Manager Per Bjorge of Paradise Chevrolet delivering Volt #555
News from this week:
After years of following progress reports on the Volt, I finally got the call from the ordering manager at Paradise Chevrolet in Ventura stating, “your car is ready and all is perfect”. Manager Per “you will be assimilated” Bjorge had provided weekly updates regarding timetables at GM and progress of my Volt #555. An equally good source for Volt tracking is found at http://www.camarotracking.com. My Volt #555 was delivered this past Friday the 14th at 9AM. Most Volts are being sold at MSRP as was mine. I asked the dealer about a free second 120V charge set as part of the deal. This request was denied. However, I was able to negotiate on the extended service contract. I settled on $375 less than the asking price. My offer was $400 less. The dealer replied with, “best I can do is $375 less”. Those Bjorges are tough.
The Volt feels very good on winding roads in the L shift position. Acceleration is ample in Normal mode and more than ample in Sport mode. It goes without saying you must watch steep driveway ramps and speed bumps. As the front air dam is positioned low to the ground. I will offset this negative comment by saying a friend had a look at my Volt and called it “Bad ass!”. He really liked the look of the air dam and what he calls “the steel grill”. I am driving the Volt at 66mph-72mph on the freeway, and moderately in town. My first charge delivered 43 miles of battery range, with the following recharge displaying 40 miles reserve. This is in beautiful Southern California conditions of 62 degrees with the climate control set to ECO 72 degrees. About 95% of my driving is done in Normal mode using L shift position. I find no downside to being in L shift position all of the time. I love it.
A history:
I first stumbled upon the Volt during an internet search in 2007. Found a clip of Volt Nation 1 wherein some guy in a suit was saying he was going to drive without gas. This guy turned out to be Dr. Lyle Dennis. Up to this point I was in the dark concerning electric cars. I didn’t even know about the EV1 being available to lease. I also found Lyle’s web page http://gm-volt.com and was considering registering on the “want list” but I didn’t. The list had 7000 names on it at the time. I wasn’t sure I was willing to drive electric at that point in time. I eventually joined the group of 10,000 members by entering my email address and deposit tolerance level.
During the period of 2007-2008 I worked as production foreman for a plastics company in Oxnard, California. Sales were good and we had recently expanded to a bigger building. Our product was preferred over our competitors from Asia because of our high quality, options on size and color, and quick delivery. Then came $140 per barrel oil. Overhead strangled our company and we went out of business. I worked my last 40 hours out of loyalty for the company without pay.
I will add a footnote to this story. Knowing the Volt would cost more than any other car I had previously owned, I had to become creative in ways to generate the cash needed to buy a Volt. I decided to research the stock market and find a small company that had solid management and a good product. I used a search engine at T. Rowe Price. This narrowed this list down to about 100 companies. The one I chose is called Radient Pharmaceuticals. The price was at $1.18 per share and I began to accumulate. The price dropped to $.80, and I bought more. Dropped to $.40, and I bought more. Finally the price dropped to just $.24 per share. My hopes of owning a Volt were nearly dead. I had just lost $15,000 trying to earn a $20,000 profit. Then positive stock news was announced. India, China, and South America were interested in the RPC product. The stock price climbed to over $2 per share in one week. I sold all shares and had profited the entire cost of a 2011 Volt.
The demo drive:
I was very fortunate to make it down to El Segundo this past October 17th. Had a great demo drive in a Silver Volt and met our beloved Chelsea Sexton. There were three GM reps present to assist with Volt features and engineering information. The demo drive went great with my wife and son having their first taste of the Volt experience. I describe the acceleration of the Volt as comparable to a 302c.i. Ford 8 cylinder. I have owned two of these and burned through a couple dumpsters full of gasoline in the process.
(above photo) Chelsea Sexton and GM reps at Volt Unplugged El Segundo
Over 1000 Volts have now been produced with hundreds safely in the garages of new owners. Lyle Dennis is a big part of this reality. Just a regular guy who looked forward to being able to drive without gas. GM-Volt.com and the new Volt Owners Facebook page continue to grow and gain fresh energy as they plug-in to the public each day. I feel a good word needs to be passed along concerning my fellow posters here at http://gm-volt.com. Harrier, Tag, Mr. Petit, Nasa and all the regulars and visitors that are making these important years both entertaining and informative. Hope to have the opportunity to get together at a future Volt Nation rally.
And now the image we all want to see. It’s not only a freeway ready electric car. It’s the 2011 Car Of The Year. Garage charging on house current. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt!
Jan 16th, 2011 (9:14 am)Did they have an extra 120V charge set to sell?
What’s the asking price for a spare 120V charge set?
Jan 16th, 2011 (9:53 am)Congrats Dave,
Your story of buying stock as it sank, reminded me of Statik’s advice of “Don’t try to catch falling knives..”. Well, sounds like you did a couple time until you caught the handle.
I notice the charging station conduit runs down to the floor, then back to the door, then back up to the ceiling. That seems strange. Any reasons they routed the conduit this way? Would seem safer, easier, and cheaper to have run it straight up to the ceiling and across. Just curious.
Anyway Congratulations again. The weather looks beautiful as does the car at the dealership…oh I wish for the days of warm weather.
+8
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:11 am)I am really starting to hate all of you you people in the initial release areas……………
Just kidding!!! (Kind of)
Enjoy the car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+5
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:41 am)I am also very jealous, I have been following this site since the first day. (I don’t post often) but enjoy reading all your post.
I am spending 1 Volt per year to put my daughter through college, And now she is a history major. I currenlty drive an ’86 CJ-J.
I really want the first Gen volt. I think in this case they are going to make the car worse as it ages. Adding running noise, and trying to take cost out of the vehicle.
May I can get an off-lease Volt in three years?
Congrats.
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:42 am)I love it in red. Congrats! and may many, many gasoline-free miles lie ahead for you and your beauty.
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:52 am)I see you back it in. Did you get the rearview camera with sensors? If yes, does it help?
I like your set-up, you’ll either remember to unplug it in the morning, or you will trip over the coord, and then remember to unplug it!
Congrats!
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (11:30 am)Great report Dave! Thank you for sharing. Negotiating the extended warranty contract is where a dealer can be flexible, nice to read that other dealerships are helping the customer in this area.
The positioning of the Voltec charger is excellent, as the weight of the entire coil cord is excessive. To have the majority of the cable weight where it is shown will make using it so much easier. I hope that GM and SPX will offer a non coil cord model in the future, to help in the flexibility of use.
There are times when the regen braking is a bit too much when lifting the accelerator during freeway speed in zero traffic areas. That is where the Drive selection works great. Thanks again for sharing those details of the driving selections you are using. Continue to enjoy your Volt!
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (11:31 am)The dealership did not have an extra 120V charge set in stock. Figured I would give it a shot. No price was mentioned.
Thank you JimS. We’re all family here at gm volt dot com.
Yes, #555 has a rear facing camera. The beeping is somewhat overwhelming at first. But really helps when backing into a traffic lane such as at the Food Market. I grade the sensors as being a slight positive overall.
To address the question of the route of the wires in the garage. There is an overhead beam just out of view at the ceiling. Would require a sharp V bend to run the wires high. This setup is working great. The SPX wall unit is performing perfectly.
NPNS
+4
Jan 16th, 2011 (11:58 am)“…and burned through a couple dumpsters full of gasoline in the process.”
What a great way of describing the financial waste of gasoline-centric transportation.
Jan 16th, 2011 (12:09 pm)I join in this sentiment. Being from rural Missouri, it further irritates me to know that the Volt delivery trucks very likely drove through this state, on the way to California. I really wish GM had done a nationwide roll-out.
There’s still a lot of educating to do with the public about the Volt. There are still people that think the Volt can go only 40 miles and that’s it. They don’t understand the range-extender.
I am, however, very excited at the news that GM is increasing production. It needs to go way up and the price needs to come way down.
By the way, enjoy the car! You’ve got many other people (including me) QUITE jealous!
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (12:38 pm)Finally. A painted wall!
Nice setup!
+4
Jan 16th, 2011 (12:42 pm)Boy, are you way behind the curve! (lol). Seriously, “Volt Envy Syndrome” may soon be a recognized psychiatric disorder, and in the worst case require hospitalization (or delivery of a Volt). Announcement of expanded release areas to include the sufferer’s State of residence *may* prove to be an effective palliative intervention (this is still under study).
OK, maybe not so seriously, but I *do* feel your pain!
Congrats to all the new Volt owners and may your miles be many, silent, and gas-free. And yes, I hate all of you.
Thanks for the individual shout out Dave K!
Be well,
Tagamet
Jan 16th, 2011 (12:49 pm)Yeah Dave! Congrats on the car and glad to see you got it a great price. Also impressive is the very clean garage (by basement-less SoCal standards anyway). But honestly you look more like a wide receiver than a linebacker. LOL
+2
Jan 16th, 2011 (1:37 pm)Looks like RPC stock is down to $.88 a share now. Yikes, you got extremely lucky you caught that knife by the handle this time.
+14
Jan 16th, 2011 (1:38 pm)I had a very unpleasant experience at Victory Chevrolet in Petaluma yesterday. I received a call that my Volt, that I orderd on 7/31/10 was ready. All I had to do was agree to pay $5000 over MSRP and it was mine! I declined.
+2
Jan 16th, 2011 (1:59 pm)I’m kind of afraid of that too. Especially the running noise. That would be quite annoying. Hope they don’t do that.
+4
Jan 16th, 2011 (2:03 pm)So true. I had to inform an uncle, last Christmas time, about that fact. He was sure it was limited to 40 miles. Even after my explanation, he wasn’t sure, saying : “Well, if that’s what they did, it would be a good idea”.
And the guy is a trucker that maintained his cars himself.
+4
Jan 16th, 2011 (2:07 pm)I think that this is a concerned shared by a lot of us here. Other than stating it here (and it should be repeated ad nauseum), all we can do it hope and pray that GM is far-sighted enough to nurture the golden goose and not starve it. Surely people will be very intolerant of any corner cutting on the Volt.
Be well,
Tagamet
+2
Jan 16th, 2011 (2:07 pm)Nary a llama though.
Volt looks great in Red!
+2
Jan 16th, 2011 (2:09 pm)Wow, I wonder if the local newspaper or radio station would be interested in that kind of treatment?
Be well,
Tagamet
+4
Jan 16th, 2011 (2:15 pm)I am still at 3000 but at least when my Volt gets delivered it will be at MSRP. Do you think they will speed it up if I say I am dying of Volt Envy?
Take Care,
TED
+5
Jan 16th, 2011 (2:26 pm)Did they at least refund your deposit?.. and hopefully an apology for not honoring their agreed-to price. This gives a bad name to all dealers, this really shows that they are in it for the money.. not for the love of cars or customers.
+9
Jan 16th, 2011 (2:34 pm)John Walsh,
A good idea to leave the dealers above MSRP sitting on their Volts. My dealer in Michigan just got notified that their allocations have been increased. It was worth it to me to transport my Volt nearly 1400 miles myself to get one early and at MSRP.
Take Care, TED
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (2:54 pm)=======================
Am I behind? I thought I have been pretty clear on my feelings about this for months now…..
Or am I so far behind that I think I am ahead????
I do like the VES idea. Is that yours, or can we all use it as a generic term????
HAHAHAHAHA!
Jan 16th, 2011 (3:05 pm)Unfortunately, VES (Volt Envy Syndrome) has been found (to date) to be slightly less than fatal. It does, however, render one to a condition in which the patient would welcome death. Sorry.
Be well,
Tagamet
Jan 16th, 2011 (3:05 pm)Great choice of color on your new Volt Dave K! She’s a beauty in red. Hope you will enjoy many gas-free, and peacefully quiet driving miles in it my friend!
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (3:11 pm)Whispers I just made it up, but don’t tell anyone, ok? At the very least it is a good short-hand for the frustration so many of us share. I’d be flattered if others adopt it.
Be as well as you can until your Volt arrives,
Tagamet
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (3:37 pm)Somehow I’m not surprised. I’ll bet this ends up being the most popular accessory for the Volt.
+2
Jan 16th, 2011 (4:13 pm)Placed my Volt deposit back on August 4th of 2011. It was $1000.
The MSRP on the Volt was announced here at gm volt dot com earlier that week. I believe it was on Sunday August 1st 2010. Yikes, already out of my comfort range! My knee jerk reaction was to hold out for a GEN 2.5 and hope the price pulled back with sales volume.
I had read a post here at gm volt dot com on or around July 30, 2010. This post came from Harrier a regular contributor to this site. And recent winner of the best Volt essay contest wherein NetLook along with GM would sponsor one person round trip to NY City to demo drive an early version of the Volt. Harrier is in the military service and has earned rank of Major. I can’t quote Harrier’s post word for word. But the thrust of it mentions the unneeded stress placed upon our military personnel in oil rich areas of the world. And also mentions our gasoline dollars funding the effort of hostile powers against us. Against our country. Against our children. And against or environment.
I took a personal inventory at that time and decided that $2000 over my comfort zone was peanuts compared to the price for all the items mentioned. I emailed Lyle and stated, “The MSRP is just a number. Being an early adopter is the right thing to do”.
I agree with you John. $5000 over MSRP is unrealistic. Hang in there for MSRP on the color and options you’re looking for. Volt #555 has 135 miles on it now. All on T battery, not a drop of gas.
=D-Volt
(above photo) Volt 555 in Montecito, California. Son and I stopped for ice cream and enjoyed a sunny drive in our new Volt.
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (4:21 pm)Underneath the black jacket are layers of spring steel. Don’t push your luck buddy. LOL
NPNS
+4
Jan 16th, 2011 (4:27 pm)************************************************************************************************
Notice: The Volt Envy Syndrome Foundation is soliciting new or previously loved Volts for use in therapy for the victims of this dreaded and wide-spread malady. Given the known scarcity of Volts available to the public at this point in time, frequency and severity of the syndrome is on the rise – especially in central North America. The VESF is in dire need of at least one Volt per residential facility “currently” providing therapy services for those most dramatically effected by VES. As I’m sure you are aware, there is no known cure for VES, other than Volt ownership. Treatment, however, is very straight-forward – exposure to a Volt in situ. Improvement is both immediate and dramatic, but tragically short-lived. (Note: Anecdotal evidence suggests that for some as yet undetermined reason, red Volts seem to hold significantly stronger impact for some of our patients).
Corporate donations of Thera-Volts are, of course, encouraged *COUGH* GM *COUGH*, however, private donations are fully tax deductible.
Thank-you in advance for your kind consideration of this matter,
Tagamet, Founder, VESF
“Providing help for the victims of VES since 2011″
************************************************************************************************
+2
Jan 16th, 2011 (5:13 pm)As I read about the terrible treatment of the Volt customers at Victory Chevrolet, I wonder how GM can step in to provide some kind of price guarantee for those who order ANY GM product. It is not fair that dealers can gouge and scam the customer who ordered in good faith and has waited months for product delivery. I would call the Volt Advisor and Chevrolet Customer Support. Calling TV, radio and newspaper reporters to explain what is going on is part of the healing process. An action reporter on TV is an excellent start. If customers speak up to the media, then the word will get out about the dealers who are treating their customers unfairly. It’s amazing what can happen through the actions of only one person. If everyone who is treated badly speaks up, then maybe GM will do what is right, and offer a price guarantee for those who order any GM vehicle.
+3
Jan 16th, 2011 (5:43 pm)That is disgusting. A deal’s a deal. GM could and should have an integriy clause in their franchise agreement. Honoring verbal agreements should be the number 1 terminable offense. GM (and the car dealer industry) will find it increasingly difficult to prosper with these tactics going going forward.
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (5:49 pm)“Evil flourishes when good men do nothing”.
Be well,
Tagamet, Founder, VESF
“Providing help for the victims of VES since 2011″
+3
Jan 16th, 2011 (6:10 pm)Is a secondary symptom of VES a frequent clicking of the “Connects” web site to check status? Will more frequent click on said site speed up delivery? B-)
Dave, both your car and your garage look beautiful. Enjoy…
WVhybrid
status = 1100
+3
Jan 16th, 2011 (7:09 pm)Well, it depends on whether or not you have a Volt ordered or not (lol). If you have one on order, it’s normal. If not, we better have a little chat… (these nice men are here to help).
Be well,
Tagamet, Founder, VESF
“Providing help for the victims of VES since 2011″
Jan 16th, 2011 (7:32 pm)A couple things, convenience-wise, I’m interested knowing from Volt owners like yourself are: Have you gotten to a point past first-blush new owner excitement to decide if the always-on radio issue mentioned here in forums is “annoying”? Other Volt owners have posted this issue whereupon anytime you touch the center stack or touchscreen the audio system comes on. Is there a way to set the Volt up so this isn’t the case? 1). Dave, have you found this irritating – for instance, the music blaring on when you really don’t want it? Or wanting to save energy for the drive rather than taking an extra step to shut it off?
One more object of interest for me is the entry system. My Prius has a touch sensor whereupon the keyless entry knows the key is on my person and unlocks the doors in any order I preset when I place my hand on the door pull. On Prius there is also a rubber button on the door pull I can push to lock the doors. This is really handy especially if your hands are full and you don’t have to dig into your pockets for the key fob. It’s really been a great feature that made my Prius feel innovative. 2.) Does Volt’s door entry system rely on pushing buttons on the key fob?
A last question I have is about the center stack’s controls. 3.) Do you find yourself taking your eyes off the road fiddling to find the right nib attached to the function you want? What’s the learning curve for the user interface been like? I like a four branch steering wheel for hand position options vs. a three spoke like Volt’s. The second gen Volt may have a unique wheel instead of the GM-universal ( Cruze/Malibu/GM sedan ) wheel they use now. Prius controls on my 2007 model really work well without looking down at them – the 2010 adds the semi-gimmicky “Touch Tracer” , yet all seem to agree it works well. I enjoy a rear wiper since Seattle is rain city. Today using the wheel-mounted defrosters and HVAC and the rear wiper to clear off the hatch window reminded me Volt needs a bit of refining in those areas.
I suppose what I’m trying to say is —- I’m debating buying out-of-state or just waiting for gen 2, while dealing with my Volt Envy.
Thanks Dave!
James
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (8:14 pm)Hi James–
I’ve had my Volt for 10 days, and each day I like it more. Regarding you questions:
1) Turning down the radio volume is pretty easy, and a good solution. Honestly I think it would be more confusing if there were multiple on-off switches (radio, nav, etc). Having “smart” context-sensitive volume controls (one knob) is a clever way to go, in my view.
2) AFAIK the Volt door locks are not automatic when you approach the car. I’ve never had a system like that, so I don’t know the advantages/disadvantages. GM did not hold back much on technical features, so my guess is that they made a conscious choice *not* to use proximity lock/unlock. Perhaps there is a safety/security concern here? I really don’t know…
3) Regarding the center-stack controls, in a day or two, they became almost second-nature to me. I really like having various dedicated touch pads (almost like a fancy calculator), as opposd to a complex spinner that navigates to various options. To me the Volt is safer in this regard–one touch and done, versus twist-look-twist-look-press. Make sense?
Again, after 10 days, I could not be happier.
Chris
Jan 16th, 2011 (8:18 pm)How about a practical question, the same that got asked quite a bit when Prius first became available: Can you attach a bike-rack on back?
.
Jan 16th, 2011 (8:26 pm)The center LCD system is linked through the radio volume. Turning on NAV will also turn the radio on. When I want it quiet I turn the volume all the way down.
I like fob operated door unlocks. Haven’t had to use the flip open key at all.
Volt #555 only has 135 miles on it. I find each time I drive the car the use of functions becomes more natural. I really like using voice commands. By the way, the Volt comes with 100 free minutes of OnStar phone use in the event you forget your phone at home.
The GEN 1 Volt is a fine car. I believe GEN 2 will feature a passive pedestrian friendly alert when driving at slow speed. And may feature a passive beep tone when backing up. I like having control of these noise makers. All 25,000 Volts scheduled to be produced this year will be purchased for MSRP (or maybe a little over MSRP). When a later model Volt appears two factors will support the current MSRP (or even a higher MSRP). One, the later model Volts will be “new and improved”. Two, the price of pump gas will be at least 10% higher than it is now. Factors supporting a lower priced later model Volt are: One, competition from other manufacturers. Two, lower manufacturing costs resulting from higher production rates.
I know the “when” question is a big one for many car shoppers. The 2011 Volt is The Car Of The Year. VIN numbers under 1000 are still available. GM will introduce 2 more Voltec vehicles for 2013.
I guess it all comes down to wanting to be the driver of a dream car sooner or later. I had thought about buying flashy new cars over the years. How cool it would be to own one. But it was always the other guy who drove back and fourth to work in them. The Volt is cool and it’s a great car to drive and to own. Having your filling station at your home is a hard thing to grasp. Even as you plug-in to effortlessly refuel.
Walking back to your Volt and seeing the welcome display state “battery is fully charged” is a very good feeling. The readout of gallons used is another beautiful sight to behold “0 gallons”. The 250+ MPG display won’t be getting old either.
Best of luck James on which ever way you choose to go.
NPNS
Jan 16th, 2011 (8:36 pm)You wouldn’t call door entry – level of distraction/ergonomics of center stack contols and wheel – radio always on questions “practical” ?
I think your question regarding a bike rack refers to a sports equipment option that most sedan owners don’t feel the need for. With quick release wheels I can fit a mountain bike in back of my Prius with the seats folded down, no problem. Since Volt’s cargo area is approx. the same, I think that would be viable in it also.
I’ve seen a few Prius with roof racks on top which baffles me why anybody would ruin the fulltime aero for occasional bicycle hauling duty. I’ve seen many Prius with rear reciever hitches. Rear reciever hitch type racks make sense since they are quick-release removable. Since Prius’ architecture ( gas tank-frame location ) is nearly the same as Volt, I’d assume there would not be a problem with attaching one of those, and if Volts sell in mainstream numbers, hitch manufacturers will fill that need.
PUMP OUT THE VOLTS! ,
James
Jan 16th, 2011 (8:47 pm)I just did a bit of research on Passive Keyless Entry Systems. It turns out that GM was one of the earliest to introduce this technology, with the 1993 Corvette (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_keyless_system, near the bottom). So GM has plenty of experience. It also appears that security concerns have been identified, and recently these concerns are getting more attention (http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-01-successfully-hack-automobiles-passive-keyless.html).
So perhaps the Volt decision on PKE was indeed carefully weighed…
Chris
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (8:53 pm)They are in business to make money, that’s not the point. One would just hope they would honor their word.
Jan 16th, 2011 (9:03 pm)Dave,
Congratulations on your new Volt! 555 is a pretty cool number, I like it! What is it about red Volts and palm trees that make the cars look so great? My silver Volt loks good against the dirty snow and salt stained streets, but it can’t compare to yours! Thanks for your post and drive safely!
Barry
Volt 63
Jan 16th, 2011 (9:39 pm)My son and I are just back from a Volt night cruise. Stopped at the local beach lookout and played around with the entertainment features. I brought along a European DVD (format 0) “Nightwish ~ End Of An Era”. It plays great. Also scrolled through the hundreds of XM channels. Was pleased to find “Coast To Coast AM” on channel 165. Clear as if you were in the studio with George Noory and his guest. The rear view mirror went to auto-dim which is a nice feature. Had the headlights set to “auto-on”. When we parked a rolled the head light control and the display screen read “auto head light off”. Rolled it again and it read “auto head light on”.
Played a music CD and also an MP3 disc. The Al Green song “Standing In The Rain” came up. The guitar and bass sounds great on the BOSE system. I like the tone adjustment set to bass and treble up a little with the mid range cut back a little. Faded to the rear speakers slightly to get surround sound effect. This car is sweet.
=D-Volt
Al Green ~ Standing In The Rain (YouTube link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGsQnGtssAU
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (9:53 pm)Nope, quite the opposite. A strap-on bike-rack is the cheapest & easiest solution which sedan owners seek out. Prius owners have to. When you have lots of cargo or a large/many bikes, inside isn’t an option.
.
Jan 16th, 2011 (9:57 pm)I do not believe the RKE or remote keyless entry system on Volt is an option, correct me if I’m wrong. The article you quoted has a few technical errors. For one, it lumps “Passive Keyless Entry Systems” with Remote Keyless Entry or RKE. Remote systems have been around for many years, while Passive Entry and Start systems are relatively new. In the first, one depresses a remote keyfob button from a long distance ( according the article provided, 100 meters ) to unlock the car, and some have even had options for remote start as well, which is user-settable.
Passive Entry and Start systems differ in that a LF or low frequency antenna is located within the door or in the door handle which allows the user to unlock the door from very close range – usually 3 feet. My 2007 Prius was one of the first cars out that included a passive system which is seperate from the keyless function which can unlock the car from a greater distance. My Prius owners manual states a distance of 30 feet, and I’ve found that about right from experience. I never use the keyless entry at all with that car, so anyone using antennas to pick up a longer distance RF signal from my keyfob would be stumped – and the process from the experiment mentioned here uses more than one antenna, and seems pretty unlikely used in public rather than someone stalking an individual with time to set up a set of close and far antennas situated such that they could intercept the signals and make a copy. I do, however use the key fob keyless entry on my 1995 truck. It should also be said that the LF signal required for passive entry in my Prius does not automatically start the car, as that is a 2nd action required once the driver is sitting in the driver’s seat. So this is another assumption the article makes which makes the possible theft of the car seem more likely…which it is not. I’ve looked under the dash of my Prius and it seems a rather difficult if not impossible car to hack to start since there is no traditional ignition key system to jumpstart and the wires need dqsh panels torn out to even attempt such an action.
Adding the PASSIVE ENTRY feature to the Volt is indeed a great idea. Most people are accustomed to the Remote Keyless systems and find them very handy and I thought it was the “bees knees” when I ordered it as an option for my 1995 Toyota pickup. Once you’ve used the passive entry feature like in my 2007 Prius – then push a button on the dash to start it without inserting any fob into a recepticle on the the dash – you’ll never go back – it’s that handy.
I think I would notice an antenna three feet from my car door – I just tested my passive system and I actually could open the door with my fob located 4 feet away, but no more. Another interesting point was how many times I had to remind my wife not to leave her purse within 30 feet of the Prius overnight as the owner’s manual states that will drain the 12v starting battery!
PUMP OUT THE VOLTS! ,
James
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:11 pm)Ahhh, I’m not so old that I can’t remember doing that!
Be well,
Tagamet, Founder, VESF
“Providing help for the victims of VES since 2011″
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:19 pm)You missed the entire point. Most sedan owners do not own a bike rack regardless of type. Sports racks are popular – just not on A MAJORITY of vehicles of any type – even SUVs. Your posting suggested a question re: bike racks was a more practical inquiry than those Volt items I forwarded.
The strap type racks are a more popular rack option for rack buyers because they are less expensive. They do, however, scratch your paint and damage your vehicle more upon contact with other objects or cars – ie: less rugged and stable than reciever hitch mounted racks . Strap-ons ( don’t go there
) are also a pain in the rear to attach and remove, generally speaking.
Cheers,
James
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:20 pm)I enjoy the keyless entry on the 2004 Cadillac XLR. The buttons on the Volt key fob are a bit small and care must be taken not to open the charge port door when pressing the button to open the door! However, I have always used the fob to lock the XLR, so the extra step to open the Volt with the fob is not a big deal.
The keyless entry that GM created for that 2004 model has antennas at each door plus the trunk. Each door opener is a hidden button. If system doesn’t work, a key is required in the rear bumper. Special levers are located near the seat adjustments to open the doors in an emergency. Considering that the Volt does not have electric seats, I can understand why GM wanted to skip all the extra stuff and keep it simple.
It is neat to have both red cars sitting next to each other. The wheel base and length are similar. The Volt is much taller, quieter, smoother and it turns better. But if you need to pass someone at 80 mph going up a hill, well…no contest.
+2
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:39 pm)Why we need a section about dealers in the Forums.
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:40 pm)He said “his son”.
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:43 pm)Hey, it was a compliment! Wide receivers are thin and handsome. No one would mistake me for a wide receiver.
+1
Jan 16th, 2011 (10:49 pm)Oh loosen up! (lol) I was referring to the metaphor
Be well,
Tagamet, Founder, VESF
“Providing Thera-Volt help for the victims of VES since 2011″ VESF.org
Jan 16th, 2011 (11:11 pm)Maybe an extra-wide receiver?
Be well,
Tagamet, Founder, VESF
“Providing Thera-Volt help for the victims of VES since 2011″ VESF.org
Jan 16th, 2011 (11:29 pm)Volt offers the advantage of being able to travel long distances. Some owners will obviously like to bring bikes along on their trip. They will ask the very same question.
.
Jan 17th, 2011 (12:00 am)================================
My personal case of VES has become so extreme that even deals of $5K over MSRP at a dealership 2500 miles away are starting to sound reasonable! We need to have a common voice to help each other with this addiction. I would like to form the first VES chapter in Ohio. Please send me any of the necessary paperwork to join the Foundation.
Please GM, you can end this horrible malady. All you have to do is increase production, and open up sales of this magnificent vehicle to all of your dealership network, or at least to make an announcement of when that will happen, so we can start the countdown to a cure!!! We know you listen. We just need for you to do the right thing!
If you can’t do that, then sending me Lyle’s demo car when his trial period is up would work in the interim.
If it helps any, I live just a few blocks from where Bob Boniface grew up. That should count for something!!!
My wife would forever be in your debt, as she is staring to have eye problems from rolling her eyes whenever a Volt commercial comes on TV, and I turn up the volume and quote the commercial along with Tim Allen, my voice quivering, my hands shaking, and my eyes welling up with excitement…………
Did I go too far with that last sentence???? Nah……..
Have Outlet – Ready For EREV in Ohio!
Bravely fighting the horrible effects of VES one long day at a time
Jan 17th, 2011 (12:05 am)=============================
I am curious. Did the Prius have an available bike rack option 45 days after the delivery of the first vehicle made available for sale to the general public???? I don’t know for certain, but probably not.
IMHO, if this is the best that you can come up with to complain about, then I think you have lost the battle here……..
Jan 17th, 2011 (12:22 am)Super wide!
Jan 17th, 2011 (2:02 am)COUNTDOWN TO THE CURE! lol
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the first annual VES Walk. Participants will walk from Seattle’s Space Needle to Pole Town’s graveyard, located on the hallowed grounds of the Volt production facility in Hamtramck, Michigan. The event was founded to allow families, friends and colleagues of VES sufferers to take part in the COUNTDOWN TO THE CURE – followed by a 20 k run, a potluck and bake sale.
Volt Envy Syndrome – it’s terrible effects ranging from excessive drooling and knee jerks while driving old-technology hybrids to increased unproductivity whilst scanning all available digital media detailing every single minute Volt detail in the hopes of bringing back that Volt smile and tingle one felt while driving one a few blocks at a Volt Unplugged Tour event.
America, we can all pull together and be a part of something much larger than ourselves. Let’s walk hand-in-hand, the thousands of miles contributing to that shining moment in the sun when every man woman and child can touch a Volt in their carport, parking space or garage.
Thank you all for your support.
More information is available at VOLTSTRONG.ORG and don’t forget to wear your silver lightning bolt wristbands. We can do it. We can see a not-too-distant future free from the crippling symptoms of Volt Envy Syndome.
Yours Truly,
James
VOLTSTRONG.ORG
Jan 17th, 2011 (7:30 am)James,
You said, “The article you quoted has a few technical errors. For one, it lumps “Passive Keyless Entry Systems” with Remote Keyless Entry or RKE. Remote systems have been around for many years, while Passive Entry and Start systems are relatively new.”
Yes, the article does lump the two together. But to set the record straight, here’s what it says about Passive Keyless Entry (and you can verify this easily):
“Some cars have a proximity system that is triggered if a keylike transducer (Advanced Key) is within a certain distance of the car. Sometimes called hands-free, one of the earliest systems was found on the 1993 Chevrolet Corvette (called the Passive Keyless Entry System).”
PKE technology was patented in 1990 (http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4942393.html).
I still wonder if the decision to omit PKE on the Volt has some very well-thought-out reasons.
Chris
+6
Jan 17th, 2011 (9:03 am)Strap-On racks are fully adjustable. They were available prior to rollout.
You’re right about the “battle” nonsense. Even when asking the same question those interested in Volt will ask themselves, if the answer is something enthuasiasts don’t like, they just try to change the topic instead.
I drove out to the bike store. Asked if they would fit one to my car. It didn’t cost me a penny to ask. They were happy to do it. It only takes a few minutes. And heck, it would give a new owner an excuse to show off their new Volt.
.
+1
Jan 17th, 2011 (9:13 pm)Volt #555…
Sure sounds like a lucky number to me.
I am happy for you, even if I am thinking of joining Tag’s group.
Keep the story & pictures coming.
Cheers,
Red HHR, Prius, Colorado, Miata… and someday Volt.
+1
Jan 18th, 2011 (5:23 pm)It is just so GREAT to read these reports from happy, satisfied VOLT owners. And to know that none of this would be happening without the magnificent HELP the project has gotten from the world’s greatest engineering team at GM –
AND
the dedicated enthusiasts here at GM-Volt. You guys are as much a part of this transportation triumph as anyone. Congratulations to all on BOTH sides of the production process. This is a huge WIN!!
Jan 18th, 2011 (9:12 pm)MPG update:
#555 now has 220 miles on it. All on T battery, no gas used. I live 17 miles from my workplace. Have been driving to work. Giving a lunchtime demo drive to coworkers, and returning home nearly out of battery. The comments and reviews have been as expected. The word most often used to describe the Volt is “advanced”.
NPNS
Austin Powers _Yeah baby! Yeah! (YouTube link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2HBdRCroks