Posted on 12/04/2008 2:30:45 PM PST by Daffynition
That's not how the Volt is designed to work. There's a lot of misinformation that the Volt will only go a short distance before needing to be plugged in.
Chevy Volt:
Unlike conventional hybrids, the Volt is designed to operate its propulsion system entirely on electric power. Assuming a full-charge is present, this electric power will initially be sourced exclusively from its on-board Lithium Ion batteries for up to 40 miles, a distance capable of satisfying the daily commute of 75% of Americans, which averages around 33 miles.
After 40 miles, the range of the Volt will need to be extended through the use of a small 4-cyl internal combustion engine which drives a 53 kW generator. This arrangement creates a sustaining charge current to the HV batteries and permits them to continue powering the 111 kW electric drive motor. This effectively extends the Volt's potential range to as much as 640 miles on a single tank of fuel. and which could be potentially extended for longer trips through conventional refueling).
My thoughts exactly. They should just start selling golf carts instead of that catastrophe!
Ed
Toonces! Your analogy is PERFECT! As usual, like in every episode, they go over a cliff.
Think critically folks....
These proto's many which are hand built can run up to 500k per copy. I have sat in proto's but those cleared to drive them can't take me for a ride. Reasons? They are not production vehicles, can you say the Product Liability Attorneys have stuck their nose under this tent as well? Look one of my gnomes told me it may have come down from legal that they couldn't do it. What would have been the indemnity if one of these gents (God Forbid) got killed in one of these? Are you aware many life insurance policies (including employee insurance) are null and void if you fly and get killed in a homebuilt aircraft? With that said, are these vehicles almost in the same category? What about their "Key Man Insurance"? was it violated if the made the journey the entire way in a prototype? What is it costing them to re-write the "Key-Man Insurance" now that they are going to get rid of the Corp Jets?
While it is easy to take pot-shots at GM and the Volt this is the reality of even taking cars like this, unfortunately this is the complicated world we live in.
As far as the Volt, detract if you must, IMHO it is a game changer, I will say no more.....
Oh dang, now I’m gonna have to move my tuffet to the library in order to view that!
(Dialup on a machine w/ limited abilities.)
I read (or heard?) that Honda has a battery-only 100 mile/charge model ready to announce. Haven't had confirmation that it's fact....but I wouldn't doubt it.
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