2014 Chevrolet Volt

[Powered7]

To better compete with upcoming EREVs like the Ford C-Max Energi (5 seats) and BMW i3 REx (possible 100+ mile electric range), GM could start looking at offering a bigger battery and reconfiguring it so it goes under the seats for the 2014 or 2015 model year. Also, since a bigger battery would increase the cost of the car, perhaps make two options: a 40 mile 16 kW and 100 mile 40-kW battery.

A HUD would be a nice plus also, and so would be making the enhanced emissions package standard on the Volt.

[saghost]

Disagree. The 100 mile battery is a departure from the EREV concept, and adds substantial weight and expense for minimal gas savings and likely no cost savings overall (unless you have an usual commute, it's really rare that you'll be going more than ~50 miles but less than ~100 miles.)

The Volt can never out do every car on every spec without becoming far more expensive (and heavier most likely.) I'd much rather see the Volt continue along it's present line, possibly picking up a little more power, a little more range, and a slight CS mpg improvement - and pick up siblings to address these other markets.

From all the things I've heard, I think the first extension (beyond the upcoming ELR,) should probably be in the CUV direction - something along the lines of the long-rumored SRX Voltec or the Volt MPV5 concept shown in Asia a couple years ago.

[notaguru]

I suspect that between now and 2014 we will see evolution - not revolution. By then the Volt will have serial-hybrid competition simply because that is the best power train concept for today's economy, and will remain so until hydrogen reaches practicality or new energy storage technologies appear (I've seen batteries that promise 1/10 the charge times and 4x the energy density). But the Volt has a substantial head start...

So, expect ongoing refinement: handling, low speed acceleration, better ICE, noise suppression, comfort, convenience, cellphone interface, voice controls, power seats, sunroof, Hold, video rear-view, micro-spare, more color options.

There *is* at least one other possibility -- a new low-price edition with fewer features and a cheaper battery, in the $25k range.

[AySz88]

Disagree. The 100 mile battery is a departure from the EREV concept, and adds substantial weight and expense for minimal gas savings and likely no cost savings overall (unless you have an usual commute, it's really rare that you'll be going more than ~50 miles but less than ~100 miles.)

This sounds like an argument for making it an option, not for scrapping the idea altogether. And because it's the only EREV out there, I'd think there would be a non-insignificant number of Volts that have commutes just beyond the typical electric range. (My Volt would be one of them, with a 53-mile round trip.)

[Mike McG]

100 Mile EREV is the answer. Period.

[sinnombre]

Disagree. The 100 mile battery is a departure from the EREV concept, and adds substantial weight and expense for minimal gas savings and likely no cost savings overall (unless you have an usual commute, it's really rare that you'll be going more than ~50 miles but less than ~100 miles.)

The Volt can never out do every car on every spec without becoming far more expensive (and heavier most likely.) I'd much rather see the Volt continue along it's present line, possibly picking up a little more power, a little more range, and a slight CS mpg improvement - and pick up siblings to address these other markets.

From all the things I've heard, I think the first extension (beyond the upcoming ELR,) should probably be in the CUV direction - something along the lines of the long-rumored SRX Voltec or the Volt MPV5 concept shown in Asia a couple years ago.

That sounds about right . Why add all that weight for rare usage and still have the extender . A 60 mile battery would be nice . Maybe the option for a 150 mile battery with no onboard extender or create a new model . Electric Impala ?

[notaguru]

100 Mile EREV is the answer. Period.

That's not a car that I would buy. I drive 1200 miles a month now, including 200 miles ER on one or two trips. The rest is 35 or so miles a day in-city. I would not pay for 100 miles EV, or welcome the additional weight.

[Neromanceres]

100 Mile EREV is the answer. Period.

I don't think I would ever buy such a vehicle. Too much battery for my daily needs. The ICE would be used so infrequently that it would be in EMM more often and would likely lead to premature wear on the engine. ICE's are built to be moved and constantly lubricated. Long periods of time sitting stationary is not good for an ICE. GM uses an engine maintenance mode to mitigate this but it doesn't eliminate it. I personally think the ICE might be the weakest link in the Voltec powertrain from a reliability stand point.

Looking at recent studies very few people would take advantage of a 100 mile range on a daily basis. So if GM did offer it even as an "option" I don't see it being cost effective. As this option would be very expensive and less than 5% of people would take it. At that point it now becomes a super niche car and not is not worth it for GM to produce.

I personally think GM targeting 40mile range for Voltec is the right thing. If anything GM might offer a 20 mile "option" on a less expensive model. Plus GM is targeting 100 plus mile BEV's (Chevy Spark EV) for those who want a large EV ranged vehicle and are willing to live with the limitations of a pure electric car that will cover most of the bases.

[BOSSFO]

I also agree the 2014 Volt will be more evolutionary than revolutionary. IMHO, the car will be something like this:
- 45 - 50 mile EV range. Tweaks in battery chemistry, battery shape, aerodynamics, and weight savings.
- New engine with 45 - 50MPG fuel efficiency w/ 8 gallon gas tank.
- Combined EPA fuel economy in excess of 105MPG.
- 5 passenger. New battery shape and configuration.
- Similar size with more cabin space
- Lower coefficient of drag.
- New options such as power seats, xenon/LED headlamps, and moonroof.
- Starting base price equal or only slightly more than the current models.

[solar_dave]

100 Mile EREV is the answer. Period.

Not needed here, the wife's volt has almost 6K miles and it still has the dealer original tank. My volt has had 15 gallons run through it but I drove to Vegas. For around town we use zero gas everyday I certainly don't need a 100 mile EREV, added cost and weight for an unused feature.