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lithium ion battery packs for every Chevy Volt?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Battery
replacements in the warranty
Thus far, whenever GM discusses the ongoing lithium ion
battery tests for the Chevy
Volt, it's all sunshine. Everything regarding the
battery tests is perfect. Yet, GM is already anticipating
that the Volt's 10 year warranty will also include a
battery change, which is probably why GM has been putting
forth the idea of battery leases almost since the debut of
the Volt.
To counter the negative connotations of such a
possibility, GM has been quick to postulate that the costs
of lithium technology will quickly go down because of
economies of scale and a better lithium than nickel
supply.
Yet, Hybridcarblog has already blogged on a report that
suggests that the world's
lithium supplies could dry up rather fast. Back in
April I discussed this possibility with A123Systems CEO
and President, David Vieau. Vieau told me that A123's
suppliers had assured the company that enough lithium
existed to convert America's fleet of automobiles to
battery-powered vehicles. However, he did admit that most
of the world's lithium mines exist in just a few places in
the world - some with strong socialist undercurrents.
Perhaps the Volt and its lithium technology will run the
course that some GM execs have suggested, but a number of
assumptions are being made - assumptions predicated on
perfect world scenarios. Unfortunately, as a good friend
of mine used to regularly remind me, to assume too much is
to make an as ass of u and me.
Obviously, new technologies always require a certain
amount of assumptions, or educated guesses. Equally as
obvious, GM is no position to discuss any negative
possibilities regarding the Volt - it has become GM's
"most valuable brand" and the lynch pin to loan
negotiations with the government.
Nonetheless, just a few short years ago, GM was willing to
bet the farm on SUVS and trucks for the near term -
despite 9/11 and Katrina - not just dismissing hybrid
cars, but small cars altogether. Today proves the
futility of that bad assumption.
Thus, is GM beginning to assume a bit too much about the
speed of the Volt's success, or is GM just boldly heading
into the future?
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