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SIMPLYPATRICK
User Rank
Iron
CHEVY VOLT
SIMPLYPATRICK   8/10/2011 9:33:01 AM
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What happened to the  electric vehicle that has a turbine that burns most any combustible fuel. Runs a ac generator which has a hermetically sealed dc converter (rosin motors). Last i heard 104mpg. in any climate or atmosphere (1.5k). and will retrofit into most vehicle type's.

 

 

 

robots2rockets
User Rank
Iron
Re: Would I buy a Chevy Volt?
robots2rockets   8/10/2011 9:28:04 AM
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Yes I would to own one too!  I have been lucky enough to have been able to drive several iterations during its development.  Even in the early prototype vehicle it was one of the most solid development cars I had driven in my 20+ years in automovite development.  The final production cars are testomony to the leadership at higher levels all the way to the ground level of GM. The center of gravity on the car thanks to it low slung batteries made it as nimble as the covettes I had driven in the past. The acceleration was not viper like but was enjoyable when paired with the quiet of the electric motor. 

The cost is a bit high but there are many reasons for this. Take the systems that are in charge of pre cycling of the glycol to keep the battery warm in the winter and cool in the arid heat of summer. They are an expensive engineering feat in themselves. Pair that to the system that allows you to continue on when the battery is discharged. You are now running two cars in one.

I look at it like this. The steam locomotive was likely less cost than a diesel/electric when the latter was first introduced. But if were not for the purchasing of the first diesels there would still be smoke stacks puffing on the rails today.

jimwilliams57
User Rank
Silver
First car/second car
jimwilliams57   8/10/2011 9:24:45 AM
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In my household, we don't have the concept of first car or second car. I have my car and my wife has her car. When we take a long trip, we frequently don't decide which car to take until the last minute. I want a car that can go at least 400-500 miles between fill-ups. And I don't want to pay an arm or leg to buy it.

In fact, I'm the kind of guy the auto manufacturers hate. I never buy car when its new.  Only used.

dnolek
User Rank
Iron
Re: Would I buy a Chevy Volt?
dnolek   8/10/2011 9:24:45 AM
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This is the most exciting new product that GM has produced since the Buick Grand National.  It is really the ONLY GM product that I would credibly consider for a new car.  That being said, when looking for a new car (2 years from now) I'd prefer a Toyota, Hyundai, or Honda version.  Just based on my experience with all of these brands.

Jluminais
User Rank
Silver
Volt will probably Bolt
Jluminais   8/10/2011 9:22:11 AM
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My daily commute to work is 7 miles one way, so I could easily drive a Chevy Volt for 2 to 3 days before recharging, but I will not buy one at any price.  In fact, I will not buy any GM car again.  Two years after I bought my Chevy Corsica, it was discontinued.  4 years after I bought my Saturn, it was .....  discontinued.  Wonder how long they will manufacture the Volt before they discontinue that.

curious_device
User Rank
Gold
Re: Would I buy a Chevy Volt?
curious_device   8/10/2011 4:21:47 AM
At that price? No.  Also, in much of the USA, the more "plug in" your car, the more of a coal/NG/nuclear car you are driving.  ~64% of your electric mix.  Think of an EV as a coal powered car with a magic NIMBY exhaust system.

diskguy
User Rank
Silver
Re: Would I buy a Chevy VOLT?
diskguy   8/9/2011 9:38:24 PM
NO RATINGS
You missed the volt, coulomb, and faraday.  And theres the henry but ford might object to that one.

diskguy
User Rank
Silver
Would I buy a Chevy Volt
diskguy   8/9/2011 9:34:33 PM
NO RATINGS
No - I want the electric part enhanced for additional range and reduced complexity. A single engine, battery powered vehicle should be simple and reliable for 90% of the the trips I make. So for total miles this electric vehicle will become the primary car for driving. With range extending charging infrastructure, the anxiety over where can I drive to will reduce as the ability to recharge is increased. I see a number of comments on cold anxiety - when the vehicle is plugged in it can be warmed with AC electricity for both the cabin and the battery. And when you reach your destination, a hitching post would provide the same function.

vandamme
User Rank
Silver
How's the defroster ...
vandamme   8/9/2011 7:22:31 PM
NO RATINGS
...when it's ten below zero?

jtrantow
User Rank
Iron
Re: Would I buy a Chevy Volt?
jtrantow   8/9/2011 5:05:27 PM
NO RATINGS
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