Posted by Harry
Misc | 09 Jan 07 | Comments (4) | Stumble
Here's the first installment in a short series of posts on GM's recent Volt electric car launch. GM's Volt is a multi-faceted story, a combination of design, engineering and market forces.
The untold story is that of E-Flex and the most critical factor of all; the soon-to-be-infamous battery. The E-Flex concept is a marvel of engineering. It's a chassis that uses electric drive and that can accommodate multiple propulsion systems. In other words, the Volt is always electric driven even when the combustion engine is being used. *CORRECTION: It's not a parallel hybrid like the current hybrids, it's a series hybrid. The other propulsion systems' energy is converted to electric, whether it be internal combustion (gas, diesel, E85, etc) or fuel cells or other; if and when it's used, it's used to extend the vehicle's range. The goal is to run the car on battery as much as possible. Run the car on battery as much as possible... where's the battery? That one question will determine whether this is all clever marketing or reality. The official word; "Battery suppliers are currently under evaluation as the technology matures.". No one is taking that one to the bank. Here in Quebec, the world's richest hydro-electric economy, our government owned electric utility just pushed its next-gen battery subsidiary, Avestor, into bankruptcy. It appears electric vehicle batteries aren't easy to make. Read more about E-Flex at AutoblogGreen. See more images of the E-Flex system after the jump.
*Thanks Scott!
This is what the battery looks like, but this won't be providing Volts volts soon...
The Volt is front wheel drive with a compact AC electric motor mounted low between the front wheels.
"In other words, the Volt is always electric driven even when the combustion engine is being used. It's not a hybrid, it's an electric. The other propulsion systems' energy is converted to electric, whether it be internal combustion (gas, diesel, E85, etc) or fuel cells or other"
I don't know if that's what GM's PR people are saying, but what you are describing is definitely a hybrid. It's a series hybrid rather than the parallel hybrid systems used in current vehicles.
It's great that GM is planning to try again on electric vehicles. Unfortunately, I predict this project will ultimately be scuttled due to *product liability* concerns.
Specifically: In the aftermath of the Sony Li-ion battery combustion problem, conventional wisdom is that such batteries are inherently unsafe. So the first time a Volt catches fire after a crash, every personal-injury attorney in North America will be trying to sign up the owners. And with the average IQ of jurors seemingly well below 100, all the lawyers need to do is say that "GM management knew" that Li-ion batteries were dangerous, but used 'em anyway. Voila: plaintiff awarded X00-million bucks. And GM cans the car to avoid more such awards.
GM Please figure out how to get this car on the road affordable ASAP. This innovative propulsion system needs an innovative fast track development. I already called my Chevy Dealer and told him that I wanted the first one off the truck to his dealership. I was so excited about reading about the EFlex Volt that I e-mailed over 900 people in my address book to help them get excited too.
The Chevy Volt E-Flex propulsion System represents a major shift in how American Auto manufacturers go to market. For once they are thinking long-term sustainability and seeing the virtues of a green way of life. Unfortunately, until they roll this technology out to serve the SUV market, Americans will still be paying a premium at the pump due to those who feel the need to drive an Excursion solo 40 miles to and from work. In order to make this technology thrive, there needs to be more options, less trade-offs and a greater level of consumer interest/adoption.
Chevy Volt Pictures, news, videos, photos and more http://www.chevy-volt.net