Tag Archives: volt

Ask Patty what’s cool and high tech? Chevrolet Volt

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Quick note that Ask Patty included the Chevrolet Volt in their blog

More Choices than Ever Before – The Alternative Cars of the Future

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The New Volt Takes You Farther
General Motors celebrated its 100th birthday this month with a new Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), the Chevrolet Volt also displayed at the Santa Monica AltCar Expo. Aerodynamics was one of the key motivations for the design of the Volt, especially since it plays a big role in driving range.

The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery provides electricity for trips up to 40 miles. The battery works with a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator that sustains charge. When the battery is depleted, it can extend the car’s range for hundreds of miles so consumers do not have to worry about running out of electricity. Because of its charging technology, the Volt can be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet. Moreover, GM estimates that the unique system only costs two cents per mile while under gasoline- and emissions-free battery power. The Volt is scheduled for production at the end of 2010.

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All good, all correct, and exactly the type of facts that GM and Chevrolet need for real people to know. The Volt is a revolutionary automobile.

Compare:  I paid $3.45/gallon of regular unleaded today.  If I got 20 mpg city that would be $0.1725 per mile.  The Volt will cost around $0.02 per mile for the first 40 miles of electric charge (all the range most people use in a day).  At today’s gas prices that will cost the same ($3.45/.02) as if the Volt got 172 mpg!

Bob Lutz: Colbert Report an experience like no other in my career

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Bob Lutz went on the Colbert Report last night to discuss the new Chevrolet Volt. The Colbert Report is a ‘comedy news’ satire done by Stephen Colbert as a parody of a right-wing news / opinion program.   Mr. Lutz blogged his impressions of the show on the GMBlog.

You can see the entire Sept 17 Episode of the Colbert Report at the Comedy Central site here after a brief commercial.

Some basic information and facts about the Chevrolet Volt came out during the improvisational interview / discussion.  Nothing new to report, but it is important to inform new audiences about the basics about this new model and new drivetrain technology.

Overall in my opinion it went well, and I am glad to see General Motors executives participate in this type of opportunity.

Jalopnik’s coverage of the show.

Highlights reel – GM spans 100 years in one Volt

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Today GM celebrated their corporate 100th birthday with a live, streaming video teleconference with the world. If you missed the opportunity to watch this live today, here is a highlights reel from GM:

People from a variety of GM locations around the world spoke about how GM is doing in their locale, then the Chevrolet Volt extended range vehicle was shown.   In the highlights reel you get a feel for a couple of international speakers, but not their actual presentation.  Then it swaps to still photos of cars, and part of Rick Wagoner’s speech.  Total is 9:05 minutes.

The world is asking for a new solution, and we at GM are committed to giving them that solution.
The most exciting time in my GM Career, …and one of the most exciting times in our 100 year history.

Some sections appear designed for local media to add voice-over commentary, so just enjoy the silence there OR make believe that there IS sound, but that because it is the Volt it is too silent to hear (at least during the extended shots of the Volt).

Also shown:

  • Some exterior and interior shots of the Volt.
  • Bob Lutz speaks on battery development.
  • Ed Welburn speaks on design and the influence of new materials and technologies.

Overall a good day for GM.  The amazing thing is not that GM would celebrate 100 years.  The amazing thing is that they did it with live streaming across the internet, involving people inside GM from around the world, and anyone else who wanted to listen in.

Above all, it is to demonstrate to the world that we are more than a 100 year old company.  We are a company that is ready to lead for 100 years to come.

Well done.