GM-Volt: Chevy Volt Forum - Electric Car Competitors http://gm-volt.com/forum/ We all love and want the Chevy Volt, but competition is inevitable. Discuss competitor vehicles here. en Fri, 24 May 2013 01:45:25 GMT vBulletin 60 http://gm-volt.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png GM-Volt: Chevy Volt Forum - Electric Car Competitors http://gm-volt.com/forum/ test drive of an i-MiEV http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46809-test-drive-of-an-i-MiEV&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 01:28:09 GMT Lots of bad, bad press out there about this car and even some snarky comments on this forum, but... The i-MiEV is a really nice driving car! I was... Lots of bad, bad press out there about this car and even some snarky comments on this forum, but...

The i-MiEV is a really nice driving car! I was hugely impressed. It was zippy on the urban surface streets, solid on the highway and has a crazy turning radius. It reminded me of my long gone Honda CRX, a car I regret letting go of after 210K miles and 13 years.


Simple does not necessarily equal cheap. I thought the cockpit was user friendly and had just what it needed, not cluttered up with an excess of initially interesting but ultimately rarely used features such as on the Volt stack. From photographs I expected that the driver's seat would feel 'way out front' and exposed, but it's no more so than any number of compact ICEs that I've rented.

Some features that I liked in comparison to the Volt:

- It's quieter. Even on electric, my wife's Volt (which I like lots, btw) still has substantial wind and tire noise, windows open or closed. This car sounded like I was coasting on a bicycle.
- The hatchback area, especially with the two rear seats put down (totally flat) is very large and accessible. Smaller car, but for one or two occupants, bigger space.
- The included charging cord actually looks less cheesy than that which came with the Volt (which, to be fair, I haven't actually used since the first week we had it).
- The backup camera seemed better.

On the negative side:

- The driver's seat wouldn't push back quite as far as I might like. (and I am not tall)
- Likewise, I found myself wanting, but unable to, adjust the steering wheel.
- The Japanese must drive on the other side of the road. I guess this is why the shift knob indicator letters are on the wrong side, as is the hood release. Of course, neither really matters - just an amusing oversight when they moved the steering wheel.

I liked it! Almost bit, but will take a pass for three reasons:

1) The MSRP, touted as one of the lowest at $29,125 rapidly increases to the mid-30's with delivery and a bunch of other options, few of which I really care about. The base ES model seems to be absent in my neck of the woods and the dealer with the most apparent motivation to sell to me only has an SE with a $2790 "premium" package that includes a CHAdeMO charging port (there are none within driving range of my house) and navigation (also fairly useless to me within 30 miles). These added costs may seem minor for a vehicle starting at $30K, but are more significant for a post-credit, post-rebate effective price in the mid-teens.
2) The range. It'd be fine for me alone, but the major employer in my modest community (which this car might never leave) requires a 60-70 mile round trip. So, if there is to be any hope of a secondary market down the line, the incrementally longer ranges of some of the other EVs out there would really make a big difference.
3) GM's announced price on the Spark yesterday.

I'll probably never buy another ICE, but think I need to squeeze another year or so out of my current one. ]]> Electric Car Competitors walkingmydog http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46809-test-drive-of-an-i-MiEV fisker maybe saved http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46681-fisker-maybe-saved&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 08:32:47 GMT :cool:http://www.chargedevs.com/content/news-wire/post/bob-lutz-and-wanxiang-team-make-offer-fisker :cool:http://www.chargedevs.com/content/ne...e-offer-fisker ]]> Electric Car Competitors 007martin http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46681-fisker-maybe-saved Tesla pays off U.S. loan http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46585-Tesla-pays-off-U.S.-loan&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 23:17:00 GMT The automaker said on Wednesday that it wired $451.8 million to repay the full loan with interest. ... The automaker said on Wednesday that it wired $451.8 million to repay the full loan with interest.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/...94L16520130522

Some people will still hate it, like they do the Chevy Volt. Now, Ford still has billions in loand they have not paid back. "Federal Motors" anyone? :) ]]> Electric Car Competitors Steverino http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46585-Tesla-pays-off-U.S.-loan BMW M3 EV From EV West On The Dyno http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46433-BMW-M3-EV-From-EV-West-On-The-Dyno&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 10:19:27 GMT *BMW M3 EV From EV West On The Dyno (Video) *May 22, 2013 Important Media Cross-Post Check out the super gearhead in this video below laughing... BMW M3 EV From EV West On The Dyno (Video)
May 22, 2013 Important Media Cross-Post

Check out the super gearhead in this video below laughing with excitement about the ridiculous amount of torque in the BMW M3 EV. If anyone thought EVs meant “low power,” this should wake you up. Thanks to Chris DeMorro of CleanTechnica sister site Gas2 for the find and article.

With major automakers now churning out EVs of their own, electric car conversion shops have taken a backseat in the news. Well, most shops at least. EV West has continued to crank out some incredible electric cars, including the Pikes Peak-dominated BMW M3 EV. At the behest of the fellows at Drive, EV West put their electric Bimmer on the dyno, and you won’t believe the results.

Unlike conventional cars, EVs are rated in kilowatts rather than horsepower and torque. But what does the 400 kilowatts translate into on the dyno? Not as much horsepower as you might expect, but a ton of torque; 850 ft-lbs of torque, in fact, and 342 horsepower at just 600 rpm. Host Matt Farrah compares it to a Ford Super Duty pickup with a tune, and he’s not far off.

Complete article here:
http://cleantechnica.com/2013/05/22/...he-dyno-video/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=SVkJjt_Peg0 ]]> Electric Car Competitors rhodomel http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46433-BMW-M3-EV-From-EV-West-On-The-Dyno Sold my TSLA today http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46329-Sold-my-TSLA-today&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 02:23:18 GMT ;) Sold at $88 and change after seeing shares go to about $97 or $98. Bought after posting here about learning that Tesla was ordering a key part in... ;) Sold at $88 and change after seeing shares go to about $97 or $98. Bought after posting here about learning that Tesla was ordering a key part in greater numbers than generally thought. And yes, I waited till I published the information here and also the local paper. Analysts on " the street" could have easily checked with subcontractors for the same information, a common practice. "Shorts" also failed to do homework and got "squeezed" big time. There will be other opportunities to buy IMO.
You can check my earlier post for more details. I updated that post as of today.
(See "Tesla sales will..... Feb. 20, 2013) ]]> Electric Car Competitors Dave OConnor http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46329-Sold-my-TSLA-today Model S Spotted in Holland Michigan http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46033-Model-S-Spotted-in-Holland-Michigan&goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 12:28:51 GMT We went to the beach yesterday in Holland Michigan. It was a nice 85 degree day with little wind. True the water temp was in the upper 50 degree... We went to the beach yesterday in Holland Michigan. It was a nice 85 degree day with little wind. True the water temp was in the upper 50 degree range, but that didn't stop the kids. Anyway, on the way back home I noticed this lady in the car next to me actively talking with her hands with a passenger. It wasn't until I pulled away from the light that I noticed the front end and Tesla symbol. The back door were so well integrated that I thought it was a two door and maybe not a Tesla. So when it passed me I finally noticed the back door "handle". Boy the smoothness of the design with the high quality paint and very tight fitting doors and panels let you know this was an expensive car. It was the brown color and appeared to either have the panoramic roof, or at least a moon roof which was open. That was the first time I saw one where I could check out the details a bit. I did see two others in the Lansing area, but just a glance. I sure hope the ELR looks that good when I see one, but at a more reasonable price point. ;) ]]> Electric Car Competitors JDan http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?46033-Model-S-Spotted-in-Holland-Michigan Video: In-Depth Tesla Model S Walkthrough For Owners http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45801-Video-In-Depth-Tesla-Model-S-Walkthrough-For-Owners&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 15:42:00 GMT

From InsideEvs courtesy of Tesla: "Not so long ago Tesla promised a whole customer video-expose on the Model S; going over all the features, components, gadgetry and advantages of their electric sedan in great detail, intended for recent purchaserers of the car. Something they did indeed produce, and then tucked away on their site. We figured we would pass along the 28 minute video intended for new owners, as it breaks down even the most mundane features of the car…a must watch for any Tesla Model S owner or fan."

http://insideevs.com/video-in-depth-...gh-for-owners/

Neat Machine! ]]> Electric Car Competitors RCB268 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45801-Video-In-Depth-Tesla-Model-S-Walkthrough-For-Owners Tesla could charge faster than gas cars, tweet by Musk http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45585-Tesla-could-charge-faster-than-gas-cars-tweet-by-Musk&goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:22 GMT It is excellent that almost everyone recognize the range anxiety of battery powered electric cars, but some of us want to do something about it, like... It is excellent that almost everyone recognize the range anxiety of battery powered electric cars, but some of us want to do something about it, like Tesla planning a much better swapping station than Project Better Place. So far, Project Better Place is on a death row, and much can be learned from the $1 Billion failure. Tesla suggested that they could upgrade their supercharger network to include battery swapping. It is a tall order. But if you are the number 1 BEV, you define the standards, and it might just work.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment...ory-topStories ]]> Electric Car Competitors rhodomel http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45585-Tesla-could-charge-faster-than-gas-cars-tweet-by-Musk Infiniti discusses plans for plug-in hybrid sports car http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45505-Infiniti-discusses-plans-for-plug-in-hybrid-sports-car&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:00 GMT Image: http://www.chargedevs.com/sites/default/files/styles/featured_news_wire/public/emerg_e.jpg ...

http://www.chargedevs.com/content/ne...rid-sports-car

Of course, I don't know what Nissan is thinking since there is absolutely no market for EV's and really no reason to own an electric car. Well, that's what 'they' said on Faux Snooze... Drill baby, drill! ]]> Electric Car Competitors RCB268 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45505-Infiniti-discusses-plans-for-plug-in-hybrid-sports-car Volt vs. Tesla Model S Review - Closer than you think... http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45473-Volt-vs.-Tesla-Model-S-Review-Closer-than-you-think...&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 17:48:00 GMT Image: http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/2011-chevrolet-volt-and-2013-tesla-model-s-photo-david-noland_100427529_m.jpg ...

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/...-electric-cars

Nice comparison by an owner of both cars. ]]> Electric Car Competitors MTN Ranger http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45473-Volt-vs.-Tesla-Model-S-Review-Closer-than-you-think... TESLA paying back DOE loan!! http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45353-TESLA-paying-back-DOE-loan!!&goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 21:43:41 GMT Tesla has made a public offering of stock today, along with some other options I am not quite sure I understand. They apparently intend to raise... Tesla has made a public offering of stock today, along with some other options I am not quite sure I understand.
They apparently intend to raise over 800 Million.
They intend to use some of this to repay, in full, plus interest, the DOE loan!

Awesome move and gets rid of a big albatross around their neck.

:D

http://ir.teslamotors.com/releasedet...leaseID=765206 ]]> Electric Car Competitors Zythryn http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45353-TESLA-paying-back-DOE-loan!! Spotted my first Tesla Model S http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45297-Spotted-my-first-Tesla-Model-S&goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 18:25:40 GMT Most of you all know I live in a small town in east Hawaii, and there isn't much in the way of fancy vehicles around here. I haven't seen a Ferrari or Lambo ever, nary a Volvo or Saab. Heck, anything German is rare in fact. What I have seen is quite a few Nissan Leafs, and a few Volts. I'm guessing by my very unofficial tabulation that there is about 10 Volts on my island, well 15 if you count the 5 loaded models the county bought last year. I'm also guessing that there is around 25 leafs on Hawaii island here, with HELCO owning a few besides that. I've never ever seen a Tesla before... until last night. I was just strolling through our 3 block downtown area and there she was! I am not really a fan of the styling, by the way. It looked good, and my g/f was very impressed, but I just don't really care for it. Boring, in a word. I think the stance is good, I just think the details are drab. Anyhow, it looked like a loaded model...(is there any way to tell?) and the dealer plates were still on the car. My girlfriend, who knows a thing or two, asked me "I know the leaf can't make it to Kona and back, can this car?" I replied: "Well it's about 220 miles... "if it's a 80kw model I think so." Then I started to think about it and I am not so sure.

So the question I have now is this: If I leave Hilo in a Model S 80kw, with the battery at 95% (or whatever the buffered top charge is) and I head over the mountains to Kona how many miles will that suck going up 6000' elevation and back down to sea level, and can I make it back with the repeat 6000' climb and back down to Hilo?
We all know that the descent will regen the battery.. but there are losses and inefficiencies which keep me from reclaiming all expended energy going up the mountain.
Also, keep in mind the temps are nice and mild, 60-80 degrees, and the road is a mix of nice smooth 70mph style blacktop to military road built in the 40's with blind curves and 25mph corners .
I'm thinking the battery will go drop almost 100 miles going the first 50.... then regain a bunch going down the other side, but using all of that and some to net me at 100 lost by the time I reach kona. A 30 minute drive around Kona in the hot sun would sap another 30... leaving me stuck charging (to gain about 30 miles) before I can return home.
Dang! We're almost there.
Attached Images
]]> Electric Car Competitors Codyozz http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45297-Spotted-my-first-Tesla-Model-S Used Karmas Selling for 50˘ on the Dollar http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45185-Used-Karmas-Selling-for-50˘-on-the-Dollar&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 21:02:17 GMT As used car deals go, this is one to make you think twice. Used Fisker Karmas, which sold for $103,000 just a year ago as new models, are now being... As used car deals go, this is one to make you think twice. Used Fisker Karmas, which sold for $103,000 just a year ago as new models, are now being sold for roughly half price. In some cases, those trying to sell the luxury extended-range electric car on eBay cannot even get bids above $50,000.

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/used...mble-1C9916866 ]]> Electric Car Competitors Adarondax http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45185-Used-Karmas-Selling-for-50˘-on-the-Dollar NC Republican pursuing Tesla ban http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45145-NC-Republican-pursuing-Tesla-ban&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 17:42:14 GMT Same old dealer rules coming up, again:... Same old dealer rules coming up, again:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_te..._with_car.html

I'd bet more than one Republican sides against Sen. Apodaca. The state's Conservative legislature dropped an effort to repeal its renewable energy mandates, just a couple weeks ago. ]]> Electric Car Competitors pjwood http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45145-NC-Republican-pursuing-Tesla-ban Carlos Ghosn: it makes sense to focus on electric vehicles, cooperate on fuel cells http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45105-Carlos-Ghosn-it-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles-cooperate-on-fuel-cells&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 14:29:25 GMT Image: http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/carlos-ghosn-nyc-628-.jpg Regardless of what *Peter M. De Lorenzo* and others may...

Regardless of what Peter M. De Lorenzo and others may say about Carlos Ghosn, I think he and Nissan are on the correct path when it comes to EV's.

This piece in autobloggreen is well written, I think, and makes sense to me!

http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10...tric-vehicles/

When I come off my Volt lease next year, I may 'step into' a Leaf, for a year or two, if GM let's me down with Volt 2.0! ]]> Electric Car Competitors RCB268 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?45105-Carlos-Ghosn-it-makes-sense-to-focus-on-electric-vehicles-cooperate-on-fuel-cells