"The Volt" May BE SCRAPPED!- NEVER BUILT!!

[Christ]

Originally Posted by MadisonMPG

I can get 250 mpg out of a scooter, but it won't be as safe as a car. My Geo gets 55 mpg, but it isn't comfortable or safe on the highway. I can't really explain what i'm saying i'm too busy with schoolwork.

No, that's cool.

I know you can get insane mileage with a scooter, but there were CARS back then, comparable to the other models in the era, that could obtain nearly 40 MPG, and some were even better. Ask Jay Leno. He'll tell you.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Sure, but to belabor the obvious, if most of your driving is 3 hour road trips, you don't buy a Volt. If most of it's 20-40 mile daily commutes, you might.

That's not even considering further improvements, as for instance the Stirlec, where you have a highly efficient but unsuited to direct automotive use Stirling engine driving the internal generator.

Yes, you've definitely made the obvious point, there. The problem is that, while WE may not do those things, others will.

We need to remember that we are not the norm, here. The average person lacks the common sense (obviously) to ascertain that it may be more efficient to drive something else for different types of trips. I can quantify this by putting my Father in Law in the line of sight. This guy can't even figure out that it takes him just as long to walk to the store next door as it does to drive!

[me and my metro]

I am sorry because I love the idea of an electric car. I drive 30 miles one way to work, I actually work for the local power company and could recharge one at work. I drive a 91 Metro with an economy cam, +10 gear from 3-tech and a 3.79 final tranny. I am installing a/c to make my summer commute more comfortable. I am also installing an 89 xfi computer to this car to see if it helps. June - September 3200 miles average 52.4 mpg. not too bad for a car running E-10 gas. My car payment is so my wife can drive our 06 Navigator. Last trip to Reno got over 19 mpg. I can't justify a BIG car payment for a non-existant electric car.

[Johnny Mullet]

It's funny how a lot of TV ads have been advertising GM cars getting better fuel mileage than one of their biggest competitors.............. Toyota

Gm probably figures...........

"Why build an EV when we are already beating the competition in fuel mileage?"

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

"Why build an EV when we are already beating the competition in fuel mileage?"

...as my Dad would say: "...that's great for TODAY, but what are you gonna do for TOMORROW?"

...one (hyphenated) word: short-sightedness.

[Frank Lee]

As an American, I want my instant gratification and I want it now. There is nothing else.

[gone-ot]

...give me ALL my tomorrows TODAY, or I'll tell Daddy (Uncle Sam).

[bennelson]

[QUOTE
Gm probably figures...........
"Why build an EV when we are already beating the competition in fuel mileage?"[/QUOTE]

Johnny is exactly right. That's the same reason you will never see a flex-fuel hybrid. Both flex-fuel and hybrids bring up a company's CAFE numbers, so they only do what is needed by law to make the numbers work.

One part of GM fought like crazy against the EV-1, while another part was building it.

Car culture and our political environment have changed enough that I think EVs will take off this time around, but we shouldn't be shocked by big companies FAILING to produce them.

My frustration with the big manufacturers to produce ANYTHING EV is what lead me to build my own EV.

Guess what? It cost about $1300 to build. I paid cash for everything (no car payments or interest!) and had lots of fun learning how to make it all work.

Yes, it has daytime running lights, airbags, all those things. Yes, my wife will even drive it. Yes, it uses lead batteries, not some fancy futuristic/non-existant ones.

It's surprising how frustration can become a fuel for creativity. Still, I would much rather try something new, and at least work for positive change, than sit around, feeling powerless, and then disappointed when someone ELSE doesn't do something (such as produce the Volt)

[gone-ot]

...classic battle of Lawyers vs. Engineers!

...second, only to, battle of Engineers vs. Bean-Counters!

[Christ]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...classic battle of Lawyers vs. Engineers!

...second, only to, battle of Engineers vs. Bean-Counters!

I say screw 'em all, do your own thing.

Legally, you can copy any patent for personal use. Don't sell it or distribute it, and you're safe.

If you wanted to build your very own VOLT, you could probably find the measurements and abstract information necessary to do so through the patent office and GM's PR releases. It would cost you some money, but it may be worth it to you, if you really want a VOLT, because it's probably the only way you'll get one.

Frankly, I'd rather build the EV1. Beautiful, they are.