Quote:
Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy
So ignore what the people want, and just shove something down their throats, right?
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What do people want Matt?
A reduction on our dependence on foreign oil?
Lower emissions in smog ridden cities? (LA comes to mind)
A hedge against higher gas prices?
You could say GM was looking long-term at developing technologies that would BECOME desireable once people understood what it was and how it could benefit them, and THEN the costs would come down. Of course, if GM were short-sighted and DIDN'T develop these technologies, they'd be idiots. And because they DID, they're also idiots?
Volt is a SERIAL hybrid with a 160hp / 240lb-ft electric motor. The basic platform can be built upon. It is an electric car first, so it doesn't care where the electricity comes from - gas/diesel/LPG/E85/biofuel ICE, hydrogen fuel cell, plug-in, solar, steam, etc.... as long as the power source can generate electricity, it can do its job. So as other technologies become viable or their costs come down, this platform or technology could be readily adapted in future products.
The Prius is a parallel hybrid that relies on its ICE to propel the car at higher speeds. It can't live without it. Volt can, at significant freeway speeds, for several miles.
The Insight is a mild-hybrid at best. It cannot move without the ICE running. The electric motor is 13hp. It can only 'assist' the gasoline powered engine.
The Nissan Leaf is a pure EV (~65hp) with large-capacity LiIon batteries for a 100 mile range under urban conditions. But freeway speeds may reduce the range to 30 miles before requiring a 6-8 hour charge (without special charging stations). The $25,000 Leaf is about the size and shape as a Nissan Versa which starts under $10K. Nissan believes that EV, not hybrid, is the future.
Matt, where would YOU like to see the Volt priced so it isn't being 'shoved down your throat'?