The latest word on the Volt now being displayed at the ongoing Geneva Motorshow is that public awareness and interest is quite high.
As we wrote last week, production versions of both the (for now) American-manufactured Volt and Opel Ampera are being seen for the first time by many Europeans in Geneva from Mar. 3-13, giving GM plenty of opportunity to field questions and provide answers.
According to Chevrolet Europe Spokesperson Cornelia Harodt, questions regarding Extended Range Electric Vehicle technology, have been more than one might expect from the uninitiated.
“I am still in Geneva because I wanted to see and hear how show visitors react to the car now that the price is out and we are only a few months away from launch,” Harodt said via e-mail over the weekend, “I noticed that most people are very well informed about the Volt and how the technology works. They just wanted to see the car in reality.”
Chevrolet fully plans to make the Volt a world car in as quick and logically progressive a time frame as possible. (Photo courtesy of GM.)
Although the Volt is scheduled for delivery this year first in Switzerland, and not long after for €41,950 in Germany concurrently with the €42,900 Ampera – with similar but undisclosed prices expected in other European countries – Harodt said Chevrolet is yet unwilling to divulge more pricing and rollout plan specifics.
Indeed, even high-level industry executives, alternative energy advocates, and other stakeholders have widely varied predictions for European (and American) electrical vehicle (EV) purchases for the next several years.
Naturally, if oil prices continue cresting higher as some forecast, more Europeans are expected to add to the growing number of those already sold, as evidenced by a daily increasing list of refundable pre-orders the Volt and/or Ampera have thus far received.
Informed observers have said European consumers’ decision for or against EVs will also be partially determined by government subsidies offered in their respective countries.
Incentives vary country by country in Europe, and are particularly strong for U.K. buyers to buy Chevy Volts, Opel Amperas and Vauxhall Amperas – the three nearly identical versions Europe is anticipating. Volt shown. (Photo courtesy of GM.)
Some countries offer fewer financial incentives to spur early EV adoption, while others such as the U.K. offer up to 25-percent of the selling price or a maximum of £5,000 (about $8,100).
This being the first full year for the U.S. Volt, even in its home country sales have been sluggish, but this was expected as the roll-out is occurring in stages, and GM is aiming first for markets perceived to be most receptive.
In Europe, a similar progression may take place. At this point, it is predicted that EV sales will be a small percentage of sales for traditionally powered autos, at least for the next few years.
As previously mentioned, the European Volt and Ampera will include a Hold mode, that lets drivers switch to petrol power at will, without the battery being drained, a feature not available in U.S. versions.
To further clarify between the two, Harodt said this is the only difference.
Technically, little separates the Euro and U.S. versions right down to the steel safety cage shown. Indeed all are yet to be manufactured in the U.S. until European production details are settled. (Image courtesy of GM.)
“Besides the additional Hold mode the EU Volt is technically identical to the U.S. Volt,” she said.
In Geneva, Harodt said potential customers are eagerly lining up to finally drive production Volts in a limited circuit.
“The show organization introduced the possibility to offer test drives of green technologies a year ago. Last year we arranged for two Volt mule cars in the form of Chevrolet Cruzes to experience how an electric car drives,” Harodt said, “This year, we have the real car for drives. So people could not only see the Volt they could also get behind the wheel and drive it in the dedicated test area. The feedback was very, very positive.”
For some, Harodt said, the Volt is their primary reason for returning for more of the multi-day Geneva show.
“All test drive slots are booked quickly for the day,” Harodt said, “Some visitors are so excited about the drive opportunity that they sign up for the next day and just come back to the show for the Volt drive.”
This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 at 5:55 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+2
Mar 8th, 2011 (6:27 am)I like this news so early in the morning! Today I have the first post!
Raymond
+16
Mar 8th, 2011 (6:57 am)From the lead topic:“…This year, we have the real car for drives. So people could not only see the Volt they could also get behind the wheel and drive it in the dedicated test area. The feedback was very, very positive.”
My view of the Volt , having test driven two Volts in very different climate & pavement conditions, is “if they drive it they’ll buy it”. GM knows this very well, which is why every US Volt dealer is required to keep a Volt on their lot for test drives. It’s very reassuring that Europeans, who are typically more aggressive drivers than US drivers and who demand highly-refined handling in fast maneuvers, are reported as being “very, very positive” even in the limited dedicated test drive area in Geneva!
+2
Mar 8th, 2011 (7:11 am)“Naturally, if oil prices continue cresting higher as some forecast, more Europeans are expected to add to the growing number of those already sold, as evidenced by a daily increasing list of refundable pre-orders the Volt and/or Ampera have thus far received.”
Any details on the pre-order volume?
-26
Mar 8th, 2011 (7:12 am)(click to show comment)
+13
Mar 8th, 2011 (8:16 am)Europeans are positioned to instantly see the economic feasibility of Volt.
Americans aren’t too far behind with the escalation of gas prices.
The assembly line volume was partially divided toward introducing the Volt over in Europe as explained in the facts we see in the thread topic.
If there is a good side to the increasing cost of gas, the increasing cost of gas here enlightens if not forces us to analyze for the most practical ways of energy-economics comparisons, in as far as the best ways we can economize for whatever we drive. (Such as eliminating the most distant destinations from our driving schedules.)
Therefore, our energy economics will soon become crystal clear in the next few weeks if not already.
+18
Mar 8th, 2011 (8:31 am)OK, the world is now convinced, as we have been for years…..
Now get the new battery plant up and running, so that we can see a steady stream of Volts & Amperas rolling silently off the line at DHAM!!!!!
NPNS
Have Outlet – Ready For EREV in Ohio
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (8:40 am)Just can’t wait for “Autobahn Mode”. A mode that would allow a 2.3 or so litre turbocharged engine to participate in propelling the Volt or Ampera to Autobahn speeds. Long live the beloved clutch! Thank you GM
+5
Mar 8th, 2011 (8:41 am)“To further clarify between the two, Harodt said this is the only difference.”
Well, that and the steering wheel is on the wrong side
+6
Mar 8th, 2011 (8:47 am)You pre-condition the cabin w/electricity while plugged in. Why would I want to intentionally burn gas?
(i didn’t get your pun?)
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (9:00 am)Jim I,
I sure hear that!
There isn’t really too much further to go to get a 70 mile electric range EREV, if under ideal conditions, one can get 49.3 miles of electric drive already. Especially where solid state design is concerned.
This will take a little more time to test out the new generation techs.
This ought to be important to be able to configure. Expandable battery modularization might be the way, so that you just order your extra electric range at time of sale as an installable option, or, at any time later if adaptation software gets that well-developed for new cells to be proportionally-tasked at the same workloads as the aged Originally Equipped modules. (This could also “lighten the load” for aged cells later on in the life cycle of the originally-installed pack).
+4
Mar 8th, 2011 (9:19 am)Future Volt welcome screen:
How will you use your grid power today?
1. Performance boost
2. Saving the Earth
+2
Mar 8th, 2011 (9:26 am)The other reason why you would want expandable electric range option at time of sale, is that when new-to-electrification customers (nearly everyone) comes in to order an EREV, the sales rep can advise according to the customers’ driving needs far more precisely than ever the customer could decide for themselves.
These are issues of confidence, competence, and trust. These issues of confidence, competence, and trust are only satisfied with a face to face trusted relationship based on casual, open, and informed dialogue.
(These are also the most important rules when teaching all auto service technicians. If any of these three are clearly completely missing in an initial visit or two with a shop contact, I might wait a year or two before returning.)
+5
Mar 8th, 2011 (9:29 am)“This being the first full year for the U.S. Volt, even in its home country sales have been sluggish, but this was expected as the roll-out is occurring in stages, and GM is aiming first for markets perceived to be most receptive.”
How can any one say this when there more people waiting for there car than have been built.
Tom
+2
Mar 8th, 2011 (9:31 am)Dan Petit,
While I like the idea of optional range levels, the only problem I see is that:
a) You’d have to provide enough space for all batteries which might be ordered, regardless of whether or not they are ordered (taking away the same amount of interior space for all range options)
~or~
b) You’d have to offer multiple versions of the car (virtually different models) in order to accommodate the differing number of battery modules (thus allowing buyers to balance greater electric range against usable space). This is probably what should be done, but I don’t see struggling GM taking this route within the next few years.
-9
Mar 8th, 2011 (9:39 am)I got cut off before finishing the edit. Change the wording from “iniitial cabin warm-up” to “cabin warming”. (Of course, the engine runs during pre-condition anyway.)
In other words, you know best when to take advantage of heat from the engine rather than being limited to always using the battery-pack… having that choice available is the point… the best of both worlds.
+4
Mar 8th, 2011 (9:46 am)Jackson,
GM has already designed for these very things years ago as they said that the gen 2 battery will be about a third smaller. GM really is far far ahead of whatever I or anyone else can ever write about their own business plan of course. But sometimes with our discussions, you and I and everyone else here, can promote the priorities of their focus a little more efficiently on occasion, if we happen to say something in a certain additionally-helpful way. I think that this is the really great thing about this site. It is intended to be very highly positive to the advancement process, even for what little we comparatively actually do know.
(//..8:45….off to work. Have a great day everyone!)
Mar 8th, 2011 (9:58 am)I am already at work at 6:30 AM AST (5:30 AM EST). This is why I was able to post so early.
Raymond
-13
Mar 8th, 2011 (10:07 am)(click to show comment)
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (10:08 am)Raymondjram,
(//…today’s advanced transmission processing-diagnostics seminar starts at 10:00 am local (central) time at a transmission shop, so I had time to visit for a while longer today. Have a great day Ray!!)
+15
Mar 8th, 2011 (10:22 am)GAS ANXIETY…2000 miles and 168 Lifetime MPG!!!! This one great little car (#324).
Mar 8th, 2011 (10:37 am)Just thinking out loud here, but if they moved the batteries to the trunk, they could add as much as will fit in there. The customer would have to decide between range and trunk room. With the batteries in the trunk, there would be more room in the back seat to haul things.
Another idea is the “skateboard” design, where the batteries are all stored in a platform below the feet of the passengers.
-1
Mar 8th, 2011 (10:41 am)It does? Are you sure about this? Can a Volt owner weigh in on this. Has your engine ever ran during preconditioning while plugged in at home? I’m not talking about the engine running periodically to move fluids around, but just to warm the batteries & cabin.
+4
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:08 am)Those public test drives are very key. Having my first Volt drives at the Milwaukee Auto show the last 2 weekends, and with national roll out pushed up to put Volts in my market in 3rd quarter of this year, it makes it very hard to wait for gen 2!
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:09 am)In the same ‘thinking out loud’ vein:
The “skateboard” idea predates the Volt by (it seems like) a decade; but that’s not what they decided to do (there must be some issues there, other than raising the height of the vehicle, which we don’t know about). Bringing it to production would require a development process at least as long as the Volt’s.
Consider that if you put extra batteries in the trunk of the current (or foreseen generations of) the Volt, you would drastically alter the vehicle’s center of gravity. Putting most of the weight at the rear of a front-drive car can’t be very good for the handling.
Here’s where the aftermarket could really take off: The 2012 model year will probably still accommodate the battery that we see in the in the current Volt, and there could be 50,000+ of them on the road. When these cars get old, someone will think of stuffing the new, smaller batteries available at that time into the (then) cavernous space of the original car, resulting in greatly increased EV range. This leads me to the saying I’ve posted before:
Old Volts never die, they just go farther.
-8
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:14 am)Gas prices are up and now prices for groceries have gone up. Its all over the news in every state.
Theres no way people can afford a Volt or leaf. This makes no sense how high gas prices makes a Volt or leaf attainable. Now the US is full of citizens that cant afford a new car.
+5
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:18 am)Taking the long view, the technology will drop in price as gas prices rise; we’ll pay more for gas, but we’ll use less of it. For this to be true in the future, current EVs will need to attract the attention of those who can afford them; they and the manufacturers are planting the seeds of another harvest. Yes, things are going to be tougher in the interim.
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:32 am)Was the EV button put back in because Toyota is not trying to better the ULEV status anyway, so that it won’t matter if the ICE comes on more often with a cold cat converter?
+5
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:33 am)#13
Right! +1
+3
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:34 am)#18
What the !@#$ do they know, LOL?
-1
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:38 am)#26
Exactly. +1
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. And somebody’s gotta take it.
#1756
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:45 am)That’s incorrect; the engine does not run during precondition, unless temperatures are below 25F, and then it only does so for a brief period of time.
join thE REVolution
+3
Mar 8th, 2011 (11:45 am)Please explain to me, if GM only builds 15 or fewer cars per day, how sales could be anything but disappointing?
+2
Mar 8th, 2011 (12:00 pm)OT; this company has made some good progress in ultracaps, getting twice the energy density. You could quick charge an LED flashlight in 90 seconds for 3 hours of use. They also want to use the tech in cars for start/stop starters.
http://www.ioxus.com/
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (12:07 pm)Do you see what they are doing in Germany and in all Europe… adding huge tariffs to the VOLT… this should be pointed out. And we should be doing the same to their cars.
Sell the Volt at a fair price in these countries and THEN see the raction!
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Mar 8th, 2011 (12:09 pm)(click to show comment)
+4
Mar 8th, 2011 (12:35 pm)European countries are adding huge tariffs? Do you have a link proving that?
A VAT sure. But a VAT is not a tariff and it applies to every car. Including the ones built in their own countries. It’s true that a lower corporate income tax plus a VAT works like a tariff. But we’re the idiots who don’t take advantage of that.
+2
Mar 8th, 2011 (12:36 pm)Maybe they’re not getting as many pre-orders as they expected? In that case, the answer is relatively simple–offer them in every state rather than just their initial launch markets.
+3
Mar 8th, 2011 (12:45 pm)Amen to that!!!
+4
Mar 8th, 2011 (12:51 pm)Because it will make those who can afford a new car be more interested in the Volt as opposed to say, an SUV, or a sports car.
Mar 8th, 2011 (12:54 pm)Exactly. +1
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (1:09 pm)I am curious about the next step for the Volt.
When GM decides where the European plant gets built, I have no doubt that the design will mostly reflect European needs for daily range. Toyota has an extensive marketing blitz for the Prius plug and how that car suits French driving habits. How will all plug ins be compared? 25 to 50 mile range vs 7 to 15 mile range. Autobahn electric vs city car electric. Will range or MSRP be the more important factor?
Will the European Volt/Ampera be more determined by the market or by the current design philosophy of providing the most battery for the US market?
How much of a different car will the Eurobuilt version be from the Volt of today?
The hold mode isn’t useful over here. What I’d like to know is if whether or not the photo is accurate for the rocker panel covering color. I think body color panels would more reflect the Volt to be a high end vehicle, not an economy car with hubcaps and no paint there.
ps. Inventory levels are low for the hot cars right now. Audi is at a 28 day supply and the new Explorer is at 30 days. The Prius is at 32 days of inventory where as all of Toyota is at 62.
The Volt is currently at a 10 day inventory vs 60 for all of GM. (as per Wardsauto.com).
+2
Mar 8th, 2011 (1:26 pm)Last week I spoke with the owner of a motorcycle shop. He asked if I wanted to buy a new bike. I replied, “I just bought a Volt”. He asked, “What’s a Volt?”. I mentioned the lithium battery and great mpg. He replied, “Oh yeah?”. I honestly feel he never heard of the Volt.
I spoke with another business owner as well. He really likes the Volt. But is hesitant to buy because he already has a 2003 Impala and is concerned with the durability of the new technology.
Photo taken two days ago here in Santa Barbara.
NPNS
Mar 8th, 2011 (1:46 pm)Just met a Brit on vacation who said the the price of “petrol” in the UK is about $9/ imperial gallon in some places. Can anybody verify that?
-15
Mar 8th, 2011 (1:49 pm)(click to show comment)
+3
Mar 8th, 2011 (1:50 pm)I think those sources were quoting the (relatively low) February sales of only 281 Volts. That seemed low to me too, so I did some research. Several hundred of the February Volts were sent to dealers and auto shows around the world for demos and marketing. Hence there were less of them available to sell. GM says they are still on target for 10,000 in the first year, despite the low number in February.
Mar 8th, 2011 (2:05 pm)That sounds about right. UK fuel taxes are crazy-high. They help support their expensive social-welfare model that Obama wants to adopt.
From Wiki:
From 4th January 2011 the UK duty rate for the road fuels unleaded petrol, diesel, biodiesel and bioethanol is GB£0.5895 per litre (£2.65 per imperial gallon or £2.20 per U.S. gallon).[4] Value Added Tax at 20% is also charged on the price of the fuel and on the duty.
Using the UK average untaxed pump price for unleaded petrol of £0.4572 per litre (from the December 2010 average taxed price of £1.221 per litre,[5] the duty rate of £0.5819 per litre[4] and the then VAT rate of 17.5%) this would give a January 2011 taxed price of £1.256 per litre (£5.71 per imperial gallon or £4.75 per U.S. gallon) – that is equivalent to a tax rate of 175%.
Diesel for use by farmers and construction vehicles is coloured red (Red Diesel) and has a much reduced tax, currently £0.1133 per litre.[4]
+2
Mar 8th, 2011 (3:00 pm)it’s great to see the Volt in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Certainly more impressive than when we drove the Volt by the Eiffel Tower at Paris, Las Vegas!
Don’t forget last weeks news about the auto parts plant fire. Production of GM vehicles will speed up when all parts are available.
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (3:41 pm)Apparently, the plant is back online, or at least part of it. Hopefully, the part that’s functioning includes the parts GM needs for the Volt.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20110308/BIZ/103080326/1001/Fire-damaged-Magna-plant-is-back-to-work
+5
Mar 8th, 2011 (4:53 pm)The news coverage at this site has improved dramitically from what we saw a week or two. Good work.
Mar 8th, 2011 (5:27 pm)Is this what your Volt does?
-15
Mar 8th, 2011 (5:27 pm)(click to show comment)
-1
Mar 8th, 2011 (5:34 pm)This article states “this year first in Switzerland, and not long after for €41,950 in Germany concurrently with the €42,900 Ampera – with similar but undisclosed prices expected in other European countries ”
The exchange rate is .714 that makes the Volt cost about $60K…. now … what ever you want to call it… a VAT … or whatever… the bottom line is if you send any American product to THEIR market you will be paying MUCH more in this case about 50% more…
I have a cousin who lived in Germany for 15 years… and said he wanted a Chrysler mini van… he had to pay $38K for the same vehicle that was selling at the time in the US for a little over 20K….
My daughter was in the EC for 9 weeks… she brought home top Auto Magazines … all the prices for American vehicles reflected the same huge difference in pricing… but the other way you can buy a German car in the US and pay no premium.
This is what I call UNFAIR TRADE and one of our biggest problems in our economy. It has cost millions of good American jobs.
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (6:45 pm)But German cars are also cheaper in the US than in Germany. It’s how our taxes are structured.
I agree that the fact that we are the only developed country without a VAT places us at a trade disadvantage. But that’s the decision of the US government. And, the US population. Originally, we were trying to spur domestic consumption to get rid of our rather large trade surplus. And, when that trade surplus became a deficit, we never changed course.
But we can’t blame other countries for our bad policies.
Mar 8th, 2011 (6:57 pm)Parts for the Volt may not have been affected.. but the plant that produces the Volt slowed down a little….. this is from article about the fire…
“The Detroit-Hamtramck plant, which produces the Chevrolet Volt, Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne, has canceled an overtime shift scheduled for today.”
-1
Mar 8th, 2011 (6:59 pm)No.. .I blame them for THEIR bad policies!
Mar 8th, 2011 (7:10 pm)From this article…”Informed observers have said European consumers’ decision for or against EVs will also be partially determined by government subsidies offered in their respective countries.”
Now there’s a good one… first put huge tariffs(or whatever you want to call them) on the Volt to keep it out of the country… then give incentives to buy them!?
-11
Mar 8th, 2011 (7:26 pm)(click to show comment)
+3
Mar 8th, 2011 (7:51 pm)It looks like the sign reads $4.33 for unleaded regular. Another 50 cents or a dollar will start to awaken people in a serious way. Unfortunately that is what it will take to get people to the dealerships. However, the positive side of upheaval in the Middle East and North Africa is recognition that reliance on petroleum for fuel is a losing proposition. $475 BILLION annually – American dollars delivered to nations and people who intensely hate the U.S.
Gasoline is increasingly expensive, not just at the pump, but in the cost of human lives defending oil resources. The oil industry is redoubling their efforts to supply new resources – but this is clearly a stop gap measure. The sooner the oilcos join us in helping solve the energy issue, the better. Leading oilcos should be investing more heavily in alternatives. And the Congress needs to fastrack new nuclear power (thorium is best).
The VOLT and its incredible staff of engineers and manufacturing employees is here at just the right time. Rock on Chevrolet!
+2
Mar 8th, 2011 (10:26 pm)Thank you. – Jeff (Volt News)
+1
Mar 8th, 2011 (10:27 pm)And what bad policies might those be? If it works for them, why is it a bad policy? The rest of the world does not just run their economies with America in mind. They make policy choices that suit themselves.
How exactly does having a VAT–which affects all cars, translate into keeping the Volt out of the country? Are they trying to discourage cars completely? I believe that in some countries there’s a VAT on books. Are they trying to keep books out of their respective countries?
+2
Mar 9th, 2011 (1:13 am)Somewhat off topic, but actually in the spirit of the Geneva Motor Show which displays numerous new cars for comparison by attendees, is an article today by a chap who owns BOTH a new Leaf and a new Volt. He compares the two cars and it’s a worthwhile read…
http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1056445_2011-nissan-leaf-vs-2011-chevy-volt-strengths-weaknesses-by-the-man-who-owns-both
Mar 9th, 2011 (4:43 am)Yes electric cars may gradually be on the small side when it comes to there sales as it says on the article but still if were going to see gas sky rocket up to $4.00 or more this year or even $5.00 a gallon sometime by next year we could see dramatic sale increases when it comes to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and you know what Volt fans! I still think the people of the article still got that part in someways wrong. Why do I say that? Because I have a funny feeling that people are going to be moaning over the prices like zombies if they keep on seeing gas prices soar like this and I guarantee all of you that they will want to buy something more fuel efficient or even an electric. Only time will tell? Also Kdawg you want to know why the steering wheel is on the opposite side or the right side of the Volt? It’s because the British drive on the left side of the road now you know Kdawg. Also gas has climbed by 4 cents here or $3.59 a gallon around the corner not to far were I live so yeah it’s climbing give it some time and I’ll tell you how much it has gone up later in the future once more again.
Mar 9th, 2011 (2:44 pm)There is an engineering solution for that. Both EGR and EHR are equipped in every Gen3 Prius, including the PHV.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/hybrid-technology/exhaust-heat-recovery-recirculation.htm
Mar 9th, 2011 (3:35 pm)nasaman,
I liked this reply from the author of your linked article:
———–
A 37-40 mile range on the Volt appears to be drawing about 13kW to recharge, and the LEAF now records that we are closer to 3.0 miles/kW. Basically it is a wash as to which is “most kW efficient” in terms of our records so far.
My wife is still clearly struggling with “range anxiety,” as today she was called to jury duty, and I plotted on mapquest the distance from our house to the county courthouse; it was 25 miles one-way, and she would NOT use the LEAF for that roundtrip. The Volt is much easier to start with, since there is never a worry about being stranded with it