Do plug-ins prove that GM has changed?
This plug-in hybrid is being tested in the real worldMost people buy hybrid cars because of foreign oil dependency or global warming. Most people terribly concerned about these issues see GM as the enemy in this battle.
Despite the fact that GM is about to a launch a greater number of hybrid models in the next few years - probably more than any other automaker - critics don't care because so many of them are large hybrid SUVs. Fair enough.
Ironically, however, GM isn't just going to launch more hybrid models than any other automaker in the next few years, GM is also attempting to launch two different kinds of plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2010: the dual mode plug-in Saturn Vue and the Chevy Volt Range-Extended plug-in vehicle. Finish......
Labels: Chevy Volt electric vehicle concept, GM, Hybrid Vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, saturn vue hybrid
posted by Dahcredyns at
7:52 AM
5 Comments:
This is the part that kills me:
" Outside of the lithium-ion battery companies exploring the necessary plug-in battery requirements, even many battery experts believe that plug-in hybrids just won't be ready for primetime, minimally, for another decade - if ever."
A 20 to 40 mile range for a plug in hybrid does not necessitate the use of unknown Li ion battery technology. Drop a 300 pound NiMH pack into the Volt and produce the car now! Drop 400 pounds of lead acid into the car and deliver it now....etc.
Shuck and jive is all that I ever read when it comes to alternative fuel technology. The EV1 ran up to 100 miles on good lead acid batteries and the RAV 4 EV is STILL running for 120 miles on NiMH batteries and yet I am supposed to believe that Li Ion is the only solution and that we need another decade to bring it to fruition? Nothing but mendacities.
jabroni-
there is no arguing that nimh-powered plug-ins cannot achieve enough range to meet the driving requirements of the day-to-day lives of most americans, they can.
unfortunately, americans want more than that. most studies indicate americans expect, minimally, 270 miles of range for that once a year or twice a year long distance trip.
does this make sense in reality? do consumers have senseless expectations sometimes?
call it whatever you want to call it, but consumer expecatations require more than what NiMH offers.
ultimately, its not the 20 - 40 miles of electric range that most consumers want, its the 500 mile range they can have if it is needed.
and since 100 mile electrics haven't really taken off anywhere else in the world, it seems most consumers worlwide want more as well.
Dachredyns-
I agree completely with your observations. I just find it hard to swallow that EVERYWHERE I look on the web, I keep hearing the same mantra chanted....batteries are not ready. A serial hybrid like the Volt could be made with inexpensive lead acid batteries that could give a 30 mile range and with the gasoline generator, give a 300 mile or so range. Personally, I would love a vehicle such as this, even though payload would be compromised with the heavier battery pack.
But like you said, the public's perception of a car with lead acid batteries would assuredly be negative and they would probably shy away from that vehicle!
GM has got it wrong again: its ownership excludes a great percentage of the population that lives in apartments or condos.
Plus the price is sky-high: it will depend on huge government rebates or tax incentives to sell it.
Mercedes Benz has it right: it will produce a hybrid vehicle in 2010 that will combine a 4 cylinder diesel powered engine with a an electric engine/battery to suppliment the power. The result will be extraordinarily low fuel costs per mile.
Gordon-
But how much will the Mercedes cost? That will still be key.
Still, in general, I think the Volt or the Saturn Vue hybrid are still a little advanced for their time, particularly in terms of costs.
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