GM Chevrolet Volt - Full Coverage

Joseph Lopez

Monday, August 18, 2008

After countless shortcomings in the automotive industry, General Motors is now looking to take advantage of the gas price crisis by coming out with an all electric vehicle to solve the problem many Americans are currently facing. This vehicle, now officially named the "Chevrolet Volt", is expected to be released sometime in 2010 with more than 34,000 people already wanting one. There are many reasons why this vehicle should be one to consider purchasing, however, a price tag upwards of $30,000 doesn't do much for people who are trying to save money. In the least, it does introduce new technologies that have never been used before which will intrigue buyers.

Not a Hybrid

The company has avoided the use of the term "hybrid" to label the Volt, preferring to call it an electric vehicle with a range extender (E-REV) due to the fact that it can be driven without a drop of gasoline. It has a lithium-ion battery which can give you at least 40 miles of distance on a full charge, which covers the daily commutes of 75% of Americans. On the other hand, you can fill up its 12 gallon fuel tank to power the generator and have it progressively recharge the battery once you run out of juice to give you 360 miles of distance.

How It Works

1. Gasoline Engine
The three-cylinder, 1.0-liter turbocharged internal-combustion engine turns on as needed to power the electric generator. In other E-Flex cars, diesel engines or hydrogen fuel cells could be used.
2. Generator
The 53-kw generator, powered by the engine, can recharge the battery in about 30 minutes and, under certain driving conditions, send current directly to the motor.
3. Electric Motor
The 120-kw electric motor produces 160 hp. The car's top speed is 120 mph.
4. Charge Ports
Ports on each side of the car allow a driver to recharge the batteries from a 110-volt outlet in about 6.5 hours.
5. Battery Pack
A 16-kwh li-ion battery pack provides enough power for up to 40 miles of driving before the generator is required.
6. Fuel Tanks
Two tanks hold a combined total of 12 gal. of gasoline or E85 (a mix of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline).Aerodynamics

According to Frank Weber, global chief engineer for the Volt's propulsion system, good aerodynamics are the most important aspect of a hybrid electric vehicle's design. The car's weight has much less of an impact on total energy use, since any extra battery mass translates to more kinetic energy that can be recovered with the regenerative braking system. How's that for counter-intuitive?

Production and Sales

In early June 2008, GM CEO Rick Wagoner said in a press release that "The Chevy Volt is a go" and that production has been approved, with a target of getting the Volt into showrooms by the end of 2010. The initial production run for first year of sales of the Volt will most likely be 10,000 vehicles.

Pricing

The Volt was targeted to cost around $30,000 when it was first unveiled. As of April 2008, General Motors Vice Chairman of Global Product Development Robert Lutz was quoted that the realistic unsubsidized price had risen to $48,000. He believed that $40,000 might be possible without making any profit, but only government tax incentives could take the price tag nearer to $30,000. When asked directly about the price later, Lutz indicated that this was a misquote - and said "The answer is that we don't know."

The average price buyers were willing to pay for the car was $31,261 - substantially less than the $48,000 Lutz quoted to the press. This does sound bad, but GM has 2 more years to go. Maybe they’ll come up with another great idea along the way.

GM Chevrolet Volt - Full Coverage

GM Chevrolet Volt - Full Coverage

Post a Comment