"Their story (and I think it's got some merit): a two-seater with an 80-mile battery range was only going to have limited appeal, and, ultimately, not serve the purpose of really greening the American auto fleet."
I would believe GM's comment except for the fact that GM destroyed the EV1 cars. Toyota sold some of their RAV4e which are still on the road today with over 100,000miles using Nickel-Metal-Hydride batteries. Did GM destroy the EV1 so there wouldn't be additional evidence that Nickel-Metal-Hydride batteries could be used today? Also suspicious they sold the NiMH battery patients to an oil company (Chevron currently) which I've read limits the size of the NiMH configurations so they're not practical for battery electric vehicles.
I would love to see GM produce the Volt, but there's been some strange dealings going on in the distant and near past to feel confident they will really try to succeed. GM could modularize the batteries/charging system so that it could be upgraded later so the Volt could come out with 20 miles electric and be upgraded later to 40 or 60 miles electric. Lot's of possibilities, yet we're not hearing any alternatives from GM. Do they really want to produce a battery powered electric car? They're spending lots of money and built several test cars using fuel cells. The problem with fuel cells is that they use Hydrogen. Using Hydrogen would continue to tie us to the petroleum distribution system (gas stations). A plug-in allows us enery choices like the power grid, solar cells, wind, hydro, natural gas etc.
The Chevy Volt E-Flex propulsion System represents a major shift in how American Auto manufacturers go to market. For once they are thinking long-term sustainability and seeing the virtues of a green way of life. Unfortunately, until they roll this technology out to serve the SUV market, Americans will still be paying a premium at the pump due to those who feel the need to drive an Excursion solo 40 miles to and from work. In order to make this technology thrive, there needs to be more options, less trade-offs and a greater level of consumer interest/adoption.
Chevy Volt Pictures, news, videos, photos and more http://www.chevy-volt.net
Commenting by HaloScan
