Could the Vue beat the Prius to lithium?

Will the Vue hybrid be GM's next dual mode hybrid?

At this year's LA Auto Show, GM focused on its hybrid vehicles and the Chevy Volt. New technologies are the future, GM seemed to say, and this is how we're heading into the future, with hybrids today and the Volt and fuel cell vehicles tomorrow.

A year earlier at the same LA Auto Show, GM had created some buzz by announcing plans for a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid vehicle. Yet, at this year's show, there was no word on the Saturn Vue hybrid, which seems odd. If the Chevy Volt is going to launch in 2010, it seems obvious that the Vue plug-in hybrid, ideally, would have to launch before the Volt.

So, is 2009 the year of the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid? Read more.....

Another baby step towards the Volt

Enough batteries for 2 Volts

GM, in theory, now has the ability to develop two fully operational Chevy Volt prototypes, as that is now how many batteries GM currently has in its possession. Recently, Compact Power delivered its 2nd battery to GM. A123Systems should soon be delivering its first battery to GM as well.

At the LA Auto Show, Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director for the Volt and the E Flex Drive, told me that GM would have a few fully functional Volts by the end of the first quarter of 2008. However, in a separate interview, Denise Gray, director of battery technology, confirmed that such a date would be difficult to achieve, but that her team was committed to making it happen. Finish....

Why the Chevy Volt will succeed

It really is more than just a hype machine!

I'm not sure that there has ever been a concept vehicle that has resulted in more PR and hype than GM's Chevy Volt plug-in.

For instance, despite the fact that GM received the first and only lithium battery pack for the Chevy Volt just a few weeks ago, David Kiley of Business Week has already claimed that the Volt is "miles ahead" of Toyota and Honda. Yet, today there isn't one single Volt prototype that utilizes ANY of the potential Volt battery packs. There is still the potential - which will only be found in real world testing - that the battery packs currently planned just won't work.

Crazy!

But there is a change brewing in the world and I've been in a crazy sort of a mood since the LA Auto Show. Actually this current streak of insanity dates back a few weeks before the LA Show. That's when my belief in the automotive revolution changed, and I've since been reevaluating all my beliefs. Finish.....

How much would you pay for a Chevy Volt?

Worth more than $50,000?

When GM launches the Chevy Volt plug-in in 2010, it isn't going to be an economy car. In fact, it will probably launch as some sort of luxury model, but that isn't why people will be interested in the Volt.

Up to 40 miles on pure electricity with the ability to use gasoline or, potentially, some other liquid fuel, to extend the range of this vehicle further than most conventional vehicles makes the Volt, in theory, highly coveted. Ultimately, the Chevy Volt and other possible plug-in hybrid vehicles are "game changers" as GM's Bob Lutz often calls the Volt and the E Flex Drive upon which the Volt will be produced. Finish....

Is the Volt miles ahead of the Prius

This Prius by Hybrids-Plus achieves more than 100 mpg, today

I just finished reading David Kiley's BW article, GM's Plug-In Push, which opens, "General Motors is developing a plug-in hybrid technology for its Chevy Volt that is miles ahead of Toyota and Honda."

Really?

I heard the same such sentiment several months ago regarding GM's hybrid vehicles, which many have called more advanced and more sophisticated than Toyota's hybrids such as the Prius. Perhaps, but still I have asked, what are the costs of GM's technology, will it be sold in a package that consumers want at a price they are willing to pay? (Finish)

Don't call the Volt a hybrid?

The Volt hybrid. I mean range-extended vehicle

On the Eve of the LA Auto Show I had the pleasure to personally dine with GM's product guru, Bob Lutz. During the course of the evening, Mr. Lutz actually called the Chevy Volt a series hybrid - a good technical description of the Volt - yet I couldn't help but be amused.

Why? For many months now, GM has been on a major PR campaign to disassociate the words Volt and hybrid. Even though the Volt can correctly be called a plug-in hybrid vehicle, GM really wants to start defining itself as an electric drive company.

And, let's be honest, the Volt is a very different plug-in hybrid than would be a Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius hybrids that have been converted into plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Ultimately, however, if the Volt is successful, it won't matter whether you call it a plug-in or a range-extended vehicle, all customers will know is that they want the Volt.

Finally, a real revolution from Chevy?

A classic American vehicle goes green?

There is no vehicle segment more important than trucks to GM's Chevy brand. Certainly, SUVs are a profitable product for GM, but trucks are Chevy's marquee vehicle.

Thus, while it's great that GM has gotten into the full hybrid game with the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid, the hybrid that I think GM can be most proud of at this point in time is the Chevy Silverado hybrid.

If all goes well, this new hybrid truck will hit dealerships in late 2008 and it will be the definition of GM's American Revolution branding, finally - at least until the Chevy Volt.

The Volt bolts to Poletown

Chevy Volt production to stay in Michigan

"If GM succeeds in delivering the Volt -- an ambitious attempt at a plug-in hybrid that wowed the automotive world for the message it sent about the future of GM -- the car will be built at the automaker's Poletown assembly plant starting in 2010."

(more)

GM's Lithium Advantage?

GM's hybrid ace?

I'm a huge hybrid advocate, obviously, which also means I've been a huge critic of American automakers because they just don't have much to offer when it comes to hybrid vehicles. Additionally, there won't be a full American hybrid car for, for who knows how long - it's all hybrid SUVs.

Certainly, the Ford Escape hybrid, the GMC Yukon hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid are all significant improvements upon their conventional counterparts, but how about some hybrid cars?

To date, the biggest hybrid car news coming from Detroit has been the Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid. Unfortunately......Finish: Does GM have a lithium advantage with hybrid vehicles

The hot, hot, hot Opel Flextreme - See the video

Way better than the Volt!

I love this Opel Flextreme. Forget the Chevy Volt, I want the Flextreme, baby!

After checking out some video on this beauty, I'm ready to move to Europe if that is the only place where GM is going to sell the Opel Flextreme hybrid. The Volt is just too crudely American for my design tastes.

If I could whisper into Bob Lutz's ear I'd tell him to turn this beautiful baby into a dual mode hybrid right now! This is a Prius contender! This car as a dual mode hybrid, rather than an E-Flex hybrid, would instantly put GM's hybrid vehicles on the map. Convert it to an E-flex later. Give it to us now!!!!!

If you want to check out some video on the Flextreme, check out the link below. And, if you've never been to an autoshow to see a debut of a concept car, there is also a great episode there as well.

See the videos.

Europe's Chevy Volt: The Opel Flextreme

Almost next-gen Prius-like?

I was pretty sick yesterday, yet when I saw this new Opel Flextreme hybrid concept yesterday, I felt a little better. Of course, then I realized this was GM's take on a Flex Drive car for Europe, not America, and I felt sick again.

OK, all kidding aside, I like this Opel hybrid far better than the Chevy Volt - America's Flex Drive concept car. Sure it kind of resembles Toyota's next generation hybrids, but it also resembles GM's fuel cell vehicles.

More important, however, can GM....Finish: Europe's Chevy Volt - The Opel Flextreme hybrid

2011: Prius, Volt, or Mixim?

Plug-in parallel hybrid, plug-in series hybrid, or just electric?

In the next few years, the automotive landscape will resemble a drive from the wheat fields of Kansas into the Rockies of Colorado, dramatic change.

Hybrid vehicles will probably convert into plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as a Prius plug-in or a Chevy Volt, that will enable most commuters to go to work and back on electric power alone, with the ability to use gasoline, diesel, or a biofuel as a backup source of energy.

Finish--> 2011: Prius, Volt, or Mixim?

Volt and hybrids are the future for GM?

Chevy Tahoe hybrid: The future of things to come from GM?

"We know that our success in the future is contingent on delivering technology that is meaningful to society," said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM's hybrid technology, who was among the team of engineers at GM's Milford Proving Grounds Friday to showcase the automaker's new powertrain technologies. "The whole spirit of the company is driven to do this."

I have had the pleasure of hanging out with many GM employees, including top executives, and I have to agree that I do believe the "spirit" of GM is changing - has changed.

Already GM is finalizing the launch of its first full hybrid vehicles, such as the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon hybrid, and many more hybrids are due to hit the road in the next few years, including a dual mode plug-in hybrid, the Saturn Vue.

Still, what really gets many GM employees excited is the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. Despite the claims of naysayers, this vehicle is not just a hype machine, although it has played that role well since its debut. For GM employees, I believe, the Volt is the nail in the coffin of GM-haters - a role I have taken in the past. The Volt is final proof that GM has not only changed, but that GM can bring the best automotive technology to the world - even in terms of fuel economy or emissions.

While success isn't guaranteed, where there is a will, there is a way, and I absolutely believe that GM has the will. May the force be with them.

Is China the key to electric cars? Good riddance Marty?

Can Tesla survive in America?

So, if you follow electric cars, then you know that Martin Eberhard is out as the CEO of Tesla Motors, and that has some, such as Edmund's Inside Line, speculating that the launch of the Tesla Roadster is not going to go smooth, maybe ever.

How ironic!?

After the debut of the Chevy Volt, Eberhard was very quick to mock GM's electric efforts, and their technology. Yet, some are claiming that the $100,000 electric Roadster produced by Tesla might never hit the road, let alone a more economical electric sedan that could possibly compete with the Volt. While that would be a shame, and I hope it doesn't happen, it is becoming quite obvious that the road to electric vehicle success isn't as simple as Eberhard seemed to have believed.

Back in January, when I criticized Eberhard's comments, I was ridiculed by some for believing in GM's efforts and questioning Tesla's long term capabilities. Finish: Is China the key to electric cars? Good riddance Marty?

GM hoping for a shocking Spring

Still, a long way to go

GM's Bob Lutz is a spin-master.

“I think that our No. 1 competitor has some problems with their technology, and I do think that it very definitely opens a window of opportunity for us to be first to market with a genuine plug-in hybrid,” Bob Lutz said at an automotive industry conference in Traverse City where the battery deal was announced.

While I believe that GM might offer the first "genuine plug-in hybrid", GM is also facing serious problems. For example, the Chevy Volt is still just a concept. It won't be road-ready - for testing - until the Spring of 2008, at the earliest. Additionally, if GM does produce the Volt by the end of 2010, as planned, the costs are expected to be very high. Thus, GM is considering a plan to sell Chevy Volts with optional battery leases to help make the cars a little more cost-effective.

But, back to Toyota's problems. Finish Volt road ready by this Spring

GM charges forward with the Volt?

Agreement to speed up development?

The key to GM's future success will almost certainly be driven by the E-Flex platform - the powertrain that will power the Chevy Volt, for example.

They key to the Volt and the E-Flex platform is lithium batteries. Consequently, GM has solidified its partnerships with lithium-ion battery makers A123Systems and LG Chem.

"Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win. That's what is so important about this deal," said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of Global Product Development. "Whether you're talking about the Chevy Volt, a fuel cell or even a plug-in hybrid such as our planned Saturn Vue, we need to understand the fundamental battery cell performance."

Can profits drive GM green

More money for Volt development?

The U.S. auto industry is dead, right?

Well, maybe there is still a little life. Last week Ford surprised analysts with a better than expected quarter, and, today, GM reported its third profitable quarter in a row, achieving almost 900 million in profit for the second quarter.

And, GM needs this profit. While the company is doing well in foreign markets, U.S. vehicle sales continue to be sluggish.

"Slower-than-expected sales GM's new full-size pickup have hurt GM, which still relies heavily on sales of highly profitable trucks and SUV. A slowdown in the housing market and rising fuel prices are keeping keep buyers away, and competitors foreign and domestic have piled on incentives to move their trucks," writes the the DetroitNews this morning.

Something like the Chevy Volt, more dual mode hybrid vehicles, especially a full hybrid car, and a plug-in Saturn Vue have great potential to drive the same kind of green buzz that Toyota received from the Prius.

In a nutshell, new technologies have the ability to drive new consumers to GM and to increase U.S. marketshare, and, hopefully, a few profitable quarters can provide a large enough financial cushion to enable GM to fast track some of these emerging technologies.

CAFE: Congress and Detroit - Two peas in a pod?

If the Volt is 'technologically feasible' by 2010, then how can 35 mpg not be?

Congress and Detroit. Two peas in a pod? If there was ever a common element between politicians and automakers, it has to be vision. Or, more precisely, a lack thereof.

O.K., the House of Reps. is going to delay any action regarding fuel economy until Fall - something that will make automakers breathe a little easier the next few months. While automakers show off fancy cars, possibly able to achieve 100 mpg by 2012, they also continue to argue that 35 mpg is not 'technologically feasible' by 2020 - a claim I disputed on Tuesday.

Yet, not only is 35 mpg easily 'technologically feasible' by 2020, it is even more economically feasible than not achieving this higher level of CAFE, according to a new study cited by Edmunds.

"Detroit's automakers would collectively earn $14.4 billion by 2017, the study says, under the toughest standards being considered by Congress: a combined car and truck average of 35 mpg by 2018. The U of M auto brain trust calculates that indexing mileage targets to vehicle size wouldn't penalize Detroit with its truck-heavy lineups the way the existing car and truck standards do. Instead, the domestic automakers would be allowed to aim for a lower target — around 33 mpg — while Japanese rivals that are top-heavy with passenger cars might need to average 38 mpg. "

Why doesn't Congress get off its ass and do something meaningful? Forcing, while helping, Detroit to build as many hybrid cars today, while developing tomorrow's plug-in hybrids, seems to be the best thing Congress could do for Detroit - and America.

So, show some vision already!

Green Technology: Toyota versus GM

Automotive Evolution: Adaptation versus the Big Bang?

Ever since the Chevy Volt Concept debuted at NAIAS, many auto journalists have called it a Prius killer, claiming the technology was so much more advanced than the Prius, or at least claiming that the Volt's technology was so much more advanced than Toyota's hybrid technology.

The other day, another similar comment was made by BW's David Kiley, "GM, of course, was the hit of last January’s Detroit auto show when it debuted the Chevy Volt plug in. It was the first time in recent years that GM appeared to be ahead of Toyota, or even equal, in the arena of alternative and greener vehicles."

What? Why?

Thus far GM offers a few mild hybrids (Yes, I know they offer full hybrid buses!). More important, there isn't yet a fully functional Volt, and yet some can claim the technology is better than Toyota's hybrid vehicles?

--> Finish Green Technology: GM versus Toyota

GM to focus more on fuel economy, hybrids

Bob Lutz at the the debut of the Volt at NAIAS

GM has now made fuel economy a major priority, according to product chief, Bob Lutz. Thus, some GM concept vehicles have been canned in favor of other projects, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Once a major critic of hybrid vehicles, it appears Lutz has now staked his legacy at GM on such hybrids, especially the Chevy Volt. Yes, Lutz might believe hybrids are just a bridge to fuel cell vehicles and the hydrogen highway, but I can live with that.

Make it happen, Bob.

(Source: DetroitNews)

Only 1000 Chevy Volts by 2010?

Will Bob still be around to see a mass-produced Volt?

Are you a huge GM fan, or at least an American car fan, that is also very concerned about issues like foreign oil dependency? Did the debut of the Chevy Volt plug-in electric hybrid concept grab your attention? Did it blind you with a glare of hope that made you believe a brighter future was possible for the American auto industry?

--> Finish: Only 1000 Chevy Volts by 2010

Autoweek: Volt v. Prius

Just too hard to call at the moment?

The Toyota Prius is like a Super Bowl Champ the following season, everyone is trying to knock you off the top. Thus, when GM debuted the Chevy Volt concept, many wondered if this plug-in hybrid could be a Prius-killer.

But, according to AutoWeek's Richard Truett, the jury will be out on that match up for a few years.

Although the Volt - on paper, at least - could out-miser the Prius, GM has a lot to prove."

For example, GM doesn't even have a fully functioning Volt, while the Prius is on the verge of massive upgrades (more on third generation Prius). In addition, many speculate the development costs of the Volt will be more than the Prius. So, can a Volt cost-effectively fight the Prius?

My guess is that both will be fantastic vehicles - different strokes for different folks.

GM plugs cash into Volt's platform

GM invests in the E-Flex platform - powertrain of the Volt

The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid is an excellent concept vehicle. The keyword in that sentence is 'concept'. More impressive than the Volt, is the E-Flex platform powering the Volt.

Akin to the the Hybrid Synergy Drive of Toyota, the E-Flex Platform is, almost certainly, the powertrain of the future for most - if not all - GM vehicles. Thus, it's great to hear that GM continues to make solid investments in the E-Flex Drive.

"Word from GM’s design center in Michigan is that Bob Boniface, director of advanced design, has been ordered to take command of a studio solely dedicated to designing cars using the Volt/E-Flex powertrain. GM is investing $500 million in the project and hopes to put a version of the car on the road by 2010." (Autoweek)

Green Motors?

"We have to have people think we are part of the solution, not part of the problem," the WSJ quoted Lawrence Burns, GM's vice president for research and development and global planning, as saying.

Thus, GM is fast-tracking the Chevy Volt, its dual mode hybrids, and its fuel cell program.

(Source: Car&Driver)

The FT-HS hybrid coming?

Built on the GS450h hybrid powertrain?

After the Chevy Volt, Toyota's FT-HS hybrid concept was my favorite hybrid at the North American International Auto Show. This potential Supra replacement is nearing reality according to the Winding Road and rumors out of Japan.

The 400 hp FT-HS will probably be built on the GS450h hybrid powertrain - possibly utilizing the next generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, and thus lithium-ion batteries.

Is a sporty hybrid the key to America's fuel economy?

Lutz, Wagoner and the Chevy Volt

I can still feel the buzz created by the launch of the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid at NAIAS earlier this year. Minimally, if successful, this concept puts GM in the same league as Toyota regarding hybrid cars.

Minimally.

Timing will also be important. The sooner the better, and I mean much sooner.

If GM can get the Volt right, it is a game changer. If successful, the Volt will be the definition of game changer. But there are many 'ifs'. And just because the Volt might be a game changer, doesn't mean it will be a Prius killer (but I'll address that another day - maybe tomorrow).

The Volt - as debuted in Detroit - might also....(finish Dreaming about a Volt SS - A true American hybrid)

I'm not kidding, GM is serious about the Volt - Really! I promise!

No. Seriously. GM will build the Volt

The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid is a fantastic concept vehicle. Still, it is 3 years away from reality according to GM, and even then, it will be produced in limited numbers according to GM via AutoWeek.

While America waits for this Toyota Prius-fighter, Toyota will have sold more than a million Prii, possibly several million. By the time the Volt hits the streets, Toyota will also be using lithium-ion batteries. In fact, by the time the first Volt is sold, Toyota might have already sold more than a million lithium-powered hybrid cars. And, while GM brags about the plug-in potential of the Volt, there is every reason to believe that Toyota will also offer a plug-in option for its hybrids.

I'm certainly not trying to diminish GM's hybrid efforts, and I'm extremely glad that GM is moving forward with the Volt, but I get it already. GM is serious about producing the Volt.

American hybrids: SUVs only?

I'm glad it's NOT powered by a Hemi

Toyota has received an incredible amount of green buzz because of the Toyota Prius. While some argue that Toyota isn't deserving of all this praise because they still make far more gas guzzlers than hybrid cars, Toyota definitely made a statement about the future with the Prius.

On the other hand, if Toyota had made its first hybrid a more power-focused hybrid, such as the Lexus RX 400h, then Toyota's hybrid efforts would have been largely ignored.

Yet, power hybrids are all that seem to be coming out of Detroit, except for the Ford Escape hybrid. Chrysler's first hybrids will include huge Hemi engines. GM's first dual mode hybrids will be large, powerful gas guzzlers, such as the GMC Yukon hybrid. Yes, these hybrids will offer significant improvements in fuel economy, but they will still use a lot of fuel.

While I realize that the big truck segment is very important to Detroit, are these hybrids going to change Detroit's image? I doubt it. Without a Prius contender I just don't see Detroit's hybrid efforts offering much help to U.S. automakers until at least the Chevy Volt - and that's just too far into the future.

GM's CO2 Campaign?

GM just makes me wanna holler

Back in January I was invited to attend the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as a guest of GM - whom sponsored my trip. I had a fantastic time, and I met a great number of wonderful GM employees. Moreover, GM finally gave me something in which to believe: the Chevy Volt.

Unfortunately, as time has gone on, I have tired a bit of the never-ending hype around the Volt. Since the Volt is still 3 years away, I'm far more concerned about GM's current line of full hybrid vehicles - or lack thereof. While I saw, for example, a Yukon hybrid at both the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Detroit Show, I still have yet to see a hybrid Yukon at a GM dealership.

Seriously, can GM drag their feet any longer on hybrid cars?

I guess America should be happy that Detroit is at least developing hybrids, unlike a few years ago when Bob Lutz ridiculed hybrids or when he said that GM could have developed a Prius-like vehicle before Toyota using just a fraction of ONE year's advertising budget. But that was the past, right?

Now GM is on a new advertising campaign - one to convince Americans not to worry about CO2 emissions from autos because - according to GM - buildings cause more CO2. (Read the Press Release)

Hard to care about a hydrogen-powered Chevy Volt

How long, how loooonnnnggggg?

Larry Burns has posted an article regarding the Chevy Volt that is being displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show, for those interested. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed to find out that the new iteration of the Volt - a rumor that hyped its way through the blogosphere for the last couple of weeks - is a fuel cell vehicle.

Yes, I believe fuel cells have great potential, but if an electric-gasoline version of the Volt is 3 years away, a fuel cell Volt is even further off in the distance. Quite honestly, I care much more about what GM and all automakers are doing today, and I would have been much happier with a dumbed down version of the Volt - a vehicle that could be sold, say, next year.

Imagine GM taking on the Toyota Prius head-to-head now, instead of 3 years from now. That's what America has been waiting for - an American-made freedom fighter. An American worker-supporting, foreign oil dependency-fighting, global warming-stopping, American-made vehicle. Is that so much to ask for?

Perhaps such a vehicle wouldn't resonate particularly well with a majority of the GM faithful, but such a Volt would, however, resonate with millions of Americans that don't particularly care for GM's environmental and fuel economy efforts.

GM's fuel cell Volt and the Volt "will" be built

A new iteration of the Volt will debut in China

At the Shanghai Auto Show this week, GM will be showing off its hypester, the Chevy Volt plug-in vehicle. However, the Volt debuting in China will be a little different than the Volt that debuted in Detroit back in January. Instead of a electric-gasoline plug-in hybrid, the Chinese Volt will replace the gasoline engine with a fuel cell according to AutoWeek.

In other news, according to Car&Driver, GM's engineering chief Jim Queen told an automotive engineering conference regarding the Volt, "We will get this into production. We are very, very serious about this."

Still, when and what version? Will the gasoline plug-in be mothballed in favor of a fuel cell version? I hope not.

Is the Volt running out of juice?

A new iteration just months after its debut?

When rumors hit the Internet earlier this week that GM was going to debut the latest iteration of the Chevy Volt hybrid concept at the Shanghai Auto Show, I couldn't help but be unimpressed. Yes, I am extremely excited about the potential of the Volt but a real Volt, according to GM, is still 3 years away.

Besides, what can a new iteration of the Volt really accomplish? A vehicle with less plastic composites and a tighter wheel-base? Those aren't critical issues, the batteries are a critical issue.

Sometime next year, Toyota will probably start selling its third generation Prius which will utilize lithium-ion batteries according to Toyota. Unless GM is planning a less electric Volt for Shanghai, as an earlier-than-expected first generation vehicle, to compete with this new Prius while further developing the plug-in technology for the second generation Volt, I won't be very impressed.

Let's hope GM has something shocking planned, but don't count on it.

Doubts about the Chevy Volt?

GM's Bob Lutz getting out of the Volt concept at NAIAS debut

On Friday I wrote about GM's Chevy Volt doubts, based on a DetroitNews article. Late Friday, Mr. Lutz also responded to that article, saying that GM was 100 percent committed to the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid.

Good. Yet, while Lutz is a bit testy about GM doubters, can he really blame them? GM's history regarding hybrid cars and electric cars isn't great. While GM has claimed to be committed to this path, GM still has yet to sell one dual mode hybrid. The Volt, on the other hand, is at least 3 years away.

GM can continue to lobby the faithful with words, but until naysayers actually feel and touch real GM hybrid vehicles and next-gen vehicles, such as the Volt, words just won't be enough.

Volt plug-in hybrid update

Rick Wagoner and Bob Lutz at the Volt reveal at NAIAS

GM is continuing its policy of transparency regarding the Volt plug-in hybrid. Today Beth Lowery, GM's VP of Environment and Energy, provided an update regarding the battery of the Volt. Unfortunately, most recent Volt updates have simply been reiterations of previously released information, and this update wasn't any different. Hopefully, some real juice on technological progress isn't too far away.

Read Mrs. Lowery's post.

Lutz re-re-reconfirms Volt plans in Geneva

GM's Bob Lutz again confirmed the plans for the Chevy Volt at the Geneva Auto Show - the same plans Mr. Lutz has confirmed in several recent interviews. Basically, GM is shooting for a 2010 Volt, the Volt design will become more conventional, and batteries are the key. Unfortunately, no new info. Read the Reuters story.

Lutz's Chevy Volt update and where is the Yukon hybrid?

Bob Lutz updates the FastLane Blog about the Volt

A few weeks Bob Lutz told the DetroitNews that GM was going to be transparent regarding the Chevy Volt. In the course of that interview, Mr. Lutz also provided a few interesting Volt updates.

Yesterday, Mr. Lutz posted many of these same updates on GM's FastLane Blog. Lutz claims, some cynics accused us of pulling a PR stunt, saying the Volt is simply an attempt by GM to “greenwash” the public and would never be a real vehicle. The truth is just the opposite — we are treating Volt just like any other vehicle we do, giving it a dedicated development team and designating resources for it. With that in mind, I thought I’d take a moment to update you on the program so far."

Ultimately, Mr. Lutz didn't offer much new information regarding the Volt compared to the DetroitNews interview. He did, however, briefly mention progress on the Vue plug-in hybrid and he also used the Volt as another chance to talk fuel cells - GM's real passion. Unfortunately, to me, this post felt very much like a publicity stunt. For those whom don't follow the auto news quite as closely, however, it might feel more sincere.

I guess I'm just a bit jaded over GM's hybrids. Why not highlight these Volt updates at the launch of the Yukon hybrid? Oh yeah, where is the Yukon hybrid? How about some transparency on GM's dual mode hybrids?

Lutz answers some Chevy Volt questions

Bob Lutz exits the Volt at NAIAS

In clean and green circles there have been serious questions about whether the Chevy Volt hybrid is a real idea or just a publicity stunt. Quite frankly, clean and green consumers neither like nor trust GM. For this customer segment GM is best known for gas hogs and for killing the electric vehicle.

Yet, has GM turned a leaf with its Volt concept?

According to Bob Lutz, we'll know within 3 years. More important, GM is going to be "transparent" with the Volt development process, letting the media and consumers know about both important progress and important setbacks of the Volt's development.

Lutz recently stated that since there are is "not mystic technology involved" in the Volt concept, the production of the Volt is now "basically a development effort". As a result the Volt could, and probably will, adapt and evolve from the show car presented at NAIAS and other auto shows.

--> Read the rest of Lutz describes Chevy Volt development

GM's Bold Hybrid Super Bowl Moves?

Did you see GM's Super Bowl commercials? The ones where GM displayed its new line of hybrid cars while demonstrating how hybrids, then plug-in hybrids and eventually electric vehicles would enable GM to lead America towards the end of foreign oil dependency and global warming emissions?

Of course you didn't, but why not? Why can't GM be so bold? Why not try to shock the world as GM did with the Chevy Volt at NAIAS, rather than desperately trying to convince America that GM is hip, urban-cool and reliable?

--> Read the rest of GM's incredible hybrid vehicle Super Bowl Ads

Is plug-in technology ready?

Lithium technology here, but too expensive?

Could automakers produce plug-in hybrid vehicles that hundreds of thousands of consumers would want today?

Maybe.

Of course, today's technology might offer limited electric range. More important, however, making plug-in hybrids with today's technology would probably price out most consumers.

"The technology is here today. LTC has it, and we've demonstrated it," says Dr. Klaus Brandt, executive vice president of LTC. "Price is the biggest factor holding back the production of these more environmentally friendly, fuel efficient vehicles. By committing to work together, the auto manufactures and battery companies can bring the cost down and make cars like the Volt an affordable reality for the consumer."

I don't really think automakers are dragging their feet on plug-in hybrids, but many are dragging their feet on hybrid cars (Read my post, Where are GM's dual mode hybrids). Ironically, today's hybrid cars are the best way to invest in tomorrow's plug-in hybrids.

Could the ZAP-X electric vehicle fry the Volt?

Zap and Lotus will join forces to turn the Lotus APX, or Aluminum Performance Crossover, into an electric vehicle called the ZAP-X. According to the companies the electric APX will offer a 350 mile range achieved with only a 10 minute charge, while an "auxillary power unit" will provide extra power on long trips. Additionally, the APX will achieve speeds of up to 155 mph with its 644 hps.

"Lotus Engineering's APX technology demonstrator vehicle is a perfect fit for our plans to introduce a full product portfolio of electric cars. Due to the initial design by Lotus, our cost and time to production will be significantly reduced. We believe that the ZAP-X will become the most advanced, most practical and most appealing flagship electric vehicle to date and will revolutionize the industry providing the driver with the enjoyment of a sports car and the practicality of an SUV," stated Zap CEO Steve Schneider via press release.

No word yet on costs, but I'm sure it will be expensive. Still, if achieved, the ZAP-X could steal some thunder from GM's Volt. Combined with developments of Tesla, however, not only will competition be created, but important, new technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and lightweight materials, will be further researched and refined.

Can lithium charge the Volt?

It's all about the lithium

AutoWeek has an interesting interview with Nick Zielinski, the Chief Engineer for the Chevy Volt hybrid project. In the interview Zielinksi highlights some of the main issues regarding how the Volt's gasoline engine and electric motor will integrate to produce GM's future series hybrids.

"At the cell level, we have performance data, and we think there are battery cells available with the energy and power level that we need. But the challenge is combining them all together. We are looking ahead into how the technology will be evolving. There are, like, 30 different chemistries out there for lithium ion batteries. There are also different techniques out there for making the cells."

To read the rest of the AutoWeek Interview, click here.

Why can't I find a dual mode hybrid?

Where is the Yukon hybrid?

This is a question I have been asking ever since NAIAS. Before NAIAS, I didn't really care about the GMC Yukon hybrid. I don't like large SUVs. Since NAIAS, however, I am interested in the Yukon because it will be the first GM hybrid to utilize GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain and it will be a small step towards the Volt concept.

--> Read the rest of Where are GM's dual mode hybrids

Volt Debut on YouTube

GM has YouTubed a video of the Chevy Volt debut at NAIAS, which includes a few interesting interviews. If you don't check out GM's FastLane Blog, it's worth a look. In addition, there are some other good posts about the Volt, which has been a major focal point of the FastLane Blog since NAIAS. Hopefully, one day soon there will be this much excitement about a real GM vehicle, rather than a concept vehicle. While I love the Volt concept, it is just a concept.

$30,000 electric sedan in 2009?

Some think that my last post on Tesla was a little anti-Tesla and pro-GM. I disagree. Regardless, I have always thought that the Tesla Roadster was a phenomenal vehicle. In fact, if I could afford any $100,000 vehicle, that would be the $100,000 vehicle that I would buy - without question. Still, how serious can you take a car company that only offers a $100,000 vehicle?

Well, you might be able to take Tesla far more seriously in 2009. In that year, Tesla is hoping to offer a 5 seat sedan, called the Whitestar which is expected to list at $30,000. Now that's a car I can afford. This is a story that I will excitedly follow.

(Source: AutoblogGreen)

Detroit's Hybrid Announcements: Myth or reality?

The Volt was a hype machine at NAIAS

With the Big 3 bleeding red, it wasn't very surprising that each of the Big 3 automakers made important hybrid debuts and/or announcements leading up to the first 100 hours of the new Democratic Congress and before the President's State of the Union Speech. Obviously, they had to show they were taking some action on fuel economy and global warming, or at least they had to create that perception.

GM was the hype machine king, launching the Chevy Volt electric hybrid at NAIAS. I believe GM is serious about the Volt, and I believe the Volt will one day be a sale's leader for GM. Still, at this point in time, I'm more concerned about GM's dual mode hybrids, such as the soon-to-be released Yukon hybrid. Where is it?

I don't just want to hear about the hybrid cars GM is going to develop, I want to see the hybrids GM has developed saving gas at gas stations in my neighborhood.

Similar to GM, both Ford and DaimlerChrysler made big announcements as well, such as Ford's plug-in hydrogen hybrids, flex-fuel hybrids and Chrysler's testing of plug-in hybrids. These were all great announcements, but announcements are not much more than PR hype. Hopefully, these PR efforts were not just hype campaigns to influence politicians.

Give the Big 3's credit to the Prius

Give the Prius some credit

In advance of the President's State of the Union speech, Big 3 automakers are using the Auto Show circuit to show Congress and the President that they can be fuel efficient. Ford announced 20 flex fuel hybrids and a $2,000,000 hydrogen plug-in hybrid. DaimlerChrysler showed off the most fuel efficient, clean diesel heavy duty Ram pickup truck, and GM debuted the Chevy Volt concept at NAIAS.

Wow, I guess Detroit gets it, huh?

Well, why then are the Big 3 sitting on more than 150,000 tax credits available for hybrid vehicles as Toyota's hybrid tax credits expire because they sold too many hybrids? Why do we punish Toyota's clean and fuel efficient success and protect Detroit's complacency? Is this really how you drive innovation? How about some good old American competition?

As I blogged earlier today, it's time to put tax incentives into the hands of the people rather than the corporations. Give the people the money to afford hybrid vehicles and other clean technologies and to reward whoever makes the hybrids consumers want.

While I desperately want the Big 3 to succeed, it's time for real world vehicles, not fancy concepts and $2 million one-offs.

Ford to plug-in its hybrid vehicles as well?

My first thoughts of Ford's HySeries Drive - which debuted at NAIAS - were not great, particularly because this new plug-in platform requires hydrogen to power its fuel cell. The Chevy Volt and its E Flex Drive, on the other hand, provides a much more adaptable and flexible path to fuel cells, as does Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (See my article on the Hybrid Synergy Drive versus the E Flex Drive). Most important, neither the E Flex Drive nor the Hybrid Synergy Drive are dependant upon either fuels cells or hydrogen - a significant advantage over the HySeries Drive.

It seems Ford is now also keenly aware of this fact. Today, Ford is going to display the Flexible Series Hybrid Edge at the Washington D.C. Auto Show. While it seems this new Edge is based upon the HySeries Drive, Ford has already made changes. "We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a downsized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now," Gerhard Schmidt, Ford's vice president of research and advanced engineering. (more)

Was Ford influenced by the success of the Volt? Regardless, it seems the auto game is changing. Consumers aren't interested in what automakers are going to do tomorrow, they want to know what you are doing today, and that requires hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles - all of which can help develop a platform for fuel cells and hydrogen.

Of course, if lithium-ion batteries reduce the cost of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, while also providing at least 400 mile per day range, consumers might question whether fuel cells and hydrogen are even needed.

Chevy Volt Powers Big 3 Buzz

According to media analysis obtained by the DetroitNews, the Big 3 dominated the auto coverage at the North American International Auto Show, and that coverage was topped by GM's Chevy Volt Electric concept vehicle.

It sure is ironic and very interesting that a hybrid car drove such positive buzz back to the Big 3. Hmmmm??? Is that an obvious message to the Big 3 that if Detroit leads by doing to the right thing - hybrid cars - the people will follow?

Tesla not charged by the Volt

Back in July I wrote about the Tesla electric car, citing it as more evidence that plug-in hybrid vehicles are a real possibility. While, I love the Tesla, how excited can you really be? It's a two-seater. It costs $100,000, and while it achieves an astonishing 250 miles per charge, how much would that mileage be reduced if the vehicle was a four-passenger vehicle?

I mean, let's be real. If I want to drive up to San Francisco, I'm supposed to stop every 250 miles, wait 3 hours then start up again? Oh, yeah, and I have to put the kids in the trunk? In the real world, most Americans can only afford one or two cars; they cannot afford $100,000 two-person, occasional-use automobiles.

Then today, I read an article on AutoblogGreen noting that Tesla CEO Martin Eberhard was ripping on the Volt electric concept, automakers in general, and claiming that "Who killed the electric car" forced GM back into electric vehicles.

Please, let's get real again. (Read the rest)

The federal hybrid tax credit is breeding complacency not change

Why not help Toyota produce as many hybrid cars as possible?

GM's future is now the Volt and even though GM doesn't like to admit it, the Volt is a hybrid vehicle. Consequently, the near future is ALL ABOUT hybrid vehicles - at least if you care about the environment or foreign oil dependency.

Every other automaker in the world will either have to develop hybrid cars, or something far better, or the world can to wait 20 to 30 years for the possibility of fuel cells and hydrogen.

Why? Why isn't America putting as many hybrid vehicles on the road as possible?

(Read Is the Federal hybrid tax credit protectionist, anti-capitalistic, anti-American)

Ford to develop plug-in hybrids

Ford's HySeries Drive: For Plug-in Hydrogen Vehicles

While Ford is admitting interest in plug-in hybrids, it was a bit ironic to hear Nancy Gioia, Ford's head of hybrids, also claim that lithium-ion technology is "cost, weight and package prohibitive." (more)

Of course it is. Even lithium-ion technology for cell phones and notebook computers was once "cost, weight and package prohibitive". Yet, how can Ford be 'iffy' on plug-in technology when it is the core of their future, of their HySeries Drive?

Moreover, Toyota is pushing the cost-limits of at least first generation lithium technology with its FT-HS hybrid concept. So, the industry is getting very close to real world lithium powered vehicles.

Perhaps Ford was using the podium to steal a little thunder from GM's Volt?