Production Chevy Volt

[Msterbeau]

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/pop...20&src=news

There's no doubt that this is an ambitious project. The big question is will it meet projections and will people buy it at $35,000 - $40,000?

[hunhee]

It's amazing what can be done when it has to be done. It looks like these people are not just working for a dream, but they're working for their livelihoods. It'll be cool if they pull it off, but look how many other car companies will hire these people working on these projects, because they've already got the experience. The only thing GM can do is make them sign a no compete clause. Interesting.

[Homicidalheathen]

I want, no I NEED to go faster than 40 mph

Other than that yes I like the design and idea

[Msterbeau]

I want, no I NEED to go faster than 40 mph

Other than that yes I like the design and idea

No... You mis-heard. It goes 40 miles on battery power only. I'm assuming top speed is over 100mph.

[Gaf The Horse With Tears]

Top speed is about 120mph. It should get 150mpg with the battery charged and 50mpg with a discharged battery.

[Msterbeau]

Top speed is about 120mph. It should get 150mpg with the battery charged and 50mpg with a discharged battery.

The mileage could go considerably higher then 150 if all you did was a short commute and then plug it in at night. I have a 34 mile round trip. If I did nothing else during the week, I wouldn't use a drop of gas. I'd be interested to see figures for the cost of recharging it.

[jynxxxedangel]

Wow, what a beautiful roadster-type design! I love the stretched-out front end and the long, graceful lines of this car.. I would admire it from afar, and covet it secretly for those reasons, as is! *wolf whistles* The incredible gas milage makes this car ÜBER-SEXY!

I have so many questions about the revolutionary electrical system powering this vehicle. If the gas powers the battery rather than powering the wheels, then I'm assuming the battery provides the crank power for the drive-shaft and axle directly? I would LOVE to see how they have created that amount of torque, without using HP derived from combustion!!! I'm assuming this is a front-wheel drive vehicle also, rather than a 4WD? Questions, questions!!! Tell me MORE!

[Homicidalheathen]

No... You mis-heard. It goes 40 miles on battery power only. I'm assuming top speed is over 100mph.

Then yes I would buy it next time for sure.

This has been the big arguement...if it will go 70 on our freeways...why has this not happened sooner...and why distroy electric cars except to drive up gas prices

Besides that I saw one at the auto show and love the look of it, its a sharp car

[Msterbeau]

Wow, what a beautiful roadster-type design! I love the stretched-out front end and the long, graceful lines of this car.. I would admire it from afar, and covet it secretly for those reasons, as is! *wolf whistles* The incredible gas milage makes this car ÜBER-SEXY!

I have so many questions about the revolutionary electrical system powering this vehicle. If the gas powers the battery rather than powering the wheels, then I'm assuming the battery provides the crank power for the drive-shaft and axle directly? I would LOVE to see how they have created that amount of torque, without using HP derived from combustion!!! I'm assuming this is a front-wheel drive vehicle also, rather than a 4WD? Questions, questions!!! Tell me MORE!

Electric vehicles can power the wheels one of two ways. Usually the motor is mounted to the car's chassis and drive is done through conventional means. (Driveshafts/ differential etc) The other way is to mount the motors inside the wheels. This simplifies things a lot but has the penalty of adding "sprung" weight. From a ride/handling perspective, this is undesirable. The Volt will have a single motor under the hood.

BTW - At current rates, it costs about 80 cents to do a full, plug-in charge.

[Fin]

Moon-shot.

Prototype for the new generation of autos, whose price will come down & utility will go up precipitously. In 50-60 years, electric/hybrid cars will outnumber gasoline autos 5 to 1.

[Oh_My_Goth]

If the auto industry becomes more eco-friendly, I may just have to start driving again.....

[Msterbeau]

Moon-shot.

Prototype for the new generation of autos, whose price will come down & utility will go up precipitously. In 50-60 years, electric/hybrid cars will outnumber gasoline autos 5 to 1.

Battery tech is the single biggest stumbling block to reducing price and making this type of car more widespread.