Provide for heated option for cloth seats not just the leather seats

[mbartosik]

I would like to suggest that the option of providing heated seats with cloth trim is made available for the Volt asap, currently heated seats are only available with leather trim.

Here is the rational:
The Volt has an option of heated seats, but this option is only available with leather trim.
Heated seats in a cold climate are an important efficiency option because they cause less battery drain than cabin heating, and thus increase the available range.
In a cold climate range is significantly reduced by cabin heating http://gm-volt.com/2010/12/29/gettin...he-chevy-volt/
For some customers leather seats are not an option that will be considered. For example some might not like having a dead animal in the car, for others it might be expense, or not liking the feel of leather, or that leather is hotter when left in the sun. It is important that the Volt gets as much electric range as possible, so encouraging the option of heated seats is I think in GM's interest. The demographic that the Volt appeals to might also include many that would not normally want leather seats.

[SharkVolt]

On the chevroletconnects.com website, under the "You Order" tab, it shows an option: (mine will have cloth seats)

Trim Seat

. EEY Trim seat cloth, wired

Does the term "wired" mean it has heater wiring in them, or some other form of wiring, or is it just a description of the type of seat trim?

Just wondering...

Jerry, still waiting for #536

[WopOnTour]

Totally agree with this. Given how much more efficient using the seat heater are I'm surprised this direction wa taken. Often this sort of thing can be somewhat of a supplier issue, but no excuses. This was a huge oversight.
No, there would be no easy way to add the heated seats. Aftermarket heated seats? perhaps, but many of them interfere with the operationof the passenger presence system (advanced airbags) so they are not generally recommended.
WopOnTour

[scottf200]

Wonder if these folks offering could help:

http://www.heatedseatkits.com/

Wonder how much these things draw:
Wagan IN2282 Black 12V Faux Leather Deluxe Heated Seat Cushion

http://www.amazon.com/Wagan-IN2282-L.../dp/B000ANOUHG

They seem to have several version of Wagan's.

[Rusty]

And here I'd just assumed the cloth seats did not tolerate the heaters well. My thought was while the leather has no troubles with the heaters, that the cloth seats would either not conduct heat well, or could be damaged by the heaters.

Is this not the case? Does GM offer seat heaters in any other car with cloth seats?

[WopOnTour]

And here I'd just assumed the cloth seats did not tolerate the heaters well. My thought was while the leather has no troubles with the heaters, that the cloth seats would either not conduct heat well, or could be damaged by the heaters.

Is this not the case? Does GM offer seat heaters in any other car with cloth seats?

Yes they do. In fact my wifey drives a Saturn Vue with cloth seats and heaters. The Lambdas (Traverse, Acadia, Enclave, Outlook) have it available as well. So not unheard of.

But I would just be very cautious of aftermarket installations of any sort on the actual seat pad of the passenger front seat due to the Passenger Presence System. But the seat BACK would be fine and the driver's side no problem at all. Of course you would want them to draw a little as possible and preferably have a lot of adjustability.

WOT

[Tall Pete]

And here I'd just assumed the cloth seats did not tolerate the heaters well. My thought was while the leather has no troubles with the heaters, that the cloth seats would either not conduct heat well, or could be damaged by the heaters.

Is this not the case? Does GM offer seat heaters in any other car with cloth seats?

Not only is there cloth seats heaters in GM cars but it's also available in different companies. My Nissan Altima 2008 had the option of heating seats with cloth seats.

I personnally don't appreciate leather much in a car - colder in winter, hotter in summer, etc. I'd much rather have cloth seats than leather seats. Since heating the seats makes sense in cold climates to preserve range, it should actually be in an optional package for northern states and Canada. Along with heating side mirrors (great in icy rain), heating washing fluids (great if your windshield is rather cold) and the likes (e.g. extra battery insulation to protect if from the cold, oil heater for the range extender that would be connected to the main plug, etc.). Much more useful than having leather really.

[mbartosik]

well I've emailed a bunch of people in GM about this, and not much response.
My one response was from a "social media" person who said she had passed the comment on to the engineering team.