Chevy Malibu+ Lithium-Ion= Chevy Volt?
by Andrew Posner, Providence, Rhode Island on 04. 5.08
The Chevy Volt, expected to debut in 2010, will quite possibly be the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from any of the major automakers (of course, Toyota might have something to say about that). Regardless of when the Volt actually debuts, and whether or not it is the first PHEV to be mass produced, the fact of the matter is that the Volt will be a unique vehicle. Much like the Aptera Typ-1, the Volt will be a series hybrid, meaning that "power is fed directly to the motor, not the battery. It can be plugged into a household electric socket and charged fully within about six hours." And when the battery runs down, "the 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gas engine acts as a generator to charge the battery and provides enough power to for up to an additional 600 miles."
Understandably, then, the biggest obstacle to bringing the Volt to market has been the limitations of existing battery technology. So we're happy to learn that "The lithium-ion batteries to be used in General Motors' Chevrolet Volt electric car will soon be installed and tested in specially-equipped versions of the Chevrolet Malibu." This kind of testing will be essential for figuring out "how this battery will perform over the life of the vehicle. The challenge is predicting 10 years of battery life with just over two years of testing time."
The car is being designed from the ground up to accommodate the battery and maximize efficiency. For instance, "the vehicle now has a coefficient of drag that is 30% lower than the original concept," and the battery itself had to be designed in a T-shape in order to increase its size without compromising aerodynamics. According to a GM press release:
The Volt will be a four-seat car. Not having a center seating position in the back will allow room for the car's battery to run longitudinally down the center of the car while keeping the roof low for better aerodynamics
Via: ::CNNMoney.com
See Also: ::GM Up the Voltage, ::Mercedes-Benz to Produce Hybrid with Lithium Ion Battery, ::Nissan and NEC to Make Lithium-Ion Batteries for Hybrids, ::Green Basics: Hybrid-Electric Cars, ::Unveiled: Aptera Typ-1 100% Electric and Series Hybrid Vehicles, and ::GM's Chevy Volt Price Goes Up; Stereo, Wipers to Blame
I can't wait to trade in my Xterra and get this car.
"the vehicle now has a coefficient of drag that is 30% lower than the original concept," and the battery itself had to be designed in a T-shape in order to increase its size without compromising aerodynamics."
Well, at least they are marketing it well. The aerodynamics of the first draft Volt were pretty bad, as it was designed as a concept car, so a 305 improvement isn't something to brag about.
The T-shape battery pack dates back the EV1....
Get it out there....blah...blah...blah...GM is more full of Blah blah than doing...see it when it happens...
I have high hopes, but low expectations of the Volt coming to market in my lifetime. It didn't help that CARB lowered their requirements. I see the entrenched automakers just dragging their heels until they get the law repealed. If they had their choice, we'd still be driving full size cars with V-8 engines, fired by point ignition systems and sucking gas down a four barrel carb. Please GM, prove me wrong, I dare ya' to!
Anybody seen "Who Killed The Electric Car" ?
Heard of the GM EV1?
So Chevy aint the first, but fingers crossed it takes off this time.
Anybody seen "Who Killed The Electric Car" ?
Heard of the GM EV1?
So Chevy aint the first, but fingers crossed it takes off this time.
"The challenge is predicting 10 years of battery life with just over two years of testing time."
Oh, that part is easy. Paint it yellow and put a taxi sign on top. You'll get your 10 years of use out if it in no time flat. :)
I love the concept behind the Volt: an electric car with a small on-board generator to extend its range if needed. But for me it has two important drawbacks. (1) The corporate culture it comes out of, and, (2) it looks like the cars that hoodlums used to drive.
The solar-charged electric bike I've been tinkering with will now get up to 100 miles on a charge. There are times when my aged body would appreciate having a more comfortable and weather-proof way of green personal transportation, but my skills have been stretched beyond their limits by the bike. Thus it is exciting to see so much talent out there going into realizing the clear potential.
i can't believe gm has probleme with lithiun-ion when tesla roadster is going in production with the battery lithium-ion. they don't want us to drive electric car. gm and the oil compagny is the same
The Problem with this car is the Company that makes it.
Check out "Taken for a Ride"
http://www.culturechange.org/issue10/taken-for-a-ride.htm
GM, is directly responsible for systematically dismantling nationwide systems of Mass transist and vesting us into our system of expensive, short lived, personal, private transportation.
From "Who killed the Electric-Car?"
GM developed the technology for Nickel-Metal-Hydride Batteries (A viable, safe, cheap, recyclable, long-lasting, rechargeable battery technology).. the SOLD IT TO TEXACO, who sued TOYOTA to stop the production of EV's in 1999.
Here we are... 10 years later...
I dont trust GM to ever hold the interest of the public in their business model, yet how many public bail-outs has GM experienced in its lifespan?
No thanks... not for me. I'll go with the Venture one, or wait for TESLA MOTORS.