GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site

Yesterday we finally heard some information directly from the EPA about their plans to create and finalize new fuel efficiency labels that could be applied to advanced technology vehicles like the Volt.

Mainly there is a distinction between two major design change options, a system rating cars from A+ through D- based on how much emissions they produced or a more conventional label without the letter grade. Both labels display a vehicle’s efficiency in terms of mile per gallon equivalents (MPGe) whenever electricity is used or miles per gallon (MPG) when gas is used. This same method is used in the letter grade labels in which case the pure EV gets an A+, and the PHEV gets an A. Conventional gas cars get a C or D.

MPGe is given by the formula: MPGe = (miles driven) / [(total energy of all fuels consumed)/(energy of one gallon of gasoline)]). For example, an electric car with an efficiency of 200 watt-hours per mile (like the Volt) would be rated at 168.5 MPGe.

There is some controversy though about whether MPGe should be used at all.

Mike Duoba is a scientist at the Argonne National Lab who is the leader of a team that created the J1711 methodology for determining fuell efficiency of PHEVs. Duoba isn’t particularly happy about using MPGe for electric mode operation. “I am worried that EPA is responding to the focus group conclusion that MPG is familiar so it must be used for EV mode,” he said. “Crazy talk.”

Duoba confirmed that the J1711 is still in effect. “EPA is using J1711, its just that J1711 does not combine them magically into a single MPG value,” he said.

“For blended mode operation, things will get very complicated,” he added. “The EPA proposal is just plain wrong.”

At this point the EPA proposal is just that, a proposal; it isn’t finalized. The agency is looking for the public’s opinion and comments over the next 60 days before a final ruling is made.

The EPA has proposed two separate and different labels for blended PHEVs that use gas whenever power demands it and extended range electric cars (EREVs) like the Volt that only use electricity for the first certain number of miles driven (40 in the case of the Volt). The labels shows MPGe for the whole pure electric range in both vehicle types, and both show MPG when running only on gas after the battery is depleted. Having separate labels could make the EREV look better to the casual observer when compared side by side, and favor the Volt. However, the decision to have separate labels for PHEVs and EREVs isnt finalized.

When asked specifically about it Cathy Milbourn of the EPA said “no final decision has been made on any aspect of the labels.”

“Its out for public comment,” she added. “We want to hear from the public about what they would like to see on the label.”

An so they shall. Take the polls below, and I’ll send the results to the EPA.

You may also send your individual comments to newlabels@epa.gov.

The EPA has to adapt to changing times.  New vehicle types like the Chevy Volt and Nissan LEAF require new types of fuel economy testing and labels to allow consumers to compare among them.

The agency has just released two new sets of labels, and are asking the public to comment on them to decide which will be implemented.

Included among the group are the two different labels that would be specifically used for plugin hybrids and for pure EVs.

There are two design option for each.  The first gives the car a grade from A+ to D- indicating how much emissions the car releases.  It does not include the emissions created to generate the electricity.

The other label design is similar to the present day label.  For plug in hybrids it shows the MPGe (mile per gallon equivalents) on the left for the first all-electric miles of driving, how much gas and energy will be used to achieve it.

This is determined by the following formula:

MPGe = (miles driven) / [(total energy of all fuels consumed)/(energy of one gallon of gasoline)])

On the right it shows the miles per gallon when only gas is used.  There are two different labels, one for blended PHEVs and one for EREVs (the Volt).  It also includes typical fuel cost per year (electric and gas).

For pure electric cars the sticker will show MPGe in large font as well as kwh per 100 miles and annual electric cost in smaller font.

It is important to recognize the images in this post used by the EPA are only for illustration, they are not the actual Volt values.

You can download the whole brochure here which includes proposed labels for other vehicle types including conventional gas cars.

To weigh in to the EPA with your comments go here.

“We are asking the American people to tell us what they need to make the best economic and environmental decisions when buying a new car,” said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. “New fuel economy labels will keep pace with the new generation of fuel efficient cars and trucks rolling off the line, and provide simple, straightforward updates to inform consumers about their choices in a rapidly changing market. We want to help buyers find vehicles that meet their needs, keep the air clean and save them money at the pump.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has just announced a partnership with GM and OnStar to provide electric vehicle emergency training for first responders, and kicked off the training series.
The announcement was made at the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire-Rescue International Conference in Chicago where GM and OnStar demonstrated emergency techniques on the Chevy Volt.

The training program is funded by the US government Recovery Act and will consist of a series of training courses. The NPFA will also be reaching out to other automakers that are producing electric cars.

“With the Chevrolet Volt and other electric vehicles about to hit the streets, it is important to know that first responders are trained and ready to respond,” said Andrew Klock, NFPA’s senior project manager for the initiative. “First responders have a long history of successfully adapting their response to new automotive technologies in order to protect the public as well as themselves.”

“This collaboration gives us an opportunity to extend our electric vehicle training and education program giving our nation’s first responders a platform to learn more about this new era of automotive transportation,” said Chevrolet Safety Director Gay Kent.

Chevrolet and OnStar are helping to produce the series of online courses and videos which will be used in instructor-led courses. The objective is to ensure first responders know how to deal specifically with EVs and the Volt in particular during emergency situations such as crashes and fires.

The first kick-off three-hour presentation took place at the conference and included an extraction demonstration using an actual Chevrolet Volt. Key points such as where to cut the high strength steel in an extraction were highlighted.

Other items included in the presentation were how to power down the 360-v high voltage systems in an emergency and how to fight a battery fire (with water not dry chemicals).  It was also noted that OnStar will transmit the advent of a Volt crash to the OnStar command center so that first responders could be advised the crash involves an electric car.

And, to sadden yourself a little, you can watch this video of firemen slicing up a perfectly usable Volt:

Source (GM) and (GreenCarCongress)

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) published the results of their new study called Electric Vehicles: The Future of Driving in which American adults were surveyed online about their opinion of pure electric cars.

The study revealed a full 40% of US adults planned to test drive an electric vehicle and are open to the idea of purchasing one. Forty-two percent said they are likely to follow news reports about electric cars. Almost one third (32%) said they were familiar or very familiar with hybrid cars, but only 25% said they were familiar with electric cars.

The chief reasons people cited for wanting to own an electric car were positive environmental impact and reduced operating costs. Over three-quarters (78%) said the ability of these cars to drive without gasoline was the major reason for wanting one, while 67% wanted them because they produce less pollution. Lack of need for oil changes and tune-ups was the top reason for 60% of those wanting to purchase an electric car.

“For a new product category, interest in electric vehicles is strong and likely to grow as more vehicles enter the market and consumers become more aware of them,” said Chris Ely, CEA’s manager of industry analysis. “Manufacturers, dealers and other sellers will need to emphasize mileage and battery-related specifications when promoting and selling electric vehicles.”

The study did reveal that people perceived significant disadvantages to owning an electric car. Chief among a them was fear of running out of electricity while driving, cited by 71% of respondents. About two thirds (66%) were concerned about lack of charging stations and/or not being able to recharge, and limited range was a concern for 59%.

Half the respondents (51%) said they would be less likely to purchase an electric car if specialized home charging equipment had to be installed.

“Environmental benefits, coupled with potential cost savings in fuel and tune-ups, will lead to increased interest for electric vehicles and potential floor traffic at dealerships,” said Ely. “But concerns regarding battery life, charging stations and limited mileage may keep some consumers away until a comprehensive infrastructure is in place.”

The study surveyed 950 people from the US between May 27th ad June 3rd 2010.  Familiarity with the term plugin in hybrid was not specifically asked, nor was the preference of a 40 mile EREV versus a 100 mile EV determined.

Source (CEA)

When Fiat took over control of Chrysler there was some natural synergies that looked to be exploited, like Chrysler can’t built and sell a small compact car to save their life. Fast forward a few months, and the announcement came that Fiat would introduce the 500, Italy’s answer to the Mini Cooper, at Chrysler dealerships around the county at the end of 2010, with a convertible version in 2011.

Not far behind that announcement was another. Joining the Fiat 500, would be the 500 EV, an all electric version of the same car. The Fiat 500 can travel approximately 100 miles per charge (is this some kind of industry standard?) and according to Fiatsler’s CEO Sergio Marchionne. the small EV will go on sale in early 2012 for around $32,000. No word yet on whether that is a ‘post-rebate’ figure, but given the price of the standard petrol version…it is.

Right. So all good then?

Nope.

This coming Monday, Chrysler/Fiat has set up a meeting for 600 odd of their finer dealers, trying to convince at least 200 of them that paying several hundred thousand dollars for a separate/unique showroom and having a dedicated sales team is a good thing to do. Did I mention that the 500 is the ONLY car from the brand that will be available in the US? Sergio must be a heck of a salesman.

One east coast dealer considering the Fiat for his dealership commented to the WSJ (sub req’d) that, “…the enthusiasm for the Fiat coming to the market has diminished.” While adding that over that time the plan from Chrysler had changed “at first, it was something that would be mixed in (with Chrysler models)” on the showroom floor, whereas now “they are going to have to present a compelling story and product to back me investing at least $1 million to build a new showroom.” /you think?

According to Chrysler, dealers will have until September 22nd to make their decision and sign off on the franchise requirements to become a Fiat dealer. So what happens if Fiat doesn’t find 200 mentally challenged willing Chrysler dealers? Mr. Marchionne says he will shop the idea around outside the Chrysler dealer network.

As they say in Italy, “In bocca al lupo!!!”

Today I finished the second training module for the 2011 Chevrolet VOLT. Just like the first one, much of the information presented was a review of what I had already learned here on GM-Volt.com…

The emphasis in this section was on the “Driving Experience” that will set a new standard in what an ‘electric car’ or ‘hybrid car’ can be. The review started with three words: Comfort, Quality, Quietness. From there the discussion quickly moved into “Performance”. The 2011 Chevy VOLT will have the feel of a 250hp V6 mid-size sedan with 273 lb.-ft. of torque and a top end speed of 100 MPH.

Based on the recent videos shown on GM-Volt.com and others, I think it will be easy to show that driving an Extended Range Electric Vehicle will be a lot of fun! The “VOLT experience” really shines once you get inside, and that is the focus for today.

Here are some of the new images and descriptions:

When you open the driver’s door, the driver’s steering wheel screen comes to life and shows the current status of the car’s charging system. It shows if you are charging by 120V or 240V and the ETA to completion of charge if it is not already done.

Also, what is the EV range based on the current charge status if you drove away immediately. The current Odometer reading is shown too.

When you close the door there is a synchronized animation between the two 7″ screens welcoming the driver.

(in this image the two 7” high resolution screens are shown side-by-side as animation welcomes you)

If the driver has the keyfob in their possession inside of the car, the START button will be flashing blue. Just push the button to start the car. Shortly after, an audio cue will play when vehicle is ready to drive.

When the car is “On”, you are presented with the configurable driver’s information screen. It can be set to a very ‘simple’ display, or with as much information as you need.

Please remember that these are only ‘sample images’ and not to use these for debates about EV or CS mileage figures. Just like in the first training session there was no mention of gas tank size or charge sustaining mode MPG figures.

There were only a few images of the driver’s display but I found them easy to read and very colorful.

Next came a quick overview of the buttons on the center stack, shown in ceramic white and black.

VOLT customers will be able to easily track the overall performance of the vehicle with additional screens like these which are activated by pressing the “green leaf” button on the center stack:

This one shows the Energy Efficiency for today’s drive based on your Driving Style and where you have the Climate Controls set. There is also a choice for Energy Usage, which I believe everyone here is going to study closely when they take a ‘real’ test drive.

The driving modes were covered again and the three factors that will affect your maximum EV Range: Terrain, Temperature and Technique (driving technique).

It ended with a review of the options available for the VOLT, along with a review of “Chevrolet Connect” powered by OnStar. This is one of the features that makes the ‘connected experience’ really shine.

Using this SmartPhone App, you can pre-program your charging start time and set it to ‘text you’ when the charge is completed. It can also be set to remind you to plug in your VOLT, or alert you when the car is unplugged before or during a scheduled charge. These functions can also be set from your desktop computer through the “MyVolt.com” website. With so many ways to communicate with your car, it seems unlikely that anyone could “forget” to plug the car in when it is needed.

The 2011 Chevrolet VOLT Walkaround Video should be available very soon for your review.