This article is part of the GM Authority Opinion Desk series, where you can see exactly what’s on the minds of the GM Authority crew.
By now, the Volt battery debacle is nothing new. But for the unfamiliar, here’s a quick run down: when the NHTSA crash tested a Volt, causing it to flip over, one of the battery cells was damaged, causing battery fluid to leak. This fluid self-combusted and thereby resulted in concern by the agency. What many do not seem to understand though is that the combustion occurred two weeks after the crash test!
I can tell you that I, for one, will have been removed from such an accident long before the 2 weeks have gone by, regardless of what vehicle I was in. Should I, by chance, get stuck or pinned in a vehicle for 2 weeks without anyone finding me, well let’s be realistic here — the decomposition process will have already long been underway. And that’s what puzzles me — why would the NHTSA and the mainstream media go to such lengths to find that this situation warranted so much public attention? After all, the test simply did not mimic any real world condition.
Cost
Clearly the Volt does not have the lowest cost of ownership in the General Motors line-up. Nor did GM promise this. Chevrolet vehicles such as the Malibu, Cruze, Sonic and upcoming Spark promise a much lower cost of ownership than the Volt. But looking ahead — what do you think would happen to the price of the Volt if we, as consumers, embraced the vehicle and its technology? What would happen to the price of the Volt if current Voltec technology were more widely accepted? What would continued R&D investment in Voltec technology bring in the future?
GM’s current commitment to EV technology reminds me of the introduction of the personal computer in the 1980s. Being the son of a “computer nerd” from the ’60’s, my father was only too eager to wean myself and my teenage brothers into this new “toy”. I recall buying our second PC. It was a Commodore64 — which by today’s standards wouldn’t even qualify as a doorstop. It had 1/1000th the power of my kids’ iPods but yet it cost us (with the 2 external floppy drives) $2,400… that’s 1981 dollars. We took the computer home and were thrilled to be able play video games with poor graphics and write simple question-and-answer type applications. Today, I can buy something infinitely more powerful for a tenth of the price.
Technological Advancement
Had we all laughed at the value of the personal computer in the early ’80s and not accepted this new technology, you and I would not be able to communicate in the manner in which we do today, and companies would not nearly be as productive as they are today. Our acceptance of the PC made it possible for the high-tech industry to continue to invest in new ideas and technologies, reaching the point where computers today are less costly, much faster, smaller, and more powerful then ever. Win-win-win? You bet.
The very same economic forces apply to the Volt and its technology. If America were to accept the vehicle, despite the fact that it is more costly compared to current alternatives, the price of the Volt would fall dramatically — and General Motors would continue to invest in the R&D of Voltec technology.
On the other hand, if we do not accept the Volt and its technology, then why should GM continue to invest in it? America has the opportunity to be at the forefront again… but make no mistake — this will not happen if we do not recognize and support great, innovative products. After you watch this commercial, think long and hard about what kind of country you want to leave to your grand-children. You have the ability to change their lives right now.
This article is part of the GM Authority Opinion Desk series, where you can see exactly what’s on the minds of the GM Authority crew.
Comments
Sounds great. You start!
Unfortuantly it is about politics
Conservitives want GM to be Orange County Choppers
Liberals want GM to go away so a foreign company, anny foreign company can lead the way.
Color me a PROGRESIVE.
Progresive’s want GM or anny American based company, to do modern, responsible, leading edge technology so that the US can stand proud on the world stage.
Annybody can make tonnes of cash traiding stocks and bonds or by selling insurance, but there’s more Pride to be had by building things people want and need and that serve them well.
One has always use the computer industry to illustrate future development in EV&Battery, let me tell you this: LiTS2 is the battery of 1972, its capacity is ~235 mAh/g, and today’s best NCA based battery has a capacity of 190 mAh/g, so an 100,000,000 increase from 235 to 190? What a joke!
Anyone who has that thinking is only going to be taught a lesson, maybe you should invest in HEVV, VLNC and AONE. I am a battery scientist/PhD with >15y experiences!
Since not everyone here is a battery scientist, would you mind using laymen’s terms?
Gas prices will sell Volts. GM came out today with the first of it’s Volt user testimonial cmmercials. A woman named Priya stands in front of a Volt and says “Buy a Volt, you’ll save a crapload!”
Against Prius, the Volt is swimming upstream. We have to remember that this Volt is first generation – remember the first gen Prius? I see them on the road and they’re a tiny little econobox – and it didn’t sell well. Today Prius is a brand soon to be with four models. If GM learns as much with second gen Volt as Toyota did with first gen Prius – then Volt and Voltec will be with us for a grand long time.
If recent claims are true re: battery tech improvement, the 2nd Volt will be a wonderkind that fairly overshadows gen 1. Also, GM already makes a balance-shaft 3 cyl. which would be perfect for Volt’s gas generator unit. Volt’s lead engineers admitted in SAE’s Volt book that the 2.4 liter off-the-shelf unit was a compromise. Volt ( soon-to-be ) competitors such as Fusion Energi, and PIPrius are already touting “longer range than Volt”. This will all fade away if 2nd gen Volt gets 55 miles AER and 55mpg.
Nice article. The problem really is the cost though, you can’t expect to have wide spread adaptation for a vehicle that costs $40k, plain and simple. But Gen 1 Volt wasn’t about wide spread adaptation, it’s about blazing a trail, long as it sells over 20k units in the US per year and hopefully 45k worldwide, it will be fine until Gen 2, where as James stated, they need to reduce the cost and increase AER to around 55 and get 55 MPG in CS mode. Do that and the Volt will be light years ahead of anything else on the road.
Kind of silly to pin the Volt’s future on “acceptance.” The PC was “accepted” because it could do something other machines could not do. The problem for the Volt is that there are cars in the same class for half the price. If there were no such cars and all other alternatives were 40+ K$, then the Volt would be quite popular, the alternative being a bicycle. As it is, the Volt is purchased by those interested in a novelty item — a rather small market. When it comes down in price, buyers will be there to meet a transportation need.
I lived through the PC arrival. The first IBM PC had 16 KB of RAM, a monochrome screen and a cassette interface for $2,500! There were many cheaper computers (and some had color screens) but none had what this PC had. It was very expensive in April 1981 (I had one on loan from the local IBM branch) , but IBM jumped into the market with the 8088 because it has a 16-bit architecture versus the 8-bits of the CP/M and TRS-DOS machines of that year. This allowed the CPU to handle up to one MB of memory (64 KB was the standard maximum), has a well designed bus, and used a special BIOS in its ROM that searched its memory range for other ROMs with the needed microcode to handle any added adapters. Today all Pcs and Macs use this principle to load up drivers (Plug and Play) and allows any new OS (Windows and Linux-based) to come up with minimum problems.
IBM set the standard for all modern personal computers and it is still the world leader for large and midrange computers (ddi you watch the “Watson” computer beat two human champions at “Jeopardy!” last year?). So GM, which is now a world leader again, has created a new “PC” example of a vehicle which is expensive, but has jump-started the EV age again, and every other manufacturer is now joining in. Give GM a break and let the EVs take our roads. As expensive as the first PC was, the newer models will have better prices. If IBM killed off the first PC following your complains that it was a “novelty”, none of us would be using computers as cheaply as we are doing now! Both the IBM PC and the Chevy Volt are American ideas, and both deserve the respect and support of all Americans!
Raymond
Jim – Sounds like you weren’t one of the early PC buyers in 1980 because at the time, they couldn’t do a whole lot!
Actually, in 1980 I was a process engineer, and most “end user” computing applications at the time resided on mainframes. In 1981, I joined a division responsible for evaluating personal computers, what were then considered “engineering workstations.” Purchasing decisions were made based on cost/benefit, just like everything else. I think it was at least a decade before I could justify one in my home for personal use. For me, the electric car is likely to take a similar course. I’ll accept it when it meets my transportation needs at a price that makes sense.
Fair point Jim!
@Jim
I have to disagree when you say there are cars in the same class for half the price – Can you name one?
By class you must mean size and type – the only other car I know of that can use no gas at all for 40+ miles, then switch seamlessly to gas is a Fisker Karma. The Karma’s
MSRP is well over twice that of a Volt and just had a hefty price increase. Adding insult to injury, the Karma gets a measely 25mpg in CS mode!
Ford is asking over $40k for a Focus EV with no range extender and it’s 2013 PHEVs may have equally ridiculous pricing.
Other cars, trucks and SUVs that sell for far more than Volt still cannot do what Volt does. At 4-5 bucks per gallon, the Volt looks more and more the bargain.
I believe strongly enough in the Voltec model that I’m going to put my money where my mouth is and lease one within the next couple of months. I can save nearly $200/month in energy costs (yes, I’ve factored in electricity) driving a Volt (thanks to workplace charging) which put the cost of ownership right around that of a Cruze…but I would never buy a Cruze. It’s too bland and there’s nothing “special” about it. The Volt stands out for it’s EV range capabilities and overall technological innovation. it’s not in the same “class” as a Cruze, despite being built on the same platform. Just like the Volt is not in the same class as the Prius. The Volt is more car, with more sophisticated technology. Therefore, it’s worth more to me. The only reason why I’m not going to purchase one is because I see battery technology making great strides in the next 5 years and I don’t want to be stuck with semi-obsolete technology. In three years I want to be able to choose from the best of what’s new at that time, so the lease keeps my options open. I’ll probably purchase Gen II, even if the prices is still $35-$40. From here forward, one vehicle in my household fleet will either be an EV or an EREV.
The “half the price” comment obviously considers only capital cost, and the “same class” obviously refers to the footprint outside of performance issues. They are reasonably close in other aspects, at least not the Cadillac versus Chevy spread that one would expect in that kind of price difference.
Factoring in the operating cost, fuel has to be quite a bit more than the current price for break-even. But the biggest factor to me is the maintenance cost long term. The Volt essentially has two engines, and on the electric side the battery replacement costs are an unknown. There might be improvements in the batteries, but it might be on the performance side and not the cost side. But then the gas engine/power train could be the limiting factor on the car’s life, as it usually is in my experience. We just don’t know yet, and like most new things, there will likely be hidden problems that become unveiled. That makes the initial high capital cost risky. Jeremy might have the right answer in leasing, but that is not for me. I like to drive vehicles that I own, and that are not financed. It’s the way I believe in living.
Now suppose that battery development does improvement quickly. That could eliminate the need for the gas engine entirely, so the car might rapidly depreciate. The Volt may be award-winning, but the offerings from Toyota and Honda probably make more sense at the current time. Unfortunately for me, these Asian brands are uncomfortable, and they don’t support use of the roof. I would certainly consider a Chevy if GM offered something like the Prius with a little more power and in a body style that fit my needs. As for the Volt, the sales figures seem to support the notion that the general public just isn’t going to throw that kind of money down up front.
What are you babbling about!
8 yr, 100,000 Voltec Warranty- 0 Out of pocket! So If you normally plan your next used car purchase 7 years in advance, not to worry !
Quite frankly, pal, the lease is the best way to go.
http://www.chevrolet.com/volt-electric-car/
Most drivers, owners and lessors, some 26,000,000 miles so far in the wild are reporting over 900 miles between filling up the 9.3 gallon gas tank!
http://www.voltstats.net/
Final thought…Amazing Chevy Volt Extended Range Electric Vehicle at $349.00 net lease less $200.00 a month not spent on gasoline equals a Net Cost to Drive of $149.00 a month or $37.50 a week Net Cost to Drive!
Wow!
The Amazing Chevy Volt EREV-Facts Guy
twitter.com/amazingchevvolt
Would you guys that ar sitting on the fence reconsider a Volt purchase if GM gave all Gen I buyers (including those who currently own one) a 25% discount coupon towards a Gen II Volt?
Heck yes.
Well said
Just received two sold VOLTS today!
Hope to see mine soon.
Keep up the good work.
Check out “The Charging Station” at http://www.waterlooautomall.com
I’ve had my Volt since the beginning of December. One of the best purchases I have ever made. I have driven almost 5,000 miles and I still have 1/2 a tank left. According to OnStar I am averaging over 1,000 mpg and counting. It would be a good dealer higher, if it wasn’t for the drive home from the dealership.
I waited for almost 1/2 a year for the car and it was well worth the wait. My first reaction when I test drove the car last March was “This is a Chevrolet?”
It is a lot of fun to drive, and has instant torque. Much faster than a Gen II Prius I drive for a few weeks.
My only complaint is the commercials that GM puts out for the Volt. They could be a lot better.
Confess I haven’t read every comment, but the ones I did read seemed to miss the Volt’s point entirely. I own a Volt. I haven’t bought a gallon of gas in more than a month, and I’ve driven over 2300 miles. NAME ONE OTHER CAR THAT CAN GIVE YOU THAT FOR UNDER 40K! The Volt is certainly a NEW technology and no other car can do what it does. I worried about the price. I worry about the mechanical life of the Voltec. But right now I can assure you I am very happy with the car and have very high hopes for its future. Given the amount of advertising from the oil companies I see on TV, they’re worried about something! I think its that electric cars are here to stay!
Well for me the lady in the Volt commercial is correct. I drove 6,500 fun miles in 2011 with my Volt and paid $100 for gas and $190 on electricity. Best part is when I get to charge for free at some locations. Can anyone get free gas? But by all means keep buying gas – I own Exxon Stock. Saving money while making money can’t get better than that.
We will see in 5 or 6 years whether the Volt is competitive — after these cars reach 100 K+ miles. If it is, then it could be the next car that I purchase following the one I’ll make this year or next. Hopefully by then GM will have the technology in a wagon or small CUV, which I think will become increasingly popular to replace SUVs as incomes decline in the U.S.
Are you ready for what is about to land?
http://www.viamotors.com/
twitter.com/amazingchevvolt
The Volt should be very inexpensive to maintain. Most people don’t even own a car for 8 years, so I think the argument of having to replace the battery is weak at best. At 9 years, the battery may not be able to provide 25-35 miles or range, but it will probably still provide 20-30 miles which is pretty damn good and will still provide most drivers with excellent composite mpg.
With my driving schedule, I probably wouldn’t have to change the oil during the life of the car, if it wasn’t for various contaminates and moisture that build up over time whether you use the engine or not. I’ll probably put less than 600 gasoline miles on it per year!!! Much less if we take my wife’s car on long trips. Most used Volts will probably have the equivalent of 70%++ less hours on the engine vs. and ICE car with the same vehicle miles traveled….
As the battery ages, the ICE simply picks up more of the slack…still getting 40 mpg on the hwy mind you. I think the Volt has the potential to age very gracefully…at least from an electrical/mechanical standpoint.
OK, I’m convinced. Ready to buy. Please point me to the dealership with the Volt Wagon equipped with the sport rack for my kayak. You heard the deal first here at GM Authority.
I’m 100% behind you on that one Jim. I know it’s expensive, but GM needs some variants. CUV or wagon please!!
I’m a “wagon” guy. Can’t beat the utility. That’s one of the gripes I have with the Volt is that I’ll be giving up some cargo capacity compared to my Saabaru 9-2X wagon. Oh and I won’t be able to tow my small motorcycle trailer because you can’t put a hitch on Volt as far as I can tell.