Quote:
Originally Posted by strupgolf
With all the push these days to alternative energy sources, I heard a ad today for the new Chevy VOLT, a new electric car GM is bringing out in 2009. It stated that this car can travel 40 miles on one charge. 40 miles. Is this some kind of joke or what? I thought the new VOLT would be a world beater, but how can they sell many if all it does is go 40 miles on ONE charge? For many commuters, this would'nt get them to the office and back, or just to the office. Am I missing something?  |
Yes, you are missing something. 40 miles gets most people through their daily commutes, and beyond 40 the motor kicks in to generate charge. For some, they will virtually never need gas, but in general one could still expect a dramatic decrease in fuel consumption (85 mpg?)
It's also a series hybrid, meaning full time electric drive with fuel-fed motor generating electricity. Depending on production locale, could have different motors for different fuel sources, relatively easily (eg ethanol in Brazil, diesel in Europe, gas here).
I think it seems to be a very practical solution as a bridge from fossil fuels to what's next, be it hydrogen or something else.
Cost is the big issue. If indeed it's 40K, that's not going to work for the masses. But the latest word is it will be quite a bit less. Battery tech they claim to have largely in line.
I really hope GM can pull this off, and I for one would buy it as a commuter.