The first two journalists' reports of what it's like to drive the Chevy Volt while in generator mode operation have been published.

1) New York Times:
http://gm-volt.com/2009/11/20/worlds-first-journalists-report-on-the-chevy-volt-generator-mode-driving-experience/

2) CNBC:
http://gm-volt.com/2009/11/20/worlds-first-journalist-test-drive-of-the-chevy-volt-in-charge-sustaining-mode-occurs-and-isnt-described/

Dear GM,

It is now clear to us that we need to have at least two selectable modes:

1) Old Fart Mode (OFM) - Used to simulate the old feel of a standard ICE car. Even though it may not be the most efficient use of energy, old fart drivers need this so they don't feel "disconcerted". The roar of the engine needs to directly correlate to the press of the pedal, even if there is enough battery power to provide the acceleration. Just store the rest. Additionally, when the Volt senses that it needs to catch up on charge, resist the temptation to rev up the ICE. It's better to keep that natural ICE feel for the Old Fart than to maximize fuel efficiency.

2) Young Buck Mode (YBM) - Used to get the most out of the modern and efficient drivetrain. This is for people that do not feel "disconcerted" with a dissociated ICE because they understand the beauty of the electrified drivetrain. In this mode, you can perform any magic you guys (and gals) can come up with. The people that choose this mode will enjoy the different sounds and appreciate what the system is trying to do (please let us know via the custom display). In fact, it will provide endless hours of discussion with Young Buck’s passengers.

Note: Young Buck’s passengers should probably be given the option to switch to OFM so they don't have to listen to their geeky driver. ;)

So, it looks like several different modes will be needed for the Volt. This is a GOOD thing. Since the Volt is controlled by a sophisticated computer, we have this option. Old Fart cars were limited in their operation and will eventually be seen as inflexible.

If you imagine a few decades into the future, drivers will be fine tuning the dynamics of their vehicles to best suit their needs. Since all four wheels will be infinitely and individually controllable, the possibility to minutely tweak things specifically for the driver exists. Like a musician finely tuning his instrument to produce their unique sound, future Volt and other electric vehicle owners will relish the flexibility of their rides.

I see what you're saying Texas, a lot of people will whine that they don't like the engine not revving as they press harder on the pedal even though that's terrible for their mpg, but I bet GM is going to try to be a jack of both trades, a little of both and master of neither.

I see what you're saying Texas, a lot of people will whine that they don't like the engine not revving as they press harder on the pedal even though that's terrible for their mpg, but I bet GM is going to try to be a jack of both trades, a little of both and master of neither.

I think that is correct, which will bring the MPG down, but presumably make the driving experience more "normal" and "peppy".

So do these two articles officially put to bed the HHSE debate, or are folks going to still hang on to that one? Sounds like a full serial hybrid to me.

Noise (and possibly vibration) problem at this stage of the game? GM will have to start ordering parts for production soon. I thought this was the problem from the very early stage of the development and GM abandoned I-3 ICE in favour of I-4. GM engineers have been working on it in the past 20 months or so. Simple software tweaks will not solve this problem. Or, is this really a problem? Any ICE makes noise. Earlier CVT equipped cars sounded as though the clutch was slipping. How about making the exhaust sound pleasant to ears. Honda F1 racer’s exhaust note was called "Honda music". RPM of Prius engine does not vary in sync to the vehicle speed, but it is not as bad as to be called disconcerting.

Still not answered by the reports is Volt’s performance or “drive feel” after the last “boost reserve” (1.5kWh or so?) below 30% SOC is depleted. I guess the proving ground did not have a hill steep or long enough to experiment it.

If the performance is good enough after the boost reserve has run out or if the boost reserve never runs out, then GM should make a shorter EV range version at lower cost. If you do not mind a 10 mile EV range, you can do with just 4kWh of battery capacity, which should reduce the price by somewhere around $7500 ($10000 vs. $2500). And you can enjoy the fuel economy of a 75HP car.

So do these two articles officially put to bed the HHSE debate, or are folks going to still hang on to that one? Sounds like a full serial hybrid to me.



Rooster, It could still be an HHSE but not have the clutch engaged yet. Would GM have the system ready for journalists to test? Since this is completely computer controlled, GM might need the rest of the year to tweak things. Don't forget, the journalists did not take mpg measurements.



I see what you're saying Texas, a lot of people will whine that they don't like the engine not revving as they press harder on the pedal even though that's terrible for their mpg, but I bet GM is going to try to be a jack of both trades, a little of both and master of neither.


Indeed. That's why I'm hoping for selectable modes. Please GM, don't try to please everyone. That's what computers are for!

I thought this was the problem from the very early stage of the development and GM abandoned I-3 ICE in favour of I-4.

I guess the proving ground did not have a hill steep or long enough to experiment it.

If the performance is good enough after the boost reserve has run out or if the boost reserve never runs out, then GM should make a shorter EV range version at lower cost. If you do not mind a 10 mile EV range, you can do with just 4kWh of battery capacity, which should reduce the price by somewhere around $7500 ($10000 vs. $2500). And you can enjoy the fuel economy of a 75HP car.
G35X.... I am thinking bigger battery- smaller Ice.
The lower output Ice the better IMHO. 25kva or so. As for vibration, I went from a 4 to a 3 from the same brand motorcycle, (BMW) and the vibration was less. Have the GM engineers tried this?

If the performance is good enough after the boost reserve has run out or if the boost reserve never runs out, then GM should make a shorter EV range version at lower cost. If you do not mind a 10 mile EV range, you can do with just 4kWh of battery capacity, which should reduce the price by somewhere around $7500 ($10000 vs. $2500). And you can enjoy the fuel economy of a 75HP car.

I think a 10-15 mile AER would be a perfect cost vs benefit trade off for most people (maybe 20 miles) as long as the batteries could handle more cycling. For now, GM might as well use the entire $7,500 rebate by going for the full 16kWh. It is possible we'll see a smaller battery in a Volt since GM says not a single one of the 50,000 (or something crazy) cells they've tested has failed and that's saying something because they've been cycling some of the cells non stop for at least a year and a half now probably at different speeds and put them through all kinds of abuse like overcharging etc., and they probably can mathematically predict 300,000 miles easy. They are saying under the worse conditions, a Volt battery will last 10 years, and in normal climates, much longer. But until 2019 or so, we really don't know if that's true.

I think a 10-15 mile AER would be a perfect cost vs benefit trade off for most people (maybe 20 miles) as long as the batteries could handle more cycling.
You could be right - but for me, that 10-15 mile AER had better include the use of HVAC, headlights, and wipers. A 10 mile AER with nothing else running isn't much more than a curiousity; might as well get a Prius and get that fifth seat.

It has already been pointed out that there is an option to simulate engine sound through the car stereo in relation to the TPS.

These 'modes' Texas is refuring to are pointless.

People are likely to be more concerned with the drivability 'feel' then how the engine rev's in relation to the gas pedal.

After all, he's the one with his foot on the pedal, he knows how far he's pushed it, so he could just make an appropriate racing car sound, like he did when he was 4 or 5, and maybe get some decent air-horns, they should be loud enough.:cool:

Part of the appeal of electric cars is their silent operation.

In the traditional spirit of Xmas, may I wish you all a Sparkly Xmas and a Fluffy New Year.

Bah humbug, and all that...

It has already been pointed out that there is an option to simulate engine sound through the car stereo in relation to the TPS.

These 'modes' Texas is refuring to are pointless.

People are likely to be more concerned with the drivability 'feel' then how the engine rev's in relation to the gas pedal.



Hahahahah. You crack me up. Kids sure do say the funniest things.

After all, he's the one with his foot on the pedal, he knows how far he's pushed it, so he could just make an appropriate racing car sound, like he did when he was 4 or 5,

I'm trying to Imagine Texas lol. If only I had a face to go along with his avitar :)

I'm trying to Imagine Texas lol. If only I had a face to go along with his avitar :)


Andy0x1, stop obsessing about me. I don't think Mac was talking about me at all. You are the one that brought up the sounds. I was talking about different modes of operation for different drivers. I only want the most efficient driving modes and don't care about the sounds. However, other people may not be as accepting of new technology.

So, Please stop thinking of me an what I look like. That's just creepy. Please leave your mother's basement and find a nice girlfriend.