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GM Chevy Volt
- Thread starter vfx
- Start date
walk_n_wind
Member
I think GM would indeed want to carry the BEV label. But they only have a 40-mile BEV, which is nothing compared to the competish. My opinion is they tried to minimize risk and benefit from consumer range anxiety by avoiding serious engineering decisions and making what they could easily do - a 40-mile EV. Then they stuck an ICE engine in to fill the void in their capabilities.
I love me some ICE engines, but one of the benefits of EVs are that we don't have to crawl under them and change their oil. No more ignition maintenance. No more impossible-to-troubleshoot oil leaks. The Volt loses all those benefits.
But I digress. It's a hybrid by definition. As far as the NHTSA moniker (or whoever comes up with the EV, BEV, EREV, XYZ 123, etc.), who knows what it is.
I love me some ICE engines, but one of the benefits of EVs are that we don't have to crawl under them and change their oil. No more ignition maintenance. No more impossible-to-troubleshoot oil leaks. The Volt loses all those benefits.
But I digress. It's a hybrid by definition. As far as the NHTSA moniker (or whoever comes up with the EV, BEV, EREV, XYZ 123, etc.), who knows what it is.
See here regarding "Utility Factor".
So ... if the Volt only runs the ICE 38% of the "time" ( and we assume that also means "miles" ), does that mean it requires an oil change only every 3,000/38% = 7,895 miles (if you're a 3k believer) ? (You can extrapolate the numbers for 7,500 or 10,000 oil changes. Except that "calendar time" will likely occur first.)
So ... if the Volt only runs the ICE 38% of the "time" ( and we assume that also means "miles" ), does that mean it requires an oil change only every 3,000/38% = 7,895 miles (if you're a 3k believer) ? (You can extrapolate the numbers for 7,500 or 10,000 oil changes. Except that "calendar time" will likely occur first.)
ljbad4life
Member
Judging from the current gen of Hybrids, it will probably be on an oil change interval of 5 months/5k miles. Of course requiring synthetic oil.
My own personal definition of an EV is that only the electric motors drive the wheels, and whatever the range of the battery, no matter how fast one goes or how hard you hit the accelerator only the Electric motors are functioning. So a Volt would pass an EV while the PHEV Prius wouldn't. I've seen the old Rav4 EVs with the range extender trailers, does that make it a serial hybrid?
I can see why GM choice in adding in a range extender. The Sad Fact is that public charging infrastructure is being "cherry picked". Placed in very certain places that make EVs look favorable. While other locations are totally ignored mainly the north east of the USA. I diligently look for planned quick charging stations and I only found one in NYC and one more planned.... That's it. Nothing planned (quick charge) from NYC to Boston (which is the route I travel about once a month). If it weren't for the 300 mile range( even ~220 miles would be fine) of the Tesla Model S then my next choice would have to be a Volt.
So my best options are buy a Model S with a 300 mile pack or buy a volt. With the Model S I would have to stop once (conveniently half way through CT at my sister's house to recharge for an hour just to give myself that cushion of extra miles)
EVNow
Well-Known Member
Yes - I'm kind of miffed for the same reason about the current bill out of senate committee.
For under a $1B (i.e. less than 20% of one year's ethonol subsidy), we can put a fast charger every 15 miles and cover entire US (i.e. one every 225 sq miles). Yet, they want to spend billions and only target a few areas, again.
Holy crap, this article on a possibly huge dealer-markup for the Volt makes me glad Tesla owns all it's stores as it reduces this kind of markup.
Report: Chevrolet dealer ready to charge $20,000 over MSRP for Volt... will more follow?
Yes, Tesla could increase the price on any of it's models but at least it's the same price at any store.
Report: Chevrolet dealer ready to charge $20,000 over MSRP for Volt... will more follow?
Yes, Tesla could increase the price on any of it's models but at least it's the same price at any store.
ljbad4life
Member
wait....wait....wait..... I cant even fathom that... 20k over msrp?!? that has to have been faked... This is another reason I loathe the dealership model
FiskerBuzz
Member
Yes, this is one down fall of the dealership model. Almost any car that has high selling potential gets a markup;
when the Thunderbird was reintroduced a few years back they had $10k markups (on a ~$35k MSRP) at all the dealerships I visited.
I'm not sure if Chevrolet can do anything about dealer markups or not. If they can they probably will (especially one that high!) but I'm not sure what they can legally do about it.
While there is good reason to not release the name of which dealership they emailed, there is a strong possibility its just a stunt by Edmunds.
ljbad4life
Member
That 20k mark up makes it more expensive than a base Model S. Makes no sense what so ever. Chevrolet can play hard ball with the dealership, the same way Nissan is playing hard ball to keep the LEAF at MSRP. If the dealer wants an allotment of LEAFs or Volts, then the dealer has to sign an agreement to stay to that price or the dealer will get their allotment cut not only on the LEAF/Volt, but on other high selling cars. That's How Nissan is doing it and Chevy could do the same.
Edmunds might have to withhold the name of the dealership because the communication could be considered private/confidential at this point or could be consider fraud on edmunds part, especially if edmunds pretended to be a buying customer to get a response.
EVNow
Well-Known Member
Though lot of us fault GM for killing EV - I think the whole auto industry (along with its "journalists" etc) has been against the idea of EVs. They would rather keep getting newer more powerful V8 models. It is going to be an uphill battle for EVs.
Thinking back to another transition I closely followed - similar things were said. Too expensive, don't like government mandates and too few channels. But it took just a decade for almost everyone to embrace HDTVs.
Thinking back to another transition I closely followed - similar things were said. Too expensive, don't like government mandates and too few channels. But it took just a decade for almost everyone to embrace HDTVs.
General Motors bitchslaps Tesla with Range Anxiety™
I'm not sure when the Register got on the FUD bandwagon...
I'm not sure when the Register got on the FUD bandwagon...
Jaff
Active Member
Mr. Page appears to have a problem with Tesla in general. He never misses an opportunity to disparage them.
Is there a history here? Did Elon run over Mr. Page's foot or something along those lines?
Or, does Mr. Page own a few shares in "The Lightning"?
Is there a history here? Did Elon run over Mr. Page's foot or something along those lines?
Or, does Mr. Page own a few shares in "The Lightning"?
Chevrolet Starts Market Launch of Volt with Customer Advisory Board
DETROIT – Chevrolet has hand-picked 15 advanced technology enthusiasts and electric vehicle advocates to be the first consumers to experience the Volt every day under real-world conditions during a three-month vehicle and charging evaluation program starting in late October. This exclusive group of expert consumers – referred to as the Chevrolet Volt Customer Advisory Board – is one of the final steps Chevrolet is taking to validate the vehicle, charging and overall customer experience in preparation for the retail launch late this year.
“We are eager to learn as much as we can from potential customers about their experience with the Volt,” said Tony DiSalle, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. “We want to know their thoughts, impressions, and perceptions. This special group of electric vehicle experts gives us the opportunity to learn even more as we near market launch.”
Volt Customer Advisory Board members have volunteered to participate and were selected by Chevrolet based on their resident location, knowledge of advanced automotive technology, and interest and awareness of electric vehicles. Each participant is scheduled to receive a pre-production Volt starting in late October and will keep the car through the end of January 2011. Participants live in Volt retail launch markets including California, Washington D.C., and New York.
Members of the Chevrolet Volt Customer Advisory board include:
The feedback provided by Volt consumer advisors will help Chevrolet refine the ownership, charging and driving experience, including information that can help local utility companies develop codes and standards for electric vehicle owners. Each member will also be assigned a Volt Customer Relations Manager for personal service and attention.
"It's great to see Chevrolet tap into both experienced and new electric vehicle enthusiasts for real-world feedback," said Chelsea Sexton, electric vehicle advocate and Volt Customer Advisory Board member from California. "This is a great opportunity to not only provide meaningful input to the Volt team, but also to raise awareness using a real, available electric vehicle instead of a PowerPoint slide."
The Volt Customer Advisory Board group serves as an extension of Chevrolet’s final Volt validation employee test fleet program already under way. To date more than 200 pre-production Volts have been built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck production assembly.
The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. Chevrolet will offer a lease program on the Volt with a monthly payment as low as $350 for 36 months at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price with $2,500 due at lease signing, including security deposit based on current conditions, which could vary at time of delivery. The benefit of the $7,500 tax credit is included in the reduced lease payment, with the tax credit going to the lessor. The Volt’s MSRP will start at $41,000 ($33,500 net of the full federal tax credit, which ranges from $0-$7,500) including a destination freight charge of $720. Customer deliveries of the Volt are scheduled to begin in launch markets late this year with initial production limited.
The 2011 Volt will be available to Chevrolet customers in California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and the Washington D.C. area. To be among the first to purchase a Volt, customers can visit their nearest participating Chevrolet Volt dealer. A Volt dealer locator is available at http://www.getmyvolt.com. The dealer will begin the order process, which will be followed up by contact from a dedicated Volt advisor who will be available to answer any questions and keep the customer apprised of the progress of their order. For customers needing general Volt information, Chevrolet has a team of Volt advisors available to answer questions at 1-888-VOLT-4-YOU (1-888-865-8496).
About Chevrolet:Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers gas-friendly solutions including the Cruze Eco and Volt, both arriving in late 2010. Cruze Eco will offer up to an estimated 40 mpg highway while the Chevrolet Volt will offer up to 40 miles of electric, gas-free driving and an additional 310 miles of extended range through a gas powered electric generator (figures based on GM testing; official EPA estimates not yet available). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com or join the conversation at www.chevroletvoltage.com.
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http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/blogs/bill-nye-the-science-guy-scores-early-volt
DETROIT – Chevrolet has hand-picked 15 advanced technology enthusiasts and electric vehicle advocates to be the first consumers to experience the Volt every day under real-world conditions during a three-month vehicle and charging evaluation program starting in late October. This exclusive group of expert consumers – referred to as the Chevrolet Volt Customer Advisory Board – is one of the final steps Chevrolet is taking to validate the vehicle, charging and overall customer experience in preparation for the retail launch late this year.
“We are eager to learn as much as we can from potential customers about their experience with the Volt,” said Tony DiSalle, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. “We want to know their thoughts, impressions, and perceptions. This special group of electric vehicle experts gives us the opportunity to learn even more as we near market launch.”
Volt Customer Advisory Board members have volunteered to participate and were selected by Chevrolet based on their resident location, knowledge of advanced automotive technology, and interest and awareness of electric vehicles. Each participant is scheduled to receive a pre-production Volt starting in late October and will keep the car through the end of January 2011. Participants live in Volt retail launch markets including California, Washington D.C., and New York.
Members of the Chevrolet Volt Customer Advisory board include:
- [FONT="]Robert Becker – Electric vehicle enthusiast[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Peter Corsell – Chief Executive Officer of Grid Point[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Lyle Dennis – Electric vehicle enthusiast[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Tom Kuhn – President,Edison Electric Institute[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Andy Lipkis – President and Founder, Tree People[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Bill Nye – Celebrity scientist and electric vehicle enthusiast[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Eric Rotbard – Electric vehicle enthusiast[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Chelsea Sexton – Electric vehicle enthusiast[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Colin Summers – Electric vehicle enthusiast[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Mark Swain – Electric vehicle enthusiast[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Kris Trexler – Electric vehicle enthusiast[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Bryan Voltaggio –Celebrity chef and owner of Volt restaurant (all in a name?)
[/FONT] - [FONT="]Jim Woolsey – Former Director of Central Intelligence and Renewable Energy and Energy Security Investor[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Brian Wynne – President, Electric Drive Transportation Association[/FONT]
- [FONT="]Mike Maria – Electric vehicle enthusiast[/FONT]
The feedback provided by Volt consumer advisors will help Chevrolet refine the ownership, charging and driving experience, including information that can help local utility companies develop codes and standards for electric vehicle owners. Each member will also be assigned a Volt Customer Relations Manager for personal service and attention.
"It's great to see Chevrolet tap into both experienced and new electric vehicle enthusiasts for real-world feedback," said Chelsea Sexton, electric vehicle advocate and Volt Customer Advisory Board member from California. "This is a great opportunity to not only provide meaningful input to the Volt team, but also to raise awareness using a real, available electric vehicle instead of a PowerPoint slide."
The Volt Customer Advisory Board group serves as an extension of Chevrolet’s final Volt validation employee test fleet program already under way. To date more than 200 pre-production Volts have been built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck production assembly.
The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. Chevrolet will offer a lease program on the Volt with a monthly payment as low as $350 for 36 months at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price with $2,500 due at lease signing, including security deposit based on current conditions, which could vary at time of delivery. The benefit of the $7,500 tax credit is included in the reduced lease payment, with the tax credit going to the lessor. The Volt’s MSRP will start at $41,000 ($33,500 net of the full federal tax credit, which ranges from $0-$7,500) including a destination freight charge of $720. Customer deliveries of the Volt are scheduled to begin in launch markets late this year with initial production limited.
The 2011 Volt will be available to Chevrolet customers in California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and the Washington D.C. area. To be among the first to purchase a Volt, customers can visit their nearest participating Chevrolet Volt dealer. A Volt dealer locator is available at http://www.getmyvolt.com. The dealer will begin the order process, which will be followed up by contact from a dedicated Volt advisor who will be available to answer any questions and keep the customer apprised of the progress of their order. For customers needing general Volt information, Chevrolet has a team of Volt advisors available to answer questions at 1-888-VOLT-4-YOU (1-888-865-8496).
About Chevrolet:Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers gas-friendly solutions including the Cruze Eco and Volt, both arriving in late 2010. Cruze Eco will offer up to an estimated 40 mpg highway while the Chevrolet Volt will offer up to 40 miles of electric, gas-free driving and an additional 310 miles of extended range through a gas powered electric generator (figures based on GM testing; official EPA estimates not yet available). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com or join the conversation at www.chevroletvoltage.com.
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http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/blogs/bill-nye-the-science-guy-scores-early-volt
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