Comments on: Volt and Ampera catching on in Europe and Canada

By: Mark Wagner

Mark Wagner — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:05:35 +0000

It is inappropriate to evaluate payback in 3 years. Payback should be evaluated in the life of the car & battery — not the timespan of an individual’s ownership — because it should be expected that subsequent resale values will adjust for fuel savings throughout the life of the car & battery. Resale values of the Prius have reflected this trend — with particular benefit when gas prices rise.

By: Tim in SC

Tim in SC — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:53:13 +0000

ArkansasVolt, I agree with you and gsned. I went to VIA Motors website to look into get one of their EREV-converted Suburbans, but the price tag is unfortunately a no-go. I will fork out money to get off oil, even into the $40,000+ range, but $79,000 for a Suburban simply isn't feasible. I'm hoping GM will give us an EREV Equinox or something similar soon so the wife and kids can ride in the car with me. Then again, I do enjoy having autonomous control over the radio...

By: Pat

Pat — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 05:21:25 +0000

Wonder what holds back GM selling Volts in Canada… GM getVolts out there and sell them in canada… is it the production constraint? transporting the Volts to canada a constraint? What gives!

By: nasaman

nasaman — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:48:06 +0000

kdawg: I understand the need/want of some for a 5 seater, but just wanted to say if one was available I would still choose the current Volt. I really like the bucket seats in the back. The rear console is nice too.

I couldn’t agree more, kdawg! I’ve ALWAYS liked the Volt’s rear bucket seats and the new rear console you show looks just great! With this interior the rear passengers can be in seats just as comfortable and sporting as those in front —have you seen the BMW $74,400 6-series cramped
rear seating? Have a look…

Who would want to sit in the middle, “hugging” the front/center console with his legs???

PS: As in most compacts, a Volt rear center seat would really only be comfortable for a child anyhow!

By: Gsned57

Gsned57 — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 02:52:21 +0000

john1701a: Assumptions based on older design & components are a reality every technology must face.Upgrades are a challenge to promote. The 2012 plug-in system is able to draw quite a bit more from the battery-pack.I climb out of the valley everyday using only electricity.It’s no big deal. Same thing.The “current” reference is quite outdated at this point.

Hahaha feels like old times John although now we aren't waiting for our dream cars to arrive they are here and ready. I'm glad to hear your pip is working out for you and since I havent tested one yet I'll reserve judgement. I gotta tell you though from an after rebate price for comparably equipped cars the pip doesn't have a price advantage. The volt is leaps and bounds more luxurious than my 05 Prius and it'll take a good test drive to convince me Toyota upped their Prius product that much in the last few years(father in law has a 2010 Prius so I'm well versed in the 3rd gen). Just to clarify I've never owned a gm product and had no use for them prior to the volt. The volt has me interested in their whole lineup although I'm officially in the npns camp at this point