GM to offer 100% battery powered Volt (no engine/generator) - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MetroMPG · 01-14-2010, 09:37 AM

Bob Lutz has said that GM will build a battery-only version of the Volt.

Probably in response to the small number of hard core EV fans who have been debating how much weight they could save by yanking out the ICE, generator, fuel tank, cooling system...

Quote:

Lutz wouldn’t say when such a car would hit showrooms, but noted the process for building it would be “technologically trivial,” and just a matter of removing the range extender and expanding the battery pack.

“Once you’ve done the Volt, pure electric is trivial. You just leave some parts out,” Lutz said.

ABC News via GM-Volt.com

dcb · 01-14-2010, 09:50 AM

I don't think they should wait to sort out the hybrid volt range extender before releasing an electric volt. I'm sure EPA and other regulatory crud surrounding the gasoline components can add serious delays.

Daox · 01-14-2010, 10:19 AM

What? Why would they do that dcb?!? That might make sense!

NeilBlanchard · 01-14-2010, 11:09 AM

Amazing! If they do a straight exchange of weight and/or space of the ICE, the generator, the cooling system, the fuel tank, exhaust, etc., I wonder what the range would be?

They will have to develop an additional battery enclosure.

dcb · 01-14-2010, 11:21 AM

yup, even if it does a boost conversion to supplement the main pack, a bolt in battery block would be an obvious upgrade.

rgathright · 01-14-2010, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

..

They will have to develop an additional battery enclosure.

Hmm... that will require approval of both the House and Senate.

Then calculating in consulting fees and building a new plant in China...

The new enclosure should cost just under $5,001.3234334~

RobertSmalls · 01-14-2010, 06:57 PM

If they do a cost-equivalent BEV version of the Volt, what'll it have, 55 mile range instead of 40?

KITT222 · 01-14-2010, 08:31 PM

The BEV Volt may come a few years after the EREV/Series hybrid Volt. The batteries would probably take the place of the ICE, fuel tank, and other components that are left out. May get the Volt to a 100 mile range, but I'm not certain on that. Hopefully there will be some new wheels on the BEV Volt.