The Chevrolet Volt offers gas-free driving for the majority of trips, the flexibility of limitless driving when needed, and the latest automotive technology. In addition to that GM is referring to Volt drivers as the ultimate “connected customer.”
Tony DiSalle is the Marketing Director for the Chevrolet Volt and in this interview provides us with his explanation of what the connected customer is, and hints it may be less expensive than you think.
“Are you familiar with what we’re calling the connected customer?” asks DiSalle.
Yes, but please tell me how you see it.
Quite frankly its an important part of the overall customer experience and its going to be unlike in any other vehicle that’s ever gone to market.
We like to think about it starting in the vehicle with the HMI. With the dual screens behind the steering wheel and on the center stack that’s giving you the feedback, whether its power flow or battery life remaining or being very clear in terms of what the source of the power is. The very crisp crystal clear graphics. That’s one element or basic of connected customer.
The next layer starts to be enabled by OnStar. That specifically is the ability to press a blue OnStar button and having a destination downloaded to your screen-based nav unit. That’s a capability that exists in GM products today so its not unique or revolutionary for the Volt other than it is kind of a cool proof point to connected customer, and we’re going to talk about that in the context to connected navigation.
That is very unique versus the competition. The competition doesn’t have anything really like that, the ability to download the destination from the telematic source right into the screen-based nav unit. That takes away the most oftentimes frustrating or highest area of customer dissatisfaction for screen-based navigation where you have to pull the car over to the side of the road, put it in park, and type in the destination.
It then expands from there to the smartphone applications that we announced in January. So you’ve got the ability to download onto the iPhone the ability to remotely contact your car and your car is talking to you through this application on your smartphone and its giving you information like battery state of charge, and some really cool stuff like the number of EV miles you’ve driven, total miles miles per gallon calculated fuel economy, all of those kinds of things, and has the capability to reach out and notify you via a pretty cool notification platform if charging has been interrupted. For example, if somebody unplugs your car to plug in a power tool, your car’s going to be smart enough to send you a text message or an email depending on which you choose to tell you that charging has been interrupted. You can program charging timing though that smartphone app as well. So it’s a whole bunch of capabilities.
And then it extends beyond that to a very unique owner site that is going to be unique in the industry. You go on to the owners site and site and the car will talk to each other everytime it boots up.
The site calls the car and the car will send the website all of those things I just went through. You’ll be able to graph content off of that site and we talk about the brag bar which is the number of EV miles driven and you can share it around, and it will be a really cool connected customer experience.
It doesn’t end there. There’s a unique once a month dedicated Volt OnStar vehicle diagnostic email that is an email from your Chevrolet Volt that tells you how it is doing, that will give you the diagnostic information on the car itself, and will coach you in terms of how to get the most out of your Volt making sure that tire pressure is optimal and all of that stuff as well.
So we looked at this as a kind of a total connected customer experience.
The majority of those elements I just walked through are enabled by OnStar. The traditional duration of OnStar in a GM vehicle had been one year. We are going to extend that. We are going to have a longer duration standard in the Chevrolet Volt. I can’t tell you what that specifically is yet but we will. Its going to be more than a year.
So normally when you get a new GM car a year of OnStar is included in the purchase and then it becomes optional after a year?
Yes, that has historically been the case. And then you renew after that first year.
And that’s usually about $200 per year?
The Safe and Sound package is $199 and the Directions and Connections is another $100 so $299 per year.
And so for the Volt you will extend the free period?
Yes, and we’re going to have Directions and Connections included. So you will be able to download that destination to the screen-based nav unit that’s part of OnStar’s Directions and Connections package and so envision standard connections and direction for longer than a year.
I also understand you’ll be able to use Google maps to find directions and be able to download that to the car from your PC or smartphone too?
Yes. We’ve extended the Volt app. Now we’ve got a really neat cooperative effort here with Google where you can literally use Google’s voice engine as part of this Volt app and you can give a destination and literally say a place their nav engine will pop up show you where it is, where you are, and map a route. All on your smartphone.
Then also cant you download that directly into the car?
Yes, this is the case. It comes through OnStar and then onto your nav screen.
-36
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:43 am)(click to show comment)
+6
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:44 am)OK… a car with cool engine sound, display screens at the driver’s seat, and that you can talk to…
it is KIT from the Knight Rider! (oh those sweet 80′s)
+8
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:55 am)If you are saying the Leaf Global Network is superior to GM’s OnStar, you are wrong. Nothing comes close to OnStar with all it features.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:56 am)Makes perfect sense. I was reluctant to sign up for OnStar when we bought a Saturn Vue. But really, there should not be a car without it. Just that simple.
-32
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:56 am)(click to show comment)
+13
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:57 am)I can see it now, I get to work and get an E-Mail from my Volt that says: Hey, Eco, you used 25 more amp hours on your way to work this morning, you been racing again?
+2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:00 am)If you have to use your smartphone to speak your destination into Google’s voice engine, will the Volt have connectivity so that you don’t have to be holding the phone? Bluetooth wireless from phone to car’s audio system? Docking connector?
-12
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:05 am)(click to show comment)
+21
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:12 am)It all sounds pretty sweet but there is no way I’ll be paying $25 a month for onstar when my GPS and phone can do all the nav/internet I’ll ever need in the car. I hope the free period is a longer time because that’s the only time I’ll have onstar. It would be nice if the car could get net connected via wifi while parked in my garage. I don’t need to know the status of my car all the time but while at home it would be good to know the SOC and have it update my owners site page when I’m parked at home.
+9
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:14 am)Now if only I could get a Volt to go with my iPhone and my Volt app…….
+6
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:17 am)Mr DiSalle, before he came to his job in Chevy Volt marketing, was previously head of OnStar. No doubt his enthusiasm for OnStar remains high. I’m all for it, but I would like the Volt car as well, not just a video game (previous post) or a network community (which I already have here).
But I sympathize with Mr DiSalle. He has been thrust into a job where he is stuck with everyone else’s decisions on production, which is what we all really care about. So he is responding by throwing sand in the air and otherwise trying his best to invent creative distractions to use up some months.
But in the end, it is going to be the car itself, and for that to be good, gm has to build more than a handful and sell them to real people. That doesn’t seem to be going so well, but hope springs eternal. Maybe soon.
+4
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:18 am)The next main feature – Volt going to make you a cup of coffee.
+12
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:19 am)
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:20 am)LOL, nice.
+4
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:23 am)Nice thought. Actually, in view of the shortage of cars, gm will sell you coffee makers with nice pictures of Volts on the side. Drink coffee, play video games, be happy (smile).
+4
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:27 am)This is awesome but falls short.
Where is the flying capability and the passenger side ejection seat? lol
Seriously though, I think this is great news. This just adds to the “cool factor”.
I like toys.
+6
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:34 am)GPS navigation would definitely be great as I have not yet had it. The rest of the stuff is probably great for you kids but seems mostly fluff. I’m intrested in an electric car not not an electronic toy!
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:37 am)My “Volt Moment” is going to be the first time I go to take my friends out somewhere, they climb into the car and then all these screens come on and I’m downloading maps onto the screen and pulling up status displays, “All Systems Go” and then I pull out of the driveway and it doesn’t make a sound… the Volt Leaf balance will shift for all of them right then and there. And then I’ll tell them they’re free to pull up silly YouTube videos on the center stack while I’m driving.
+3
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:38 am)Lyle said And that’s usually about $200 per year? because Lyle has forgotten how to speak teen ager, which Mr DiSalle is trying to do.
Lyle should have said And, like, that’s usually like, like about $200, like per year? [sharply rising tone at the end] And when Mr DiSalle says only $199 you have to say “cool” or “very cool”, just like Mr DiSalle does. And more “cools” after he adds the next $99 (smile)
Teen-speak is an interesting dialect. “Like” serves a function similar to “ACK” in synchronous communications systems, showing that the speaker still is functioning as the conversation manager.
“Cool” means “I heard what you said.”, but does not itself indicate specific approval.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:41 am)I don’t remember where I read it, but I’m almost positive that the Bluetooth connectivity, as you describe, is included. I don’t know about docking connectors.
+8
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:42 am)I have never used OnStar and don’t have a smartphone, so, have no experience in this area.
I’m more in the CJS camp. Just sell me a dang car that works and that doesn’t use a lot of gasoline. I do like higher-end finishes (like SS and leather). Higher-end connectivity, not so much. (I wouldn’t be mad if they gave me open-source (WiFi) though where I could leverage my current providers.)
I don’t have a GPS and believe that real men don’t need one. I don’t even have a compass in my car. All this gear just diminishes your ability to act/react in the real world unencumbered. I’m more of a Grizzly Adams than KITT driver.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:44 am)Need Windows Mobile support! The iPhone is a locked piece of garbage that restricts you to a certain carrier…Windows Mobile supports all carriers and doesn’t lock you into iTunes, iApp, iWhatever…
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:51 am)Finally, I can divulge one of the last tidbits that I gained from the GM rep at the autoshow in Austin, TX on May 16. I was sworn to secrecy (literally), but I was told then about the OnStar extension. Although they are not saying now, and I wasn’t given a guarantee of the plan, I was told, “the managers are thinking about OnStar being included for . . .” You can fill in the blank. Hint, more than another year. I really feel the rep was being pretty straight and upfront with me on everything that was shared. This announcement confirms that assumption for me.
So, if you go back to my other posts about “the GM rep told me in Austin,” I think they are pretty close.
BTW, I obviously kept my part of the “don’t tell anyone yet, but . . .”
+7
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:54 am)Blue Button said, “Once you get OnStar you will never go back. I am sure every Volt owner will continue their OnStar subscription once the free ride expires. Why anyone would not want it is beyond belief anyway.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Not everyone needs nor wants Onstar. We had it on our truck free for the first year. The only time we tried to use it, to unlock the door when my wife locked the keys in it on top of the 2nd highest mountain in VA, it didn’t work. Needless to say we didn’t pay to renew it.
I guess I’m old school. When I get in a vehicle I like to know where I’m going. I can read a map, follow directions, and generally ensure I’m not going to get lost before I hit the road. For me Onstar would be $25.00/month wasted. Of course I still get my TV from an antenna, so I understand that I’m not quite like everyone else
For me, forcing me to pay of Onstar (in the purchase price) just to buy a Volt is a bummer.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:55 am)You’re cool, Rashiid.
-7
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:57 am)Dan said:
Need Windows Mobile support! The iPhone is a locked piece of garbage that restricts you to a certain carrier…Windows Mobile supports all carriers and doesn’t lock you into iTunes, iApp, iWhatever…
Volt is sounding more like Mac and Leaf like PC.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:59 am)Gsned57, they are saying it comes free, and they are going to extend the free period. Why not just try it and enjoy it for that long, then see if Blue Button’s prediction comes true. Cheap doesn’t come into play until it stops being free.
+19
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:03 am)Will the car automatically contact the police when I go over the speed limit ?
Tom
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:03 am)Maybe, like, Onstar will, like, always be free. Like, paid for by, like, Google ads, like.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:05 am)Don’t know where you get that. Volt has apps for iPhone and Android based phones. GM is partnering with Google, which Apple won’t, and Windows 7 (see yesterday). Add in Windows Mobile, and I think it’s obviously exactly opposite of your statement. Just saying.
+2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:07 am)Tom said:
Will the car automatically contact the police when I go over the speed limit ?
Tom
LOL, good one Tom, +1, and then print the ticket on your printer at home.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:10 am)Glad to hear they’ll be using Google Voice recognition, which is excellent (although Microsoft’s is very good as well – it’s built into our company’s phone system.)
What I find most interesting is the paradigm shift the Volt represents for the Chevy (I’m not saying Chevrolet on purpose) customer base. Less than a year ago, Forbes reported that Chevy owners were less Internet-savvy than any other group of vehicle owners. An astonishing 13% of Chevy owners had NEVER been on the web!
http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/06/car-personality-wealth-lifestyle-vehicles-gender-income_slide_4.html?thisSpeed=15000
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:10 am)I myself am interested in the Volt more because of it’s technology than anything else. Since the Volt is the most advanced car under 40,000 you could possibly buy it is a good thing to focus one sector of the marketing at those who enjoy tech the most. This demographic probably is more willing to be an early adopter and perhaps has an above average income. Give away OnStar forever, at least the portions that relate to the cars performance.
+27
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:10 am)Yippy skippy… NOW WHEN IN THE HELL ARE WE GOING TO KNOW THE PRICE, ROLL-OUT DATE (BETTER YET, THE DATE AS TO WHEN WE CAN GIVE THESE GUYS MONEY FOR A DEPOSIT), ETC.??? Bascially, when is GM going to announce anything that actually MATTERS? GM’s telling us about the Volt being in a Microsoft video game while Nissan is raking in potential Volt customers left and right. The LEAF was unheard of a year ago and now has completely pulled the rug out from under GM. GM still has not formulated any credible response to the LEAF, and their enthusiasm for their product is miniscule in comparison the hype that Carlos Ghosn is building up around his. I’m a huge Volt fan and read this website religiously, but GM is really pissing me off. Their lack of concern for marketing the Volt makes me want to rename the Volt the EV2. If they want to make money and not beg the government for a hand-out again, then they need to do it by SELLING cars. Profitability is accomplished by accepting money from a crowd of us who are dying to give it to them, not by stringing along the car’s greatest enthusiasts with pointless tidbits of information such as this while the major issues are still unresolved.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:11 am)Michael said:
Don’t know where you get that. Volt has apps for iPhone and Android based phones. GM is partnering with Google, which Apple won’t, and Windows 7 (see yesterday). Add in Windows Mobile, and I think it’s obviously exactly opposite of your statement. Just saying.
Thanks Mike, I stand corrected.
+6
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:24 am)I love the Volt, I see them every day, I talk to people who work on it, I love the idea of electric most of the time. I would love to buy a Volt.
BUT all this makes me think it is not meant for the “masses”. This is going to be a very low volume spiecalty car for a long time. It makes me sad to say that.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:25 am)“And then it extends beyond that to a very unique owner site that is going to be unique in the industry. You go on to the owners site and site and the car will talk to each other everytime it boots up.
The site calls the car and the car will send the website all of those things I just went through. You’ll be able to graph content off of that site and we talk about the brag bar which is the number of EV miles driven and you can share it around, and it will be a really cool connected customer experience.”
————
This is sweet. My car will do all the tracking for me. Even email me reports.
Sorry to those ride in the Black Pearl, but I like all the bells & whistles. Like the phrase “add more buttons/options”.
Another suggestion would be Wifi, but I see what GM is doing. They are routing EVERYTHING through Onstar (except probably a blue tooth connection). Anyone have the bandwidth specs on Onstar? I’m too busy/lasy now to look for them. Just curious how it compares to 4G, and if it would be better to tether your phone to your car instead of using Onstar.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:32 am)Maybe it has been said, but could Volt be planning on using your cell connection for all this stuff?
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:34 am)====================================
I guess you didn’t read my post from last night’s thread:
PC Guy drives a Volt right past the Mac guy, who has a dead battery Leaf on the side of the road!!!!!
So it looks like we are going to get one little Volt tidbit from GM every day for the next 159 days………….
It would be a lot more fun if I could actually try some of these cool features in a Volt of my very own!
NPNS
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:39 am)The OnStar feature is still for the very insecure, higher than-middle-income family person. Former Volvo enthusiasts (when they were the only crash-ready cars on the road) will love it, I’m sure; but the stats that indicate drivers who use communication while driving are like drunk drivers tells me that after the initial excitement over the feature, most will look to the dependability and drive-ability of the Volt, not the toys.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:43 am)The OnStar on the Volt will be a lot more sophisticated than the rest, and I have a feeling after
the two years are up, GM will charge a lot more for it. They are probably giving it for two years,
because they don’t want to scare the first buyers.
+2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:46 am)I hope the Volts Google Map interface has a Saved Locations button on the Volts Screen so I can see the addresses I’ve saved. Here how it should work.
While logged on to my “very unique owner site” I should be able to create an address list of destinations I’d like available for navigation. When I go for a drive in my Volt I’d like to see the list on screen to select. I’d also like the screen to tell me how close I am to my saved destinations in case I want to visit someone who’s close to where I am. Maybe an overlay on the Google Map with my saved destinations as pin points. The capability of adding current location to the list from within the car is also important for those time I follow a friend to a great restaurant or place I’ll want to visit again. These are features no NAV should be without.
140 Days and counting!
NPNS!
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:01 am)Wifi? How right you are! Looked through all the comments and everybody is failing to realize one HUGE issue with OnStar (we had it with our Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, but I didn’t see much value it in and didn’t renew the subscription). OnStar is SATELLITE BASED!!! Hello!! We are all talking about recharging the Volt IN OUR GARAGES. As far as I know, OnStar will be DIW without a Wifi radio signal from inside the house. Somebody please tell me how some of this nifty stuff is going to work without Wifi if the car is house under a roof.
+6
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:05 am)Wow, $300/year? That’s ridiculous. First of all, a decent GPS costs $100 and has no subscription costs, and I just can’t fathom why they charge $100/year for that. I’m not anti GPS, I’ve owned 2, but I only use it 4 or 5 times a year and I’d guess that’s pretty average. That means that I’d be paying $20-25 per use of it. I have Google Maps on my Nexus One phone, I paid the $55 for the car/GPS dock and then I realized I had to spend the extra for the data plan which I’m not going to do just for the GPS feature. The other OnStar features sound cool, but I’d rather just having bluetooth syncing with my phone and/or 802.11 wifi support so that the car can send me all of the messages about someone unplugging it, or the system diagnostic data.
+5
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:07 am)Have had On Star on 3 vehicles … rarely used it and never paid after the free period.
Hope they don’t get too carried away with the “connectivity” I for one won’t be using it…IF I can ever get a car!
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:08 am)I’ll also put myself into the category of “doesn’t want OnStar”. Had it in my old Blazer and never once needed it. If I need to pay 200 – 300 dollars extra (basically most of an extra lease payment) to even be able to use the interrupted charging warnings then that sucks.
I can buy a kindle with lifetime 3G for 300 dollars, GM should have done the same with the Volt, just roll the basic feature support into the price of the car.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:13 am)I plan on taking full advantage of the free service as long as it’s offered and can’t wait to try it all out. I got Sirius radio in my new van that I’ve been enjoying for the last 11 months, but when they kill the free service next month I won’t be renewing it. My wife and I use it all the time but again, the radio is free, I can get podcasts for free, and I’m a cheap engineering who doesn’t like monthly payments for creature comforts.
+5
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:14 am)They’re not asking you to pay more for Onstar. My guess is that they want everyone to have onstar because it helps them to monitor the initial cars. This is a brand new technology and they’re going to want to know what’s going on.
They also want initial owners to have as few problems as possible. Hence the monthly car update. People will take better care of their Volts if they know what’s going on with the car. This will also help them with their reliability rankings…
+4
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:26 am)I have OnStar and I used to think like you do now, so keep an open mind. You have never experienced peace of mind until you have gotten used to Onstar. It can do so much. At the push of a button I can do several things. Ask for directions FROM A PERSON, ask for a nice place to eat FROM A PERSON, unlock your car via satelite, ask for a telephone number and get connected FROM A PERSON. I have cell phone coverage in place that a regular cell phone will just look at you right stupid and say, “Uh, you really expect me to have a signal here?” There is so much more but I would just like to add one other thing that is absolutely priceless. If you do happen to have an accident, whether you are able or not, whether you can find your cell phone or not, whether you are conscious or not, Onstar will call in your accident with your exact location and help is on the way. Onstar is simply amazing and well worth the 30 bucks a month I pay for it. I feel better knowing my wife or I or my kids always has options/help at the push of a button without ever leaving the car.
Hawk
+2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:30 am)As said before, GM will probably provide it for free longer then anyone else think. It’s good PR, but more important, they will be able to track the car performance in various conditions and see what works and what need fixing. And in some cases even fix it remotly before you as a consumer can realize you had a problem. These information could become the bases for new car model in the future. If they are smart, this is what they would do.
-2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:31 am)You’re not the only data monger, no doubt.
Without OnStar data, the Volt team will go into withdrawal. I would think that the team pushed for the two years more than anyone else. Low volume, rapid tech advances, new technology applications, software glitches, you name it. How can you fix anything if no one tells you what’s wrong?
Instant and constant feedback.
OnStar can collect so much data that it has become one of the strongest development tools out there.
For myself, though, I know I wouldn’t mind rolling a 5 year plan into the purchase price up front.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:34 am)So with all the money you save from not buying gas, you have to spend to see how much energy you’ve saved? Huh? Kinda retarded. Also, I had the free year of OnStar and it was cool, but it is like having a cell phone, you pay for already. I think the 90-100 dollars a month for an iPhone trumps the capabilities of OnStar. I can see it now, “You’ve driven 400 miles with 10 miles of gas use. That will be $39.99!, Thank you for using OnStar, Goodbye!”
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:39 am)Aha, that explains a lot. We have one young guy in the office (not all that young, 25-28 probably) who can’t get a complete sentence out without the word “like”. I may have to strangle him someday.
My only experience with Onstar was when I was in Florida and got into a rental vehicle for the first time and adjusted the mirror. I must have accidentally pressed a button because a voice said, “What is the nature of your emergency?”. I really thought it was a recording built into the car, I hope I didn’t say, “Oh shut up…”. Finally I figured out what was going on and had to tell the gal I’d accidentally pressed some button.
Quite a change from my first car, a 64 Beetle with a 6V electrical system and no seat belts and an AM radio….
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:46 am)No doubt OnStar has some great features, but the price tag needs to be re-visited. Maybe a discount if the “connectivity” portion is accomplished through your smartphone rather than through the OnStar cell network.
+2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:48 am)ON STAR should always be free to GM vehicle owners and should be used as an incentive to buy a GM product. The satellite connection is great for emergencies, locked vehicles and navigation purposes. However I am concerned about people interacting with electronics while driving, because it’s always the other person who can’t drive and chew gum at the same time.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:58 am)I love the idea of having a connected car though personally $300/year does seem a bit steep (but I don’t know how they work so maybe this isn’t fair). We seem to have reached something of a tipping point where there is enough infrastructure in place that enables all types of interesting applications. Some here might hate a feature like this but I’d love the ability to let family track the car — it would eliminate many of those “so where exactly are you” calls!
But the fact is that you never really know how appealing these features are until you try them. The last car I bought came with a bunch of electronic options and I got them all. I found that I didn’t use Onstar and XM very much but the voice NAV system is very useful — I have an iPhone but there isn’t much comparison. I can imagine, however, that a lot of this information could be useful and, in all honestly, entertaining to some extent.
But like most people subscription plans don’t do anything for me.
+6
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:00 am)CHEVROLET VOLT
(subscription required, see store for details)
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:09 am)I’m guessing that GM might be motivated to keep Onstar operational to monitor the new technology. I’m not sure I want to trade what I pay for fuel for a recurring cost for Onstar though.
My portable GPS seems completely adequate and works in more than one vehicle. I can see an argument for the emergency response features. If it’s cost was offset by a reduction in my insurance premium it would be attractive. Think it’s likely I’ll get a $200-300 discount on my auto insurance because my car has Onstar?
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:14 am)Come on guys. The story is “subscription not required” – for an extended period. How about if we wait to crab on GM after it stops being free?
Everyone knew that the Volt would come with OnStar, that is not new. What is new is that it will be free longer than we thought.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:16 am)Exactly.
For an individual owner/driver, the value of OnStar really is hard to justify when the price is compared to other services we already pay for in the home. If OnStar can offset another expense such as car insurance for the antitheft capability, or help underwrite buying a Droid, or even become part of a PDA data service, then OnStar actually becomes valuable for the people that can benefit from the add ons.
For the family, though, the expense is a little easier to justify, just make sure the wife sees you using it once in a while!
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:21 am)I would perfer the WIFI over the ONStar. It would be nice to have an app that could directly connect to the car’s WIFI so I could download/upload info, unlock vehicle, help locate vehicle in a parking lot, etc. As far as emergency, why can’t the car just use blue tooth to connect to my cell to make a call in the event of an Emergency? Almost everyone has a cell phone.
I am not convinced that I would pay for OnStar — especially at $20.00/month fee
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:26 am)I understand your point … but I hope you are incorrect.
This kind of car needs to be available to the masses for all of the reason discussed everyday here.
Onstar appears to be very cool…. But IMHO it should have selectable options. Everyone may not care to have that much information about them collected.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:30 am)Maybe ON STAR should run commercials on the main screen and audio as well of course to pay for the service . . . NOT!
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:31 am)For those who want simplicity, it will be there. If you don’t plug in, then fuel up; or plug in to save money. It will be designed to open, sit, and drive like any other car. The added features can be used if you want them, but thankfully they won’t need to be used daily. The VOLT is the one EV for the masses.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:34 am)#12
Now THAT I could get interested in! +1
+7
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:39 am)Sorry all you major Volt and technology fans but this kind of complexity seems COMPLETELY POINTLESS! A car is something that gets you where you want to go and the Volt should do that without forcing oil companies into riskier and riskier drilling technologies – that’s all. All this nonesense smacks of engineers doing what is possible instead of what the customers want.
And sorry again and call me a luddite but I don’t see the point of i-phones either, it’s a phone for christ’s sake, all it needs to do is make phone calls.
I am hoping that GM will provide a way that I can disconnect all this crap when I finally take delivery (if that ever happens in my part of the world).
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:41 am)A “free” ( no monthly payments) Onstar makes sense and it could be a great selling point.
It is true there are a lot of issues of diversion with electronics in cars already. The real challenge is to integrate electronics in such a way to make the intrusion with driving less.
So far we have cell phones, GPS, CDs, iPods, AND the radio… plus some folks drink and eat while driving.. and for the extreme some try to talk on cell phones while eating and driving.
The design team that can solve all of those issues will be real innovators.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:43 am)Will there be a cream and sugar options?? … :+}
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:43 am)#31
Too bloody right. +1 to both.
And charge it to your credit card. And rat you out to your insurance company. I heard a report on NPR yesterday that IPhone agreements allow Apple to sell the GPS outputs to advertisers who want to track folks’ travel patterns. They know where you are. Wait for it.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:49 am)Volt ONSTAR will know the road you are on, the speed limit for that stretch, and what municipality is responsible for enforcing speed limits there. With your status email, you will also see your speeding tickets.
I am not sure but, if you know a crime is being committed, you have to report it — otherwise you are an accessory. If your car knows you are a scoff-law speeder, it may have to report you and/or it may refuse to speed — after reporting your attempt to break the law.
The feeling I get from GM is exactly that — this is an experiment which may pay off. GM is not betting the house on Volt. They should be able to react fairly fast if demand outstrips supply — hope.
Just what I need, another subscription. Volt should be able to use my wireless phone subscription, or be tethered to my smartphone. Special door unlocking abilities thru ONSTAR? Open up the interface, let me login remotely. ok, nevahappenin
+3
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:59 am)Will it automatically call my wife if I park in front of a Strip Bar?
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:04 am)I agree and let me add the best app they could have is one that shuts off your phone when you are driving a Volt.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:04 am)#67
Guilty as charged. Have you been watching me via Onstar?
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:09 am)Alas, I dunno how to bring up quotes from a previous thread, so I’ll just quote from Steve at #3 on the last one:
“This just makes me yawn.”
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:19 am)From the article:
“That specifically is the ability to press a blue OnStar button and having a destination”
My cell Droid phone can do that. Garmin can do that, TomTom can do that, CrackBerries can do that…..blah blah blah….
“There’s a unique once a month dedicated Volt OnStar vehicle diagnostic email that is an email from your Chevrolet Volt that tells you how it is doing,”
Sh|t, why do I want to know if it’s doing fine, it friggin better for the $$$ spent on it Better yet, if something is wrong, why contact me? I can’t fix it. Have it contact the DEALER, tell them what’s wrong, tell them to order the parts and have the dealer call me to schedule an appointment according to parts availability. If you’re going to put some technology in it, do that. I can’t fix the dang car and definitely can’t diagnose it.
So longer than a year could mean 13 months? 14 months? Am I missing something here? How long is longer than a year? Vague, BOOOO!
For $299.00/month hell NO!
Hey CorvetteGuy, post those monthly amortized payments again then tack on this $299.00/month OnCrap stuff and let’s see if it’s “Affordable”.
Onstar, ummmm……..NO THANKS!!! Yuck PHOEY!
KISS!!!!
+3
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:25 am)The only downside of volt seems to be OnStar. I have a chevy pickup and I absolutely HATED onstar until I cancelled it. Having to pay another recurring cost is not cool when new vehicles are so expensive and depriciate so quickly. Also, its redundant with other recurring costs like my existing cell phone service. Two cell phone services for every person, what a SCAM! Kids can push the emergency button. My wife pushed it accidentally once. All in all, I wish GM would scrap the entire OnStar program. They would save money and customers would be happier. Give them a year free of AAA instead.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:25 am)Regarding technology, I think its whatever people are comfortable with, that determines where they draw their line in the sand (sometimes its cost). I assume you don’t mind having a radio/air-conditioning/heater/windshield wipers & defrosters/gauges/diagnostic lights/etc in your current car. But maybe you do. Cars (and almost everything else for that matter) are a lot more than what they once were. This has a lot to do with cheap microprocessors, and simply technology advancing. For the most part, you are not forced to use anything you don’t want to.
-9
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:26 am)Shorter version of complainers: I’m old, and change frightens and confuses me!
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:26 am)So my wife learned in driving school that the photo radar will usually give you up to 10 mph over the posted limit before taking your picture. Maybe a gentle reminder from ON STAR to slow down might help avoid speeding tickets at those times that you might creep up your speed without realizing it. I would rather she get annoyed with an automated voice from ON STAR then thinking my husbands a nag.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:27 am)Give’s me bad gas….(not the OPEC type)
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:30 am)I dont know if i’m recalling this correctly, but wasnt there a USB option to pull these same reports from the car (via thumb drive), thus eliminating the need for Onstar. Also, what kind of connectivity does the home charger have? Does it need Onstar, or can it be remotely controlled/comunicated to?
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:34 am)On the other hand, someday the computers are going to rise up and kill us all. And you thought The Terminator was just a movie…
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:40 am)Speculation:
GM may be reacting to competition pressure from Ford’s Sync.
Ford sync uses the customers smart phone to connect to “the cloud”. Free for 3 years with a new purchase (after the $395 upgrade), $60 year after that for TDI (traffic, directions, information).
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:50 am)I can tell you the date the Computers will take over…..
December 21st, 2012
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:56 am)Like that’s a, like, nice comment.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:56 am)The one time that you have an accident and can not reach your iphone or find it and your car goes ahead and calls for emergency help on its own that $25/month would be cheap.
Tom
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:58 am)Correction…
” Shorter version of complainers: I’m old FART, and change frightens and confuses me but throw in Megan Fox and it’s all gooood….!
/sucks she won’t be in Transformers 3
//Transformers 2 – with Megan Fox – “Revenge of the Fallen”
//Transformers 3 with Model Rosie Huntington – “The Rise”
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!!
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:01 pm)I think that you are mistaken about OnStar using a satellite phone. I believe that it uses Verizon cell phones. I believe that the hardware has somewhat more powerful transceivers than what are contained in a standard cell phone. There is probably a GPS receiver as well, though I’m not positive about that. I was recently at a trail marathon about 60 miles southwest of St. Louis, MO. We tried two cell phones and the OnStar phone in the car. None of them worked (it did not seem THAT remote).
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:03 pm)Actually, it’s fine for a high-end model.
The issue I have had since day one and still do is the ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL approach.
Offer the features as an option. If you don’t want elaborate displays & interfaces, you should be forced to pay for it anyway.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:08 pm)The name OnStar perhaps is chosen to make it seem to be satellite based. OnStar is however ordinary cell phone based. I’m not sure if gm has one country-wide contract or contracts by region, but once you get OnStar, often you can figure out who the cell service vendor is. When OnStar is say, Verizon-based, then it has the same coverage regions as regular Verizon cell phones.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:11 pm)run fast and win Says
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:34 am)
On the other hand, someday the computers are going to rise up and kill us all. And you thought The Terminator was just a movie…
(Quote)
You know, when the Singularity arrives, “WE WILL BE ON STAR”.
-2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:21 pm)Correct. Also add, OnSh|t does use Satellite’s for it’s GPS. Cell based wireless is it’s telecomm.
So when the wireless telecomm changes modulation schemes or creates a high bandwidth protocol that requires HW phase out then you’r ass out. Just like when the wireless telecomm went digital. Customers were ass out.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/onstar.html
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:22 pm)Good point, I also like ABS, airbags and power steering but at least these advances quietly improve the safety, comfort and driveability of my car without phoning me to tell me about it!
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:26 pm)Here we go again – discussing minor uninportant features in a car that is too big, too expensive, too complicated, too many options – different interiors – are you kidding. Pump them out in one color, one interior – they are going to sell every one they produce so why not do it right.
Two different kinds of engine – isn’t one more energy efficient than the other. Scrap the bad one. Double up on the battery instead of extra engine weight. Government would have easily given you a new class of transportation vehicle. Less safety and weight, two batteries – easily get it up to 100 miles on a charge. Let’s make a real new kind of transportation device – not another car. Remember one of the true magic benefits of the electric car – almost no moving parts – nope not in the volt – more moving parts then a normal car.
Leaf is closer to what we need – but still too big, too heavy, too many options, colors etc.
Volkswagen did it 75 years ago guys. Ask the government guys – they will help you with a new class. I mean we allow motorcycles – way more dangerous than a car without airbags etc.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:29 pm)I liked yesterdays line of comments a lot more. I was learning so much about solar.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:30 pm)Ford and GM have different approaches to connectivity.
GM Onstar has you pay for the integrated cell phone and gps and at least a base cell phone fee (Onstar plan) for the system to work. More $ for extras.
Ford Sync has you pay for the GPS and cell phone connectivity, but you provide the cell phone and the service plan. Basic interactivity won’t cost you monthly fees. More $ for extras (i.e. $60/year after first 3 years free for “TDI”, but less overall monthly costs than Onstar).
/at least, that’s the way I understand it.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:33 pm)Agreed.
+10
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:34 pm)#93
Yeah, and you don’t get a bill every month either. +1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:38 pm)Yup. +1
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:38 pm)#97
To that extent, agreed. As to the LEAF, not so much. Overall, +1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:41 pm)#99
Right back atcha. +1
You have your oft stated mantra, and I have mine. They both basically boil down to the same thing.
KISS
Simplicate and add lightness
What ain’t there don’t give you no trouble.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (12:48 pm)Ok, so I go look up info and indeed find out that the system is cellular based. That almost makes it worse. My cell phone service at the house sometimes requires me to stand outside or upstairs to talk. [I live in a small city- NOT RURAL]. And it makes more sense now why my OnStar diagnostic reports would say “No information available” (back when I had that free subscription). People be warned. OnStar gimmicks only have merit if you have enough bars- and being inside the garage (to charge) may only add to the frustration level.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:04 pm)#102
Why should you be different from everybody else, LOL? Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. I live in the L.A. megalopolis, and I have the exact same issues.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:26 pm)And your out of cell range/coverage………
Or the crash is so intense the antenna from the box get’s sheared off…..
Or power to the module gets sheared off….
Or you drive off into a river/lake/ocean….
/that damn Murphy’s law again.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:45 pm)Technology advances will eventually do that for you. In the mean time this is GM’s offering. Feel free not to buy one if it doesn’t suit your needs.
If you’re just ranting and you do buy one, try to steer clear of red or black ones (too many options and colors ya know) so I’ll be more likely to find what I’m looking for…Thanks
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:54 pm)Okay, with all these software-enabled features, I think I’ve figured out what’s really going on behind-the-scenes here: Apple Inc. is about to acquire GM, and will make a splash by “rolling” out the re-named “iVolt” at the next MacWorld. Hackers will immediately begin working on new strains of iVolt viruses, attempting to “crash” the Volt. However, Apple will argue that the iVolt operating system is more immune to viruses and malware than, say, the Microsoft-Nissan PC//Leaf, which was largely designed by committee, etc. …..
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (1:57 pm)LOL Didn’t I say this about the last article?
Here’s a question. Will the navagation feature be useable by manually entering an address or is it a fully Onstar dependent function? If there’s no Onstar there’s no navagation?
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (2:06 pm)Exclusive: Chevy Volt Will Come With More Than One Year Free OnStar
Yes I know that we’re lucky GM is telling us anything about the “Chevrolet Volt”, but it would be nice if they would give us complete bits of information. This statement could mean 13 months or a life-time and their motivation for extending the service will benefit them more then the customer. That’s another reason this service should always be free.
-2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (2:18 pm)Being a life long GM owner I hope GM does a better job concerning the plastic paint on the electronics. Its annoying that an expensive radio or nav system has cheap flat paint on the buttons. When the flat coloring wears off your nice flat brown color coordinated dash starts showing bright green or blue led lights through them.
I hope they have learned that the color on the buttons should not wear off the coloring off the buttons should be in the plastic not sprayed on top.
-2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (2:23 pm)Are you guys signing up to edit the next Onstar commercials??? :+} and leave Murphy out of it. As stated his word is law..
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (2:45 pm)Has anyone else raised the concern of someone hacking into your account and being able to turn your car off remotely? I don’t like the idea of anyone knowing where I’m at with the GPS built into the OnStar, either. That could be abused.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (2:57 pm)Yes… and it is in 3d color with dolby surround sound. :=}
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (3:03 pm)and their motivation for extending the service will benefit them more then the customer.
Actually, the data gathered from all the Volts should mutually benefit the customers as well via product improvements.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (3:23 pm)Yes. And the huge plus to Ford is that sync is an OPTION
GM is forcing it down your throat whether you want it or not.
And that costs money. Nothing in life is free..
How about you knock $1000 off the price tag, GM?
Then see how many want your previous onstar.
I would pay for the sync upgrade with Ford, without question.
The difference is that I can use it with no subscription fees, unless I want traffic updates and such (which I’d never use anyway)
But the base features of sync remain free.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (3:34 pm)Everything sounds great, for the few who can get one that is. GM still hasn’t realized that the demand is as great as it is, not even taking into account the BP oil flow problem. The country is ready to get off of oil, if they had a way that is. With just a little bit of advertising and the right price GM could sell over 100,000 units in the first year if they ramped up for it. Their limited production numbers very limited release is a big mistake. GM, you’ve got a game changer, use it!!
Jun 23rd, 2010 (4:51 pm)Cap’n… I know you meant $299.00 per year, not per month. And I agree with you that price is far too high for the services rendered. Unlike XM/Sirius Satellite Radio which would be used almost 100% of the time when the driver is in the car, the OnStar Service would be used rarely.
The first time I needed “turn-by-turn navigation” was during my first 2 trips on business to Sacramento. The freeways really suck there. But after those first 2 trips I figured it out and did not need the nav system you could get (at that time) from Hertz.
I’ve tried out the OnStar services, and they do work well, but I still don’t see any value beyond $5 to $10 per month tops. Even it it does talk to my iPhone.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (4:59 pm)#111
Cheer up. Apple can already track you via your IPhone or your IPad, not to mention some Apple laptops. And, if they can do it, do we really think that other “smart” devices can’t do it too? So there’s no downside that way for OnStar, LOL. The cat’s already out of the bag.
Jun 23rd, 2010 (5:01 pm)You have my VOLT .. er.. VOTE! plus a call for a 24/7 production schedule to build to the demand.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (5:02 pm)[sound effect] Ka-CHING!!!!
Jun 23rd, 2010 (5:16 pm)Actually, I am surprised that they charge anything at all. This should just be considered part of buying the car and by now the development costs should have been paid for. I’m with the group that thinks $25/month is ridiculously expensive for what you get. How much more useful is a phone for similar price, or cable TV. You going to spend the same amount of time/month enjoying the benefits of Onstar?
I hope this is the first step in discontinuing the charge altogether.
-2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (5:19 pm)OT, but today’s WSJ article “White House Backs Electric-Car Aid” is potentially very good news for the Volt as well as other EVs, PHEVs, etc…
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704853404575323112558750360.html?KEYWORDS=merkley
-2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (5:20 pm)Sorry Bro but the assembly plant is NOT designed for one model vehicle so 24/7 Volt production is totally out of the question. Volt maximum sales after 24 months of production is 73,000, that’s it !
Jun 23rd, 2010 (5:29 pm)Aw SH|T, you’re right. I screwed up……I know duh.
lol, I think the same thing every time we take the drive to Disneyland.
So think about it, what you are paying for for Onsh|t is just the same phone service as any cell carrier? So for all intents and purposes, you are paying for 2 services? No thanks. I don’t see any “Added value”. You can show me commercials of the cops following an Onsh|t enabled car getting slowed till your blue in the face. I have insurance, that’s enough, crash the muthafu#$ for all I care. You can show me some guy crash into a tree till your face is blue. Murphy hates my azz and his laws will apply! What? No coverage where i’m at? You meant I need to make sure I crash within cell coverage and NEVER drive into the lake/river/ocean?
Onsh|t…….NO FRIGGIN THANKS!
/did you get the idea I don’t like it?
Jun 23rd, 2010 (5:42 pm)Completely Off Topic:
Hybrid Cars has posted an article:
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/hyundai-sets-out-aggressive-plans-hybrids-some-plug-28144.html
In the article it is stated we need 7 times the battery performance and 20 times less cost for BEV to be competitive. This is the kind of statement that shows a bias toward oil burners. Yes we do need improved performance, from about 120 Wh/kg to 240 Wh/kg, but that is just 2 times, not 7 times, and we do need cost to come down, from 6 or 7 hundred dollars a Kwh to less than 200, but that is only about 4 times less, not 20. A Leaf now costs about $33,000 with the battery supposedly being about $10,000 of that cost. If the battery only added $3000, the Leaf would cost $26,000, which would make it competitive. And if you nearly doubled the battery size to 42 KWh capacity, and used 75% (32 kwh) you would have a range of 128 miles.
So you could drive for 2 hours, then rapid charge for 30 minutes, then drive another 2 hours and so forth across the USA. This would require a rapid charge rate of about 60 Kw, which is feasible.
We are not there yet, and so the Volt should corner the market, but in 6 or 7 years, I believe the BEV technology will be competitive.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:13 pm)Yeah, basically different strokes for different folks. Connectivity actually makes me feel comfortable. I like having everything at my fingertips.
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:13 pm)Glad to see the technology set increasing for Volt. Very appropriate for such a high tech machine.
I’ve been thinking about getting a navigation system for my pickup, but I’m going to try my cell-based nav option first – and it ties in with the OnStar option – since the running debate between buying a seperate nav, ordering one on a new vehicle or using your cell provider’s navigation option is this – The cell version costs around 9 – 10$ per month, but it has voice recognition which makes it much nicer to program than pulling over and punching in letters and names and numbers, plus the cell versions always update automatically to the latest features, such as gas prices and station locations. On the other hand OEM versions are not upgradable, except for the address database, Toyota’s is a ( rediculous in my opinion )$200 an update! Those installed in cars usually have larger, better screens. Some say just buy an inexpensive version of say, a Garmin or Magellan unit, and just buy a new one every two or three years as features improve. To me, the OnStar option is a great solution to all of the above.
I would also like to see a low-tech, budget model eventually – not sure about roll up windows, but why not? Why not have a “Super Eco+ ” model – and I’m still pushing for thin film solar panels to at least charge up the 12v battery.
What do you think of this feature ( see video ) do you think the Volt should come with a “Trunk Monkey”? L
L Worth the view —-> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8oPVVGYQ40&feature=related
RECHARGE! James
-3
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:15 pm)Downright Disgusting! Just outright un-American! They should all be fired and sent to Iraq or Afghanistan!
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/06/23/students-sue-removal-american-flag-t-shirts/
My 2 Tours and this crap happens AT HOME! Where’s the real fight? The fight isn’t out there it’s at home. And of all thing’s our Pres has done for simple garbage like “Joe the plumber” he does nothing on this issue.
Truly disgusted! Was my sacrifice not worth it? What are we fighting for if freedom at home has no merit?
They were actually told to remove their colors!
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:38 pm)lol……naw that wasn’t OT. Look at #127
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:40 pm)I’ll order the “Trunk Monkey” option fer sure! Thanks, James —best laugh I’ve had all week!
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (6:45 pm)Put $500.00 down on my Volt today with a dealer in Michigan….Yippee!!!
Take Care,
TED
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:07 pm)The Volt’s buttons will be quite a bit different. There is no mechanical motion. They are just capacitive sensors. There is also a touchscreen.
(this is not the latest version, but it shows what im talking about)
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:08 pm)I live so far out in the woods that I saw a bear in my drivway yesterday. My cell phone works anyware in my house/yard/car. I get Lyle’s tweets and can check GM-Volt anytime anywhere. Why would I need anything more?
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:23 pm)Just curious — Did the dealer agree to MSRP or does this just put you in line to negotiate (which in this case I think will mean more than MSRP for the initial release)? Does he have an opt out of selling to you, like if someone offers him more money for your car when it shows up?
Jun 23rd, 2010 (7:42 pm)You have to become careful electric cars dont become too political, tax credits are good, grants not so much. I like the idea of a nationally produced fuel for our cars.. electricity!
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (8:00 pm)Right now the best the article says is complementary free subscription of a unspecified period greater than one year. OK thanks. Doesn’t mean I would subscribe after the free period is expired. I keep looking for chronic payments I can get rid of, not add to my life’s overhead cost.
-8
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:02 pm)All this software and info is just diverting attention away from the bare fact that you don’t actually get ‘mostly gasless driving’ in the Volt or any electric car. Not unless you are powering it from solar panels that is.
The power for most of these vehicles is going to be coming from the electric grid which is at least 80% fueled by…… GAS – or oil or coal. By the time the power has gone through the battery, you have a higher CO2 footprint for this car than you would if you powered the car with a diesel engine. Furthermore the fuel efficiency using grid power is far less than direct use of diesel. This is well understood and proven
These Infosystems in my opinion are therefore creating a false sense of benefit here. Lets get things in perspective.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:16 pm)Yes I agree…i want a lower polluting lower cost car not a bunch of extra’s so they can jack up the price.
-2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:16 pm)Wow I get to drive for 80 cents a day on electricity and Onstar will cost more per month than my fuel expenses,lol what a bummer. So much for eco.
-3
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:41 pm)quote:
“Need Windows Mobile support! The iPhone is a locked piece of garbage that restricts you to a certain carrier…Windows Mobile supports all carriers and doesn’t lock you into iTunes, iApp, iWhatever…”
Windows=Junk, Mac=Toy…where is the Android in all this?
Volt lost me when they went conventional in the body styling. Yeah, I have heard all the reasons, I’m just not turned on by it anymore.
As for the cream and sugar options on the coffee maker…you get them, but only for a year.
+5
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:48 pm)Part of this was addressed in earlier posts. Well to wheel analysis has consistently shown electric propulsion from the mains, even supplied by coal fired plants, releases the lowest auto emissions currently available. If one plugs in Washington State, 80% of electricity is generated by renewables as Christof noted. The province of British Columbia gets about 90% of its electricity from renewables, with Canada as a whole 61% renewables and 12% nuclear.
And residential solar penetration is gaining as prices drop. Peder and others here are examples of home solar use. Others mentioned using smalll scale wind.
Clearly electrics are the only mass adoption ready auto propulsion choice that will continue to get greener as more renewbles are added to the generation mix. And it is getting cleaner, both by demand requests and portfolio requirements. Just a slight amount of research before posting would have made that clear.
As far as efficiency, diesels are looking at 23% efficiency v more than 90% for electric motors. Unless electric transmission losses are above 60% there is no contest.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (9:57 pm)Fantastic! All of the essentials CaptainJackSparrow has been looking for.
-1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (10:42 pm)and… what about all of the gas from you? :+}
-2
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:11 pm)HOT IN THE CITY!! HOT IN THE CITY TONIGHT!! TOOOONIGHT!!!! TOOOONIGHT!!!!
+1
Jun 23rd, 2010 (11:16 pm)Yea man!! relax!! They apologized, everyone was just tryin to have a little fun and some redneck punk kids came in with their freedom isn’t free T-shirts in an obvious attempt to be trouble makers and ruined the whole day. You don’t have to be offended.. Geez!!!
-6
Jun 24th, 2010 (12:46 am)You are stupid amerikan or dum dum mexicant. Its wonder amerika fouled up. Even own people have no respect for honor flag. Nation is all mess. China will buy usa and fix. You not care anymore because told atudent to change fo not a usa holiday and turn your back on own colors. We china will fix you and make ussa.
+2
Jun 24th, 2010 (4:52 am)I’ve lived long enough to know nothing is free. You are just saying the price has been folded into the cost of the car, whether we want it or not.
Several years ago I got my wife a near top of the line Prius with navigation. She has never used it. She never lets me drive her car, but if I did, I wouldn’t use it either. If I’m going someplace I’ve never been before I stare at Google Maps or Google Earth before I leave home until the new location has become familiar. Then I focus on the road and traffic while driving.
Smart phone? No way. I do have a cell phone, but it’s for making phone calls. No camera, no Bluetooth, never used while I’m on the road.
So, is there any reason why I want this “OnStar” thingie? Can I maybe get a $600 discount on the price of the car if I ask them to leave it out?
-1
Jun 24th, 2010 (10:38 am)#145
Be careful what you ask for, you might get it, LOL.
Jun 24th, 2010 (10:45 am)#143
CJS, who else? +1
Jun 24th, 2010 (1:33 pm)I’m having trouble staying intersted in the Volt. I have the money, but it doesn’t sound like I will be able to buy one for for several years.
I’m too old to wait.
I think I’m going to have to either buy a Leaf, or forget the green idea and buy a Tahoe, at least I can find one and it is comfortable to drive.
Jun 24th, 2010 (6:38 pm)GM should really be focussing on keeping costs down instead of loading up the gizmos. I just want a car to go from A to B with as littles gas as possible. Can they do that?
-1
Jun 27th, 2010 (2:06 am)GPS is a one time purchase. So no onstar payment from me. Also my wife would not consider owning a car that could track here every move… to much big brother.