GM VOLT: hoax or PR stunt?

NiMH is perfect for the Chevy Volt. NiMH likes to be left only partially charged, contrary to Lead.
NiMH charges better in cold weather, and does not lose as much power while discharging in cold weather. This fits the discharge cycle of the Chevy Volt perfectly, as we demonstrate with our RAV4-EV.

Cost of Ni per kWh: in 2000, CARB estimated $225 to $350, depending on volume of production
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/zevprog/2000review/BTAPsum.pdf

Adjusted for inflation, current cost might be $1000 per kWh in small quantities, $500 in larger, and $350 in production quantities.

Here's what CARB said, which sounds doubly facile now:

"...NiMH batteries for the EV types now deployed in California EV would cost EV manufacturers between $9,500 and $13,000 in the approximate quantities (10k-20k packs per year) required to implement the year 2003 ZEV regulation, and approximately $7,000 to $9,000 at the 100,000 packs per year level.
These projections exceed the automobile manufacturers' cost goals by about $7,000 to $9,000 in the nearer term and by approximately $5,000 at automotive mass production levels..."

Imagine, CARB pandering to the Auto Alliance! Now, $30K for an EV sounds awfully cheap, and CARB's "analysis" makes even less sense.

On the basis of this moderate cost estimate, they killed EVs, and relied on $1M fuel cell cars?? With no supply of Hydrogen gas???

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• GM
• VOLT
• CHEVY-VOLT
• plug-in
• RAV4-EV
• Lutz
• Wagoner

[Mebantiza]

Ah oil-shills, never let the facts get in the way of a good non-argument. Yes Li-on is more powerful, its also more $, the supply sit. is uncertain, and shorter life-cycle and poss. safety issues. One thing i'd like the oil shills to explain to me, where can I order a large-format Nimh myself and convert my (parked) ice to a BEV? Unlike gm or Toyota, im not waiting for Lion perfection, I would be quite happy with, good enough, which the volt sure as hell is not

[liveoilfree]

Actually, GM could launch the first version of the VOLT with lead-acid, if it were serious; the 1997 and 1999 EV1 went over 100 miles on a charge using PSB lead batteries.  Just put out the VOLT with 10 miles all-electric range, to start!!

[sportsfreak800]

Great idea, use a 10 year old technology and reduce the range of the car, while other companies are actually using Lithium technology. The goal should be to put out the volt and continue to work to reduce costs and improve Lithium batteries, not to go backwards. That's how almost all advancements are made, think TVs. You put out an expensive introduction to the technology, and eventually it gets better and cheaper, and available to everyone.

[liveoilfree]

ALL successful EVs started with lead-acid batteries (even the TESLA, which started as the Impact, EV1, T0) and later upgraded.

Lithium is NOT yet viable, it has not been proven. GM is setting itself up for failure, as usual.

[sportsfreak800]

Ok, but there is a reason they started with lead acid and DON'T USE IT ANYMORE. Just as GM started with Lead Acid in the EV1 and have MOVED into Lithium. If GM is headed for failure because of its battery choice, then so is Mitsubishi, Tesla, Subaru, and Toyota. You said it yourself, Tesla started with lead-acid and later UPGRADED.

[liveoilfree]

Granted, but I just bought $5200 worth of lead batteries for an EV conversion, so lead still is used -- also for all golf carts, NEV, etc.

Tesla upgraded; but who can afford $1/mile battery replacement costs? Some can, and some will, but it's a limited market.

[fondue72]

For a company in financial trouble they sure are spending a ton of money to pull a hoax.

[Solartruck]

I feel that it must be a hoax, possibly they are just keeping the idea out there that in a few years we can get our hands on an EV. The EV-1 would burn the tires and accellerate fast. What happened with the CHEVY VOLT? I see videos of it driving like a golf cart, never fast. This makes me suspect that they made a poor quality EV just for show.

[Lockemeister]

businessinsider com /how-gm-lied-about-the-electri­c-car-2010-10

[Lockemeister]

@pokey6733 Business Insider Web Site.

In the past, and based on GM's claims, we've gone so far as to call the Volt GM's "Jesus Car." And why wouldn't we call it that? We were told the Volt would achieve 230 MPG fuel economy and would always use the electric drivetrain to motivate the wheels .

Read more: businessinsider com/how-gm-lied-about-the-elec­tric-car-2010-10#ixzz12CLSm0Mo

[pokey6733]

@Lockemeister it becomes available to the public this week, just as promised.

[Lockemeister]

The Volt sill isn't out and it's almost 2011

[rock3tcat]

@fondue72

I know, when you receive billions of dollars in tax money (with no strings attached) you sure seem to be in financial trouble... LOL xD

[cecilbdml]

Dude...what are you trying to say here?

To be viable, these things have to be charged in MINUTES, not DAYS. In the Northwest, there's not enough sunlight to make solar practical year 'round. And you need to make a convincing case for cost for the everyman. You haven't. Electricity, battery replacement, and initial purchase ALL make EVs expensive curiosities for the near future.

[allawayjared]

There is too much controversy surrounding the issue of Nickel Metal Hydride in electric vehicles for me to think lithium research deserves top priority. It seems simple to me, someone patents something, and then doesn't allow it to be produced. That is not why patents came into existence. But that is another story.

[sportsfreak800]

Oh, in that case, I guess you're right.

[allawayjared]

Just chill dude, NiMH is better, just admit it.

[sportsfreak800]

Limited now, but the technology will get better. But EVs are limited right now anyway, because batteries are expensive, and gas is cheap. My choice would be the batteries which have the most potential for improvements. Right now that's probably lithium. Hopefully the Volt is the first of many mainstream EVs. They are already working on the 2nd and 3rd generations to make them better. That's good news for everyone.