GM Chevy Volt - Page 7

SByer · 05-11-2009, 10:31 AM

To me, the Volt is a Level 3 vehicle.

Level 1 are all the current hybrids out there - some form of energy re-capture, no plug-in.
Level 2 picks up being able to plug in.
Level 3 picks up being able to travel >= 40 highway miles electric only.
Level 4 ditches all the ICE tech completely.

While sure, I'd rather have GM shooting for a Level 4 vehicle, I have to give them credit for trying to leapfrog the Gen4 Prius, which won't even manage the highway miles.

vfx · 05-11-2009, 12:02 PM

This headline is a bit sensational (I know, that's what makes it good) but it's not exactly what he said. He even started out by saying he wants the Volt to do well. He just ended by saying that at the time the generator is charging the batteries that is an underpowered vehicle.

This (very long) interview has a few good Tesla tidbits.

stopcrazypp · 05-11-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vfx

This headline is a bit sensational (I know, that's what makes it good) but it's not exactly what he said. He even started out by saying he wants the Volt to do well. He just ended by saying that at the time the generator is charging the batteries that is an underpowered vehicle.

This (very long) interview has a few good Tesla tidbits.

Business Insider did that with Siry's article last time. They try to find the most sensational quote and use it has a headline. Then all the people will focus on that one quote. Can't see video right now, but I'll check it out later and see what's what.

Elon probably shouldn't comment so much on competitors. It's not helping Tesla since all it's doing is pissing off fans of those cars and Tesla needs all the support it can get (there's a growing anti-Tesla backlash it seems).

vfx · 05-11-2009, 01:51 PM

Bloomberg

GM Volt Cost May Limit Value to Drivers, Study Finds (Update1)

Quote:

A rechargeable auto with the Volt’s target range of 40 miles on electricity is “not cost effective in any scenario,” a study by Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh found. Plug- in cars with smaller batteries may be a better value, according to the study, which doesn’t cite the Volt by name.

Quote:

With lighter, cheaper batteries, a plug-in with 7 to 10 miles (11 to 16 kilometers) of electric range or a conventional hybrid may provide the best mix of price, faster charge times and efficiency, Michalek said. His study was accepted this week for publication in a future issue of the journal Energy Policy.

Debunked?

Takumi · 05-12-2009, 11:47 PM

Why is Elon doing PR? Didn't Elon hire people who are good at that? He doesn't even make an effort to correct incidences such as this?

malcolm · 05-13-2009, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takumi

Why is Elon doing PR? Didn't Elon hire people who are good at that? He doesn't even make an effort to correct incidences such as this?

He wants his name to be the one everyone associates with Tesla. No surprise there.

But I do worry that in choosing to make himself readily available to the press, something else has to take a back-seat.

There's no I in 'team'. There is a me, though, if you jumble it up. Dr Gregory House

vfx · 05-13-2009, 09:20 AM

There is no "I" in "team" but you will find "at me" when you look hard enough.

vfx · 05-26-2009, 10:40 AM

The always well spoken Chelsea Sexton has a new blog. First Post s on driving the Volt.

Poker faces… « evchels

graham · 05-26-2009, 02:49 PM

From vfx link:

Quote:

I persisted, assuring him I’m familiar with pre-production systems, but he remained stoic, until I finally pinned him- “what is so wrong with this car that you won’t let anyone drive it with the engine on?” He paused, and admitted almost sheepishly, “well, when the engine comes on, you can hear it.”

This lends itself to the conjecture we have had previously that the engine must make more noise than they are comfortable with. And the reasons for many of the design decisions have been to a) keep the engine off as long as possible and b) if you turn it on, try to not run it full tilt if possible.

Tdave · 05-26-2009, 03:10 PM

It may not be all about the amount of noise the engine makes, but also that it doesn't rev relative to speed or throttle input. It therefore probably sounds like it's racing, or that the throttle is stuck. Our reaction will be instinctively be that something's wrong. It's just not a natural sound feedback.