Volt
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:44 pm)London is a great city (although very expensive). But it’s a work trip. So probably not too much fun….
Have fun in Vegas though! Even though I’m not a gambler, it’s great just walking down the strip and looking at all the casinos.
+1
Mar 4th, 2010 (11:51 pm)Harrier1970 @ 103 Says: “What a load of crap….”
=============
Don’t hold back bud, tell us how you really feel!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mar 5th, 2010 (12:09 am)Strong showing if not as cute as gsned57′s daughter — hard to compete with that! Best of luck and hope you get your ride.
But in your video what the heck is all the white stuff on the ground?
Mar 5th, 2010 (12:38 am)If “These demo drives could tilt the balance. Or at least keep the shoppers waiting for a shot at a local demo drive”…then it’s because of the efforts of folks like you. Not me, I don’t want to participate until folks like you get a reasonable acknowledgment. Maybe they’ll take this show on the road if it works in the eyes of GM’s marketers, who knows. Although, these are the folks that fired Maria Rohrer for getting a video produced for seventh graders to go viral.
I could be wrong though, maybe marketing is a lot more like rocket science than I ever imagined. I’ll be pulling for you guys, but that will be about the extent of my participation.
Good luck on your submissions and happy test drives to the winners – Jeffrey Holman.
+3
Mar 5th, 2010 (12:53 am)How about the second VoltNation meeting in Los Angeles (in July 2010) with a Volt driving opportunity for 10 lucky Californians…?!
Eugene
Mar 5th, 2010 (1:09 am)hi jeffhre # 127 …
GM realizes that a short term priority is image repair. The gm volt dot com demo drive offer is a very low cost path toward this goal.
I drive a street legal electric GEM car a couple of times a week. This is a lightweight vehicle which seats four. The motor is very small at less than 10hp. It doesn’t handle great. The ride is stiff and jolting. But the high torque experience makes for a fun drive.
When GM is ready for the release of the production Volt. The “fun factor” must be pushed hard. The demo drivers are going to have a lot of fun. Without the “that just killed half a tank of gas” hangover.
=D-Volt
Phoenix is more centrally located. The lowest price airport in the nation to fly to. Wide open spaces, plenty of sunshine, and low cost of living.
Mar 5th, 2010 (1:09 am)Wow…surprised me!
Wonder if next they’ll get Leno to do the electric car race thingy, whatever they call it (They should call it the Green Mile), for the new Tonight Show. Now THAT would be marketing at its finest!
Kurt
LJGTVWOTR
Mar 5th, 2010 (4:30 am)Volt45: Volt45
i just sent in my short (I hope?) essay…. how can I not?
This is like Willy Wonka’s golden tickets…
/peels back the chocolate wrap slowly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ-uV72pQKI
Mar 5th, 2010 (5:00 am)[...] a bid to give a few lucky winners a chance behind the wheel of the Volt, GM has teamed up with GM-Volt.com to offer ten lucky winners a chance to test drive a pre-production model next month, right before [...]
Mar 5th, 2010 (5:16 am)Snow? I was like, oh no it is snowing. Sometimes the satellite Internet will not work if it is snowing. However everything worked. So now I know I can upload a video, So if I go I can take a video or two.
Cheers
Mar 5th, 2010 (7:14 am)Sounds good. By the way, you cross Route-8 on your way from Hartford to Danbury. Route-8 and I-84 intersect in Waterbury.
Mar 5th, 2010 (7:42 am)It is an adventure — just like the golden ticket, there will be a few, and maybe you.
Mar 5th, 2010 (7:54 am)This just in…… (drum roll)…..
The GRAND PRIZE WINNER of the all expense trip to NYC to test drive the Volt is…… john1701a !
-2
Mar 5th, 2010 (8:12 am)With 194,000 miles of FULL hybrid driving over the past 9.5 years, experience to see great potential for a mainstream vehicle is definitely there. How to reach the mainstream is the challenge.
Mar 5th, 2010 (8:30 am)…who has no interest in the Volt but will appreciate the time on the test track to try to locate some persistent problems with his ….
-2
Mar 5th, 2010 (8:48 am)With the current configuration, I’m not interested. It’s far too expensive for middle-market.
I want something that will easily appeal to the mainstream, one that will quickly become a business-sustaining vehicle.
+2
Mar 5th, 2010 (9:25 am)hi John #139 …
You want something that will quickly become a business sustaining vehicle? What’s the name of your dealership? If I live within 50 miles I’ll ride my Kawasaki over to look at your cars.
I have been loosely following the Toyota floor mat issue, the gas pedal shim remedy, and the brake system disconnect of the recalled Toyota vehicles. I haven’t seen any crashes here locally. But I couldn’t avoid seeing a piece this week on national news where a fellow demonstrated how his “repaired” Toyota failed to stop with the brake pedal pushed to the floor. Then it really hit home. We’re not talking about a rattle caused by a worn mount or insulator. The driver was cruising along at 40mph and pushed the gas and brake to the floor during the demonstration. Nothing happened. The car just kept on driving at 40 mph. Oh what a feeling?
Your Prius is able to average 44mpg through moderate driving habits. So you’ve in effect taken one 22mpg vehicle off the road. You can travel 12000 miles per year on 266 gallons of gasoline. The Volt, if driven 35-40 miles between recharge, can travel 12000 per year on 1 gallon of gasoline. The 1 gallon being used for periodic start of the extended range generator engine to maintain lubrication and related functions. This is what I’m interested in and feel is worth paying a little more for. Will you be selling these as well?
=D-Volt
-3
Mar 5th, 2010 (9:49 am)It’s that misrepresentation that keeps me coming back. Where did that 44 come from?
My lifetime average (as of 15,777 miles for the 2010) is 50.2 MPG, from just driving along with the flow of traffic. I’ve also carried bikes & kayaks on the exterior.
Mar 5th, 2010 (10:25 am)I work with two ladies who own them. They report about 44-45 mpg. These are not hypermilers. Just people who drive as they wish to. The 44mpg driver commutes 28 miles and likes to speed (80mph) to L.A. and back for trips to Disneyland. The other lives closer and has the new beak nosed model.
=D-Volt
Mar 5th, 2010 (10:28 am)I may drive with a bit of a heavier foot but don’t race, don’t speed up to red lights, and haven’t got a ticket in years. But in a philly winter with an all highway 7 mile commute I get 30-35 MPG over the tank of gas. My 2005 prius is great and I’m happy with it but it takes a good 5 minutes for the engine to warm up and during that time eats through the gas (relatively speaking). On longer trips at 50-60mph without many stoplights I can easily average 50mpg. But at highway speeds of 72 mph for a long trip low 40′s is what I’ll get. Driving habits and weather can make a huge difference but averaging 44 MPG in my mind is pretty darn good for a gen 2 Prius based on 5 years experience with mine.
Mar 5th, 2010 (10:31 am)Just to get in on the whole “What’s your mileage with your Prius?” mini thread, I’ve owned my Prius for 3 years and my mileage results are a bit more complex than a flat average number.
First, I bought the “Touring” model, which even Consumer Reports suggests gets 3-5 less mpg due to it’s larger wheels. I like the design, unlike many, but just couldn’t swallow those itty-bitty go-kart wheels and tires most ride on.
Second, I am very mileage-conscious. Not to the point of hyper-miling and ticking off every motorist that ever gets behind me – but I “pulse-and-glide” my way around each and every day. I’m a master at momentum, and have polished and practiced any technique that will squeeze another inch out of my distance traveled out of a drop of fuel.
Third, my Prius is mainly my wife’s machine since she carts the kids to school and daycare, and makes all those short trips to the post office,church,grocery and drugstore. When we first purchased the car I gave up trying to show her how to drive it, and she stoutly proclaimed, “I am just gonna drive it like any other car I’ve ever driven-PERIOD!” To my amazement, the car egged her on with it’s real-time computer graphics and in weeks, she approached me and said, “Hey I just got 47 mpg!”, lol. Who knew?
Fourth, every car magazine and net article I could consume told me to expect better mileage in town and not out on the open road – even EPA rated it: 60mpg city/50 hwy ( prior to 2008 readjusted protocols ). I’ve found that 90% of our trips are those short trips in town not including freeway miles. Surprisingly, longer trips with some freeway is where our Prius shines, sometimes getting 63mpg in mild weather without A/C or radio, even with four passengers! Short trips are where our Toyota fails pretty badly.One reason being the ICE fires up after 45 seconds every single time it starts no matter how warm the engine. Even with the hot water bottle behind the left headlight to keep water warm for up to three days, it still starts religiously to condition the battery and insure constant temp. as to not warp the aluminum head. It’s very frustrating to be putting through a parking lot, ICE humming along at 2 mph on a warm engine(EV mode in newer models and hybrid Highlanders would be nice)!.
All told, during Winter months with heater on, and on those short trips I’ll break the news that our Prius hauls in an average of about 36mpg or less! Part of this is due to my wife not getting the results I do due to my incessant care to stretch a gallon. But I only laugh at Prius owner’s constant ability to look another straight in the face and claim they AVERAGE 60mpg!!!!! This is just a plain, bald-faced …er….untruth.
As a boat owner, we all know boaters love to stretch the maximum speed capabilities of their craft. It’s not uncommon for some guy to claim his little V-6 inboard “averages” 60mph! Most just roll their eyes and elbow one-another and say…”yeah, sure…” Mileage claims seem to be the same. Think about it. We spend more to get more em pee gees! So we go online and claim huge numbers, even when we’re not hyper-milers.
Realistically, I expected more from my Prius. I knew going in that it was “old” battery technology being NIMH, and that it would be no plug-in. I wasn’t, however, expecting our numbers to be so below what owners were claiming. I’m pretty fussy and I over-inflate my tires – even placing a couple solar panels on my dash and hatch to keep the tiny 12v battery charged up.
When people say they get 60mpg with a kayak strapped to the top, I am highly dubious.
Mar 5th, 2010 (10:40 am)I would definitely enter this contest, except I will be away on vacation on March 29th or 30th. As luck has it, I will actually be in NYC on April 3rd and 4th. Close but no cigar.
Mar 5th, 2010 (10:46 am)Does the radio make much of a difference? The mpg delta would have to be pretty large before I gave up my radio.
Would an aftermarket EV-mode switch help much with this? I guess it wouldn’t unless they were _very_ short trips.
-1
Mar 5th, 2010 (10:48 am)Let’s consider your logic for a moment.
1) Because the price of oil revulse you, you want a Volt. I understand that. I feel the same.
2) To try the Volt ASAP, you are willing to travel > 6 hours (if you are in Montreal, around 8 if you are from Quebec – and that’s not even roundtrip) using OIL to get there.
I understand the joy of test driving a car that will eventually reduce our usage of oil when it becomes available. Is it worth to go against what you believe for that ?
Just asking…
Mar 5th, 2010 (11:41 am)#146 Bitguru: Would an aftermarket EV-mode switch help much with this? I guess it wouldn’t unless they were _very_ short trips. (Quote)
I’ve often thought of the aftermarket EV switch, but I don’t want to void my warranty.
RECHARGE! James
-2
Mar 5th, 2010 (11:55 am)That’s the other reason… outdated information.
This winter with the 2010, stuck in heavy traffic at 10 F, I drove electric-only for 8 minutes.
The cycling of the engine coming on for heat has been improved quite a bit over the previous model… hence being aware of the configuration choices/priorities for Volt. It shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.
Mar 5th, 2010 (12:01 pm)I know it sounds a bit “Al Gore-ish”, and I’m no big fan of Mr. Gore – in that he “invented the internet” and tells us how to live before even putting one solar panel on his multiple residences. Yet it has been argued Mr. Gore’s blatant private jet excursions around the globe burning tons of fossil fuels is for the greater good. If his books and public appearances nudge us closer to being environmentally responsible ( including sending less toxic pollutants into the atmosphere and our lungs from our tailpipes ) I would side closer to those taking that position.
As for myself, I live in Seattle, a good 5 1/2 hour flight to NYC. I definately would be honored to represent GM-Volt.com as a representative to test drive and experience the Volt and speak to whomever I can from GM. I could also be proactive and contact my local press, representing an entire region of the USA. I think your point would be right on if I didn’t take on the responsibility to communicate the desires of the majority of us here, and take the message of GM and it’s EREV to the masses in whatever way possible. I’m confident of my abilities to do this in spades. If one YouTube video can reach 10′s of thousands plus – I can easily sleep at night justifying the trip.
RECHARGE! James
Mar 5th, 2010 (12:05 pm)Remember, that plane is filled with hundreds of other passengers doing their business who would be in that plane regardless of the contest winner’s presence.
I know it sounds a bit “Al Gore-ish”, and I’m no big fan of Mr. Gore – in that he “invented the internet” and tells us how to live before even putting one solar panel on his multiple residences. Yet it has been argued Mr. Gore’s blatant private jet excursions around the globe burning tons of fossil fuels is for the greater good. If his books and public appearances nudge us closer to being environmentally responsible ( including sending less toxic pollutants into the atmosphere and our lungs from our tailpipes ) I would side closer to those taking that position.
As for myself, I live in Seattle, a good 5 1/2 hour flight to NYC. I definately would be honored to represent GM-Volt.com as a representative to test drive and experience the Volt and speak to whomever I can from GM. I could also be proactive and contact my local press, representing an entire region of the USA. I think your point would be right on if I didn’t take on the responsibility to communicate the desires of the majority of us here, and take the message of GM and it’s EREV to the masses in whatever way possible. I’m confident of my abilities to do this in spades. If one YouTube video can reach 10’s of thousands plus – I can easily sleep at night justifying the trip.
RECHARGE! James
-2
Mar 5th, 2010 (12:50 pm)I absolutely love “people” claims like that, because I’ve never actually encountered anyone that extreme and can clearly see that the real-world data is much different. Who said it?
That’s part of the fascination with Volt, since the same thing will happen with it too.
In fact, that’s the very benefit of TEST-DRIVE opportunities like this… to gather info proving absurd-sounding claims are just online folklore.
Mar 5th, 2010 (1:00 pm)I’m not sure of your point. Is it that people’s unfounded claims will somehow make the Volt’s performance SEEM better than it is?
I think Mr. Lutz has done a good job of communicating that Volt owners will experience wide variations of AER, and it seems counter-productive for such actual-use information to leak out before the rollout. This is the value of a non-disclosure agreement.
The variables of AER are so numerous as any Prius owner like myself can tell you. GM is targeting 40 mile electric range in moderate conditions on flat pavement. Being that they have hung their hats on this figure for so long, I find it a good bet that will be attainable fairly easily.
If you’ve never heard Prius owners brag mileage, just go to Priuschat.com or any of the innumerable hybrid mileage logging sites online. Google awayyy!
RECHARGE! James
-1
Mar 5th, 2010 (1:11 pm)Obviously. It’s when an extreme is portrayed as the norm.
Real-World data easily confirms it too.
That’s why you can’t just generically say “people”.
Mar 5th, 2010 (1:33 pm)Easy submitted. If I win it will only take me about 2 gallons to get there. Good luck everyone.
Mar 5th, 2010 (1:40 pm)John1701a is a troll.
By feeding him, you have achieved his purpose: 13 Prius-related posts on a Chevy Volt thread.
John will always:
1) Ask a ‘bait’ question, or make an outrageous comment to draw in the unwary.
2) Control the direction of the ensuing conversation towards the Toyota Prius.
3) Minimize or contest any response which casts the Prius or Toyota in an unfavorable light.
4) Minimize or contest any response in the thread which casts the Chevy Volt or GM in a favorable light.
5) Refuse to accept any correlation between the present Volt program to the early Prius program, or otherwise grant any GM program equivalency to a Toyota program.
6) Driven far enough, he will display a haughty and condescending attitude towards other posters on this site.
The only way john1701a should ever be answered is with a particularly pungent insult.
This is a lie. He has a keen interest in showing up here at every opportunity to pour water all over the Volt idea; preferably when we’ve just gotten a jolt of bad news.
He has his own Prius-fan website. His activities in advocating the Prius should properly be restricted to that venue.
DNFTT
Mar 5th, 2010 (1:47 pm)No offense but please get your facts right
GM announced that they were going to make the EV-1 BEFORE California said that car companies needed to make these cars. California was just saying it wanted to see more cars like that on the road and wanted to stress that with the auto industry. GM was not the only company to build these kind of cars either but all of the companies destroyed their cars after successfully lobbying CARB to remove the zero emission mandate.
GM lobbied heavily against this mandate which makes one wonder what their real motivation was behind building the car. Who was the real target audience for the EV-1? Who was GM really saying that they could build an electric car too? I don’t think it was the American public.
GM built a serial hybrid EV-1 that is strangely similar to the Volt. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_EV1) and 100 miles of pure electric range is much more than the average person needs per day.
BMW makes cars that cost $80,000 each and they seem to crank them out regularly and not by hand. There are plenty of “environmentalists” who make good money and who are willing to pay for that status. They will pay just as much to have an electric car like the EV-1 and a lower price built on economies of scale would have ensured that the numbers would have been significant enough to keep the program going until demand picked up. GM also received $1.25 billion from the US government for the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) to develop these kind of cars.
GM was years ahead of the competition and dropped the ball…period. They had a lack of vision and it bit them pretty hard.
How is it that the EV-1 was wrong but now the Volt is the salvation of GM? How many years are we talking here? 8 years from the final EV-1 to the announcement of the Volt? That is the blink of an eye in the automotive world. As for gasoline pricing being low… you would have to be pretty stupid to bet that gas is going to stay at the same price year after year.
-1
Mar 5th, 2010 (2:12 pm)It’s easy to make posts appear that way, even when Prius is never mentioned… especially in a blog rather than a forum.
Insult and name call all you want. It won’t change the reality that something must be offered that priced at in the mid-20′s.
Nicer models are great. But at $2.79 per gallon for gas right now, time is something that most certainly isn’t in abduncance. Why not increase capacity as pricing permits? After all, that’s what the computer industry does and consumers have widely accepted.
Mar 5th, 2010 (2:46 pm)Looks like I lost my posting? I can’t figure out what happened?
Mar 5th, 2010 (6:56 pm)How about the politicians and hollywood stars and the diplomats who jet around the world, from Amsterdam to Bali to Brazil to Japan, to strike the big deal… (and also party with some really good food and booze). I know these people know what skype is.
Maybe you should try pointing your righteous anger to a more target rich field instead of ordinary joes or josephines from Quebec.
Mar 5th, 2010 (9:06 pm)Yeah, it’s that first five minutes that turned me into a Volt fanatic. I hated always seeing that first bar after I started the Prius up. It was usually at around 25-30 MPG. By contrast, the first five minutes in the Volt will be infinite MPG! OK, I know that warm-up is an inherent ICE problem, and the Volt ICE will undoubtedly have the same problem when it cranks up, but the thing is … it happened every time I left home in the Prius, and it’s only going to happen on a fraction of the trips I make in the Volt.
Mar 5th, 2010 (9:30 pm)How many essays so far?
Mar 6th, 2010 (12:55 am)Hi HHR. Doesn’t look like too many. I’m in the Denver area. Mild Winter for once. We’re normally buried under. NY is nice this time of year.
Mar 6th, 2010 (11:00 am)[...] a bid to give a few lucky winners a chance behind the wheel of the Volt, GM has teamed up with GM-Volt.com to offer ten lucky winners a chance to test drive a pre-production model next month, right before [...]
Mar 6th, 2010 (2:41 pm)LOL!!!
Hey JimI and everyone! Had to speed read the previous posts in quicktime within this 15 minute window here at the library. (am attempting to set up Linux, as the scanner software is in Linux) (and, still have about 28 more shops to update). Have been missing everyone.
I could strenuously get it down to 400 words, Promise!!
Am extremely thankful for the record business these last four weeks. it may accelerate my situation for possibly an upgraded Volt if the opportunity arises.
have only a minute left.
have to close.
this time limit is really good practice in brevity!!LOL!!
Talk to everyone later,
take care.
Dan.
Mar 8th, 2010 (2:52 am)Since I’m sure I’m going to be chosen [grin] I’d like to get started on travel arrangements. Any idea when “shortly” will arrive?
Mar 15th, 2010 (8:19 pm)Did I win? Did I win? Did I win?