What happened to the Precept?

[Glen M]

I know that it was not intended for sale but it certainly looks like the Volt is partly its progeny. It seems that between this and the EV1 a lot of the ground work for the volt has been done.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...s/1267946.html

Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive with front and rear transverse powertrain units.
Engine/Motors: Front: Panasonic 25-kw, 350-volt, 3-phase AC, liquid-cooled, permanent-magnet electric motor.

Rear: Isuzu 54-hp, 1.3-liter, 3-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine. Unique Mobility 10-kw, 350-volt, 3-phase AC, liquid-cooled, permanent-magnet electric motor.
Batteries: Proposal 1: Lithium polymer, 350-volt, 3kw-hr usable capacity in seven 50-volt modules.
Proposal 2: Nickel metal hydride, 350-volt, 3kw-hr usable capacity in 28 12-volt modules.
Transmission: GM 4-speed automatically shifted manual transaxle.
Suspension: Front: A-arm with pneumatically adjustable ride height.
Rear: MacPherson strut with pneumatically adjustable ride height.
Brakes (f/r): Disc/disc ABS with hydraulic actuation. Brake-by-wire control with electrical regeneration.
Tires: P175/60R16 low-rolling-resistance Michelin inflated to 50 psi.
Dimensions: Wheelbase: 111.9 in.
Length: 193.3 in.
Width: 68.0 in.
Height: 54.5 in.
Track, f/r: 59.7/55.1 in.
Curb Weight: 2593 pounds
Fuel Economy (city/highway/ combined): Diesel: 82.0/103.3/90.4 mpg
Gasoline Equivalent: 72.2/90.1/79.6 mpg
Performance: 0 to 60 mph: 12.2 seconds (GM figure)
Top Speed: governor-limited to 85 mph

[Jason M. Hendler]

No doubt, there have been various concepts for parallel and sereis hybrids in the past, but not enough of the puzzle pieces have come together until now. There was always some major pieces missing:

1st on that list would be the safe lithium ion battery chemistries required for automotive use. Previous configs have used lead acid or NiMH's, and those that used Li Ion didn't use a range extender for rapid refill.

2nd is the plug-in capability for a vehicle that also carried an ICE. Everytime there is an ICE, the plug is missing (with the exception of the RE EV1 that was available, but CARB standards disqualified the vehicle for credits, so it was abandoned).

3rd would be policies that credited hybrids in the quest to achieve less consumption for fossil fuels. Perhaps they aren't petroleum free, but their reduced consumption of petroleum in everyday driving is significant, and their mpg on long trips is still significantly better than the typical vehicle.