The chevy volt, pipe dream or a viable solution?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Topher925
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pipe Volt
AI Thread Summary
The unveiling of the new Chevy Volt design has sparked significant debate within the engineering community. The car's aesthetic appeal is noted, but concerns persist regarding GM's ability to produce a reliable battery and develop a new series-hybrid drivetrain. Competition is intensifying, particularly from Toyota, which plans to launch a similar series-hybrid vehicle in 2010 at a lower price point. The Volt's projected price range of $30,000 to $40,000 raises skepticism about its market viability, with some predicting it could fail commercially. The discussion highlights the challenges GM faces in innovation and competition, emphasizing the need for advancements beyond current hybrid technology, such as a hydrogen economy.
Topher925
Messages
1,562
Reaction score
7
The new chevy volt design was unveiled today: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080916/ap_on_bi_ge/gm_centennial;_ylt=AuVoT6aLIov8pyZGWNXsNjxsaMYA"

There's a lot of controversy over this car in the engineering world. Since its being developed right in my neighborhood I hear a lot about its development. I think the car looks pretty sharp but GM has a lot of work ahead of them. They still need to find someone who can produce a half way descent battery let alone the monumental task of creating an entirely new series-hybrid drive train. I know first hand how difficult that can be.

They also have a lot of strict competition coming from Toyota who is set to build a similar series-hybrid to be released in 2010, and knowing Toyota they will probably do it at the cheapest price. With the price set at $30k-$40k would you buy one? I just can't see this being a very good band aid until we develop a hydrogen economy.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Topher925 said:
I know first hand how difficult that can be.

How do you know first hand?
 
Check the profile.
 
For $40,000.. it will be an epic fail. Toyota will modify their Prius to make it a plug-in and sell it for 10K less. Then they'll buy GM after their liabilities fall off in a few years.
 

Thread 'Predictions for the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025'

Similar to the 2024 thread, here I start the 2025 thread. As always it is getting increasingly difficult to predict, so I will make a list based on other article predictions. You can also leave your prediction here. Here are the predictions of 2024 that did not make it: Peter Shor, David Deutsch and all the rest of the quantum computing community (various sources) Pablo Jarrillo Herrero, Allan McDonald and Rafi Bistritzer for magic angle in twisted graphene (various sources) Christoph...
View full post »
Thread 'My experience as a hostage'

Thread 'My experience as a hostage'

I believe it was the summer of 2001 that I made a trip to Peru for my work. I was a private contractor doing automation engineering and programming for various companies, including Frito Lay. Frito had purchased a snack food plant near Lima, Peru, and sent me down to oversee the upgrades to the systems and the startup. Peru was still suffering the ills of a recent civil war and I knew it was dicey, but the money was too good to pass up. It was a long trip to Lima; about 14 hours of airtime...
View full post »

Similar threads

Is the Nissan Leaf a Better Choice than the Chevy Volt for Daily Use?
Replies
16
Views
3K
Permanent Magnet Motors & Koenigsegg’s ‘Dark Matter’ Electric Motor
Replies
0
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top