AltFuel

GM: Charging Forward with the Volt?

The problem is always with the EPA regulations regarding hazardous waste disposal after depletion. The waste nightmare is just now being realized by Prius owners as nobody wants to take control of depleted NiMH batteries. The EV-1, while having a longer range, also had a lengthy recharge time, making it unacceptable for the general public. GM must also take into consideration the longevity of the batteries for warranty reasons and customer satisfaction. If it won't even make it to the standard 3yr-36K the costs would be huge in both expense and customer perception of value.

GM wants to make this right, for a change IMO, the first time, and I appreciate that.


On Nov 07 10:54 AM User 279697 wrote:

> There is no need for battery technology; GM demonstrated the PRECEPT
> in 1998, a serial hybrid like the VOLT in 1969, and had a 110-mile-range
> all-electric EV in the 1999 (and 1997 with upgraded PSB batteries)
> in the lead-acid EV1.
>
> The plain fact is that GM doesn't want to produce a serial hybrid
> EV.
>
> The VOLT is a 40-mile-range EV with a range-extending genset; there
> are thousands of home-build lead-acid EVs with more than 40 miles
> range.
>
> So GM is a liar, and/or Lutz is ignorant; so what's new about that.
>
>
> How else did GM get into its current fix, pathetic and pitied, from
> its former dominance...it was bonehead crap like delaying the VOLT,
> and crushing the EV1.