Autoblog Green

LA 2009: Bob Lutz keynote: "The automobile industry simply can no longer rely on oil"

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, GM, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, LA Auto Show

The news from Bob Lutz's opening keynote address for the LA Auto Show was that GM would be working with some California utilities to test a fleet of 100 Volts. But there was a lot more delivered in that speech and, in the best Lutz-ian tradition, the message was clear and simple: the Volt is GM's most important product. Oh, and he would not be addressing the abrupt resignation of GM CEO Fritz Henderson.

At times, Lutz sounded like a regular ABG reader, name dropping Fisker and Coda and saying he was thankful to Tesla Motors for "furnishing the proof that was needed by those of us who championed the Volt in the corporation that other people believed in lithium-ion technology as well." Now that pretty much every automaker has at least a small li-ion project, he feels vindicated for his early support of the Volt, even though he apparently took some heat for it back then. How confident is he? He said that he predicted that the market for plug-in vehicles would be about 250,00-300,000 in five years, with maybe half of those being GM vehicles. Read on after the jump to find out more about what Maximum Bob had to say.

Continue reading LA 2009: Bob Lutz keynote: "The automobile industry simply can no longer rely on oil"

LA 2009: Bob Lutz keynote: "The automobile industry simply can no longer rely on oil" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: GM announces 100-vehicle Volt test fleet for utilities in California

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:51:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, GM, LA Auto Show

During Bob Lutz's keynote speech kicking off the LA Auto Show this morning, he announced that GM would bring a fleet of 100 Chevy Volts to California in late 2010. GM will partner with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), the Sacremento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for this real-world test that is intended to help figure out what sort of charging network is needed in an area to help automakers introduce plug-in cars. Over 500 charging stations will be installed as part of the program. "This program will determine the best methods to accommodate an expanding fleet of electric vehicles from all OEMs," Lutz said. "This extended real-world study will allow us to make electric vehicles as good as they can be for our customers."

The U.S. DOE is providing a matching grant worth over $30 million for this program, and will get user data for their money. OnStar will provide feedback on how the Volts are used to GM, and GM will relay this data to the DOE. This program does not mean that the first Volts will be used only for fleets. The first customer deliveries are still scheduled to happen at around the same time. We'll have a more complete report on Lutz's speech up soon.

Our travel and lodging for this media event were paid for by the Auto Alliance.

LA 2009: GM announces 100-vehicle Volt test fleet for utilities in California originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, Chevrolet, GM, Green Daily, USA

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Undoubtedly, the Chevy Volt is one of the most hotly anticipated new model launches in Chevrolet's long and storied history, and it will likely be seen as a halo model of sorts for the entire General Motors lineup. As we saw first hand when we got the chance to slide behind the wheel of a preproduction Volt the other day, the car is well on its way to becoming a production reality, but actually getting the vehicle into the hands of customers will be another matter entirely.

According to a report from Automotive News, GM is currently in the process of selecting which markets will get first crack at the Volt when it finally goes on sale in just under one year's time. Chevrolet division President Brent Dewar said that the automaker is looking at a number of factors to determine those unannounced target markets, including the existence of an EV charging infrastructure and available tax credits. After this initial launch, the rest of the country's inhabitants will get its chance to see the USA in an electric Chevrolet.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viridian Joule picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Green Daily

2011 Chevrolet Volt in Viridian Joule - Click above for high-res image gallery

The votes have been cast, the tallies tallied and the winner determined: Viridian Joule will be the official name of the silvery-green hue as seen on a slew of Chevy Volt marketing material for what seems like the last decade or so. So, um, what does Viridian Joule mean? We'll let the winner himself, 40-year-old David Thomas of Sanford, Florida, explain:

I looked at the photo of the Volt on the contest web site and thought it looked emerald in color, which led to jewel and then to an alternate yet appropriate play on that word - joule.

We needed a bit more help, so we looked up the word viridian. So says Dictionary.com: a long-lasting, bluish-green pigment, consisting of a hydrated oxide of chromium. OK, fine. Joule wasn't so hard to figure out, but here's the definition anyway: a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere is passed through a resistance of one ohm for one second. So, there you have it.

Want to know more? Click past the break to read the official press release, and see the image gallery below for more views of a Viridian Joule Chevrolet Volt.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Viridian Joule picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest

Viridian Joule picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

Chevy Volts on 1,200 mile drive - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at ABG, we've been tracking the progress of the Chevrolet Volt since before the concept debuted in January 2007. Along the way we've spent plenty of time with various members of the Volt team and last spring we were among the first to drive the Cruze-based powertrain development mule. Later in August, we got take a ride in one of the pre-production prototypes with global chief engineer Frank Weber. As we head into next week's Los Angeles Auto Show, GM has crossed another threshold by allowing selected members of the media actually drive the IVER prototypes with the range extender mode enabled. We will get our own chance to drive on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. PST and we'll be doing some live streaming of the event thanks to Ustream and our snazzy new Droid phone. Join us on Sunday and ride along. Watch my twitter feed @samabuelsamid for updates on what's happening.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt 65% drive

Continue reading VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday!

VIDEO: Watch live as ABG goes for a first drive in the Chevy Volt this Sunday! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver controlled audio warning system with the blind

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, GM

As the popularity of hybrids has grown over the last few years, advocates for the blind have been raising a red flag about noise, or - more to the point - the lack of it. Because electric-drive vehicles emit much lower levels of sound on the street, blind pedestrians who've relied on the noise emitted from traditional vehicles lose a major source of information when navigating the streets and sidewalks.

There have been movements in various legislatures to mandate some minimum sound level from electric vehicles to ensure that blind pedestrians can tell when they're approaching, and General Motors recently conducted a test session at its Milford Proving Grounds with a group of the visually-challenged to assess the audible warning systems on the Chevrolet Volt.

The engineers have employed the car's horn to emit a series of warning chirps when a pedestrian is in proximity to GM's gas-electric hybrid, evaluating the nature and level of the warnings to alert pedestrians rather than startle them. GM spokesman Rob Peterson tells us that on the first generation Volt the warnings will be manually activated by the driver, although future iterations are likely to incorporate some sort of active system. Currently, the biggest hurdle is developing an active system that can distinguish a pedestrian from another vehicle. Otherwise, without a reliable detection system, the horns would be going off at all times, increasing noise levels and making it largely useless. Watch a video of the system after the jump.

[Source: ChevroletVoltage.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver controlled audio warning system with the blind

VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver controlled audio warning system with the blind originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volt battery life affected by hot weather, but 10 years means 10 years

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Green Daily

Chevy Volt - click above for high-res image gallery

During an information-heavy battery and technology update on the Chevy Volt's progress recently, GM said the following about the 16 kWh battery pack in the plug-in car:

"The biggest challenge in testing is hot-weather storage of the vehicle. Currently, ten years of battery life is the norm, but some people could get more battery life depending on the climate where they live and their driving conditions.

We understand that outside temperatures can have a big impact on how a battery operates and will affect the Volt as well, but the good news for Volt fans is that Green Car Advisor got it wrong. They said that hot weather Volt owners will get less than ten years of life from the pack, saying Volts in "many parts of the western and southern U.S." would not get "the normal 10-year life of the battery." Not true, says GM, which is confident that everyone will get 10 years from the pack. GM's hybrid and battery technology communication spokesman Brian Corbett told AutoblogGreen that, "in more moderate areas of the country, battery performance could last beyond 10 years. 10 years is our minimum target life for everybody."

[Source: GM via Green Car Advisor]

Volt battery life affected by hot weather, but 10 years means 10 years originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, USA

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

On November 30th, hundreds of middle school students and teachers will assemble at the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, along with untold thousands of their electronically-linked peers, to take part in a giant show-and-tell webcast featuring that upcoming electric car with the built-in range extender, the 2011 Chevy Volt. While none of the students are likely to buy a Volt (or any car, for that matter) when it becomes available next year, "Today's middle school students are tomorrow's leaders," according to GM, and so they feel it is important to educate the kids about the increasing role electricity will play in personal transportation.

The assembly, which is in support of the host school's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program, will listen and watch a presentation covering the basics of electricity and how it will transform the way we drive before taking part in a question and answer period. The appearance is only one of many that the Volt will be making while it's in town for the Los Angeles Auto Show. Official press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell

Chevy Volt to address America's school children in nationwide show-and-tell originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, USA

Chevrolet Volt pre-production IVER prototype - click above for high-res image gallery

We long ago had a chance to drive the Chevy Volt mule in all-electric mode, and more recently took a ride in the IVER (integration vehicle engineering release) version. We found the Volt's performance was rather impressive for a vehicle still under development. It was clear at that time that there was still room for improvement, though, and the question of how it would perform after the gas-powered generator kicked in remained unanswered since GM was not allowing anyone from outside the company to experience it. Would there be a sudden jolt of power during the transition or would it perhaps produce a howl reminiscent of the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz? Now it seems those questions are being addressed as GM has just started to allow media to drive the IVER and experience that change.

So how was it? According to Lindsay Brooke over at the New York Times, the initial moments, as the engine comes to life, are "inaudible and seamless." Very nice. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the sound suddenly surged as the car became cognizant that its battery was lower than desired and attempted to quickly return to its preferred level by revving itself up. Clearly, there is still some refining to be done. The overall impression was extremely positive though, the regenerative braking in particular garnering some amount of praise. We look forward to soon gripping the wheel for ourselves and giving you our in-depth reaction. Thanks to wincros for the tip!

Gallery: Quck Ride: Pre-production Chevy Volt

[Source: New York Times]

Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liquid propane injection for GM V8s now available from CleanFuel USA

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: GM

CleanFuel USA has introduced a new propane injection system for General Motor's 6.0-liter V8s. The GM small-block V8s are widely used in a vast array of both light and medium duty trucks, vans and buses.

The new injection system is designed to be retro-fitted to existing engines for fleet customers. CleanFuel USA expects to benefit from stimulus funding for cleaner commercial fleets. The Department of Energy will start awarding $33.5 million in grants in December of this year.

Like natural gas, propane is a popular option for commercial fleets, thanks to its low cost, clean emissions and efficiency. Because of the relative lack of propane filling stations, it is a viable option for fleets that operate out of a central depot where a propane tank can be located.

[Source: CleanFuel USA]

Continue reading Liquid propane injection for GM V8s now available from CleanFuel USA

Liquid propane injection for GM V8s now available from CleanFuel USA originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Government bailout does not mean EV mandates for GM, Chrysler

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, GM, Legislation and Policy

Dodge Circuit - Click above for high-res image gallery

GM and Chrysler may have gotten government help totaling almost $40 billion, but that money does not come with strings attached demanding that the two companies build electric or high-mpg cars. Government task force head Ron Bloom told Reuters that, "We obviously would be very happy if Chrysler and GM were making lots and lots of high mileage cars. It's not a prerequisite. It's not an obligation."

While the U.S. as a whole would benefit if the cars on the road were more efficient, the government's stance is understandably self-serving. The market for EVs isn't that big, and if the U.S. wants the loan money returned, they need GM and Chrysler to build vehicles they can sell. Another reason is that the government doesn't want to get involved in making specific business decisions, and is deferring to the management teams at both companies on these issues. Chrysler's team has decided to disband its ENVI group while GM keeps moving forward with the Volt program. One way the government can get cleaner cars to the market is to raise CAFE standards, which they did earlier this year.

[Source: Reuters]

Government bailout does not mean EV mandates for GM, Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

Chevy Volt going through a shake test as part of its durability evaluation - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors offered an update this afternoon on the current status of the testing and development of the lithium ion batteries for the Chevy Volt. Chief Engineer Andrew Farah and battery engineering group manager Bill Wallace provided a run down on the work done so far. Since work started in earnest on the production program in early 2007, GM has gone from two initial battery development partners (LG Chem/CPI and A123 Systems/Continental) to selecting LG Chem to supply cells. GM also decided to design and build the battery pack in-house rather than having CPI provide the finished pack.

Through the course of development, the team has learned that the battery management system is the key to extracting the best life and performance out of the battery. However, while the battery is the heart of the Volt, Farah emphasized that the goal was to create a great a great vehicle for customers, not just a battery on wheels. That means a lot of integration work has been necessary to incorporate the pack in the car, and develop the charge and battery management software. Read on after the jump.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt development update Nov 17 2009

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development

GM provides update on Volt vehicle and battery development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fans of the Chevrolet Volt have been waiting patiently for nearly three years now for the first extended range electric car to debut. Apparently a Columbus, Ohio Chevrolet dealer is looking to take advantage of that by putting up a listing on eBay claiming to have allocation of Volts. Jack Maxton Chevrolet is now taking deposits on the Volt a year before the first production models roll off the line in Detroit. There are problems with this. The current bid is at $1,525 but it's not clear from the listing just what that gets you. It could be the first position in line, if and when Maxton gets its Volts, but we can't say for sure.

Notice we said if Maxton gets the Volt. We checked with Volt spokesman David Darovitz about this and he told us that it's not certain that every Chevy dealer will get the Volt: "They must first go through a rigorous certification process" to ensure that they are ready to sell and service the electrically-driven compact and its battery. Darovitz also tells us that "Dealers have not been selected" at this time, and that includes Maxton Chevrolet. You might want to keep that in mind before placing your bid. Remember, patience is a virtue. Thanks to Nat for the tip!

[Source: eBay]

Caveat Emptor: Columbus, Ohio dealer taking deposits on Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Making Green Cool: GM, SEMA and Trendhunter chat up emerging green vehicle trends

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: GM

Biodiesel Caddy from SEMA 2007

What does it take to make green cool? When it comes to green cars, we can guess that GM might be interested in figuring out an answer to this question. Later today, GM will bring together Marissa Brassfield from Trendhunter.com, John Waraniak from SEMA and Adam Bernard, who works on competitive intelligence and trends for The General, to discuss the issue. Framed by two recent events, The Business of Plugging In and SEMA, the Q&A will go over "some very real trends emerging for green vehicles" and whatever else participants want to throw in. The chat happens this afternoon at 2 p.m. EST and you can participate by clicking here.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Making Green Cool: GM, SEMA and Trendhunter chat up emerging green vehicle trends

Making Green Cool: GM, SEMA and Trendhunter chat up emerging green vehicle trends originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM fuel cell boss explains that the technology needs to pass final cost hurdle to production

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, GM

General Motors fuel cell comparsion - click above to enlarge

It's no secret that General Motors remains committed to hydrogen fuel cells as a long term solution to zero emissions transportation. In this cause, GM is in league with many of the largest automakers in the world including Toyota, Honda, Daimler, and Hyundai. Recently we ran an editorial refuting some reports (including one of our own) about the cost of GM's fuel cell system. Charlie Freese, GM's executive director of fuel cell activities, has written a post on the Fastlane blog that expands on some of what we said regarding the cost of the fuel cell system used in the Project Driveway Chevy Equinoxes.

GM has revealed some of the specific details of the latest generation system compared to the four-year-old system used in the Equinox. Freese explains that the fuel cell system is now at a stage where the engineers are working diligently to reduce the cost and bring it to parity with more conventional systems, something that should happen in the next few years.

Gallery: General Motors Generation V fuel cell stack

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: GM Fastlane Blog]

GM fuel cell boss explains that the technology needs to pass final cost hurdle to production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM: Volt won't become a brand name

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Volt isn't scheduled to hit the market for another whole year, but there's so much anticipation for the vehicle that some are already asking if The General will try to make a brand out of the Volt name. The answer, according to Brent Dewar, Chevy's chief of global operations, is no:

Our thought is to take the Volt technology to other products... The Volt was the original vehicle that we started, but I wouldn't see that as a brand marketing direction for us.

While other models in GM's lineup are likely to get their own versions of the Voltec powertrain, those vehicles won't fall under the Volt brand name. Toyota, on the other hand, says it is considering extending the instantly recognizable Prius moniker to a whole family of hybrid vehicles that may include a smaller coupe and a larger MPV.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

GM: Volt won't become a brand name originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., EV/Plug-in, Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, LA Auto Show, Green Daily

Mazda Souga Concept from LA Design Challenge 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's iteration of the annual Design Challenge at the LA Auto Show asks the question: How will a new generation of drivers age 16-23 - raised with cell phones, web cams and online communities - emotionally connect to the automobile in 2030? We don't know the answer either, but at least six designers from some of the world's top automakers decided to give it a go with their own ideas. if you thought the Aptera was futuristic, check these out.

First up are the eSpira and eOra from Audi, which are controlled by thought and by the minutest adjustments to the pilot's body. Next we have the General Motors Car Hero... yes, the name is borrowed from the popular Guitar Hero line of games and the car, as you might imagine, "turns driving into gaming." What happens when the inevitable "Game Over" comes at the end? Moving along, we come to the Honda Helix, a shape-shifting vehicle that borrows actual DNA from its owner. Yuck, we don't want to be a car, we want to drive a car.

Which brings us to the Mazda Souga, easily our favorite out of this crop of concepts. This vision for the future would have each owner design his own car for the low price of $2,000 while paying an additional monthly usage fee that also covers the price of electricity to power the Souga.

Nissan's vision for the future includes cars that get their power from an electrically-charged roadway called the GRID, and the vowel-challenged V2G UNLMTD is quickly hacked into an OFF-GRID transportation device by the next breed of young hackers. Lastly, we have the Toyota Link. According to Toyota, future college students will have nearly no income and will rely on mass transit vehicles like the Link that allow them to interact via their various social networks on their daily commutes. Sounds boring to us, but what do we know?

Be sure to check out all six designs in our high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.

[Source: LA Design Challenge]

Continue reading LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live webchat with Frank Weber and Doug Parks today at 4pm

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

Frank Weber and the Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Frank Weber, who has served as the vehicle line engineer for the Chevrolet Volt program for the past two and an half years, is packing up his wife and kids and moving back to Germany next month. Before he leaves, though, he will be sitting down at the keyboard alongside his successor Doug Parks for a web-chat this afternoon. You can pose your questions on the latest status of the Volt program directly to the guys that have been and will be running the show.

Things are moving along rapidly on the program with a recently-completed 1,200 mile development drive and plans to let a contest winner drive the car in Los Angeles next month. Check out (and participate in) the chat after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Live webchat with Frank Weber and Doug Parks today at 4pm

Live webchat with Frank Weber and Doug Parks today at 4pm originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines

Chris Shunk — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, GM, Legislation and Policy

General Motors has been awarded $2.7 million by the Department of Energy to create a working prototype engine using Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). The idea is for the prototype to use SMA tech to capture heat energy from engine exhaust gasses via an electric generator and transfer that energy to recharge batteries for hybrids or electric vehicles.

SMA tech can also theoretically power electronic devices like power seats and windows in a standard gas- or diesel-powered car, perhaps even replacing the power-sapping alternator. The GM press release, which is pasted after the jump, doesn't go into much depth explaining how memory alloys work, but the basic principle is easy to understand.

"When you heat up a stretched SMA wire, it shrinks back to its pre-stretched length, and when it cools back down it becomes less stiff and can revert to the original shape" said Jan Aase, director of GM's Vehicle Development Research Laboratory. "A loop of this wire could be used to drive an electric generator to charge a battery."

While $2.7 million isn't a lot of coin in the realm of GM finances (the General seemed to shed about $2.7 million every ten minutes pre-bankruptcy) the grant was significant in that it was the only monies awarded by the DOE given to an automaker. GM is working with partners from outside the auto industry to make the concept a reality, a practice that the General says is imperative to get breakthroughs like this to market. No timetable was given as to when GM's SMA concept would see the light of day.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines

GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Editorial: Henderson's fuel cell 10X cost comments are out of context

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hydrogen, GM, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

The other day we reported on an interview with General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson published in the Washington Post. While most of the discussion focused on the bailout and bankruptcy, from the perspective of this site, the main items of interest were Henderson's responses to questions relating the to the cost of the Chevy Volt and hydrogen fuel cells. Much has been made of Henderson saying that the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell used for the Project Driveway program cost 10 times the Volt's approximately $40,000 price.

The problem here is that Henderson's numbers are taken out of context and mean nothing in and of themselves. This is a total apples to oranges comparison. The Volt is expected to carry a sticker price of somewhere around $40,000 at launch. That price will be reduced for customers by a federal tax credit of $7,500 along with whatever state incentives are available. However, that does not necessarily reflect the cost to build the extended range EV, which will likely be somewhat higher than $40k at launch. More important to this discussion is the fact that the Volt is also designed and engineered for mass production meaning that it is cheaper in all respects than the Equinox FCV. Keep reading after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt 65% drive

Continue reading Editorial: Henderson's fuel cell 10X cost comments are out of context

Editorial: Henderson's fuel cell 10X cost comments are out of context originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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