Thoughts from the Curb

Sep 24, 2008 - 2011 Chevy Volt : Another Strike Against It?

As reported by Inside Line yesterday, the Chevy Volt's small gasoline engine will not replenish the batteries as originally described. Instead, after the 40-mile battery range is tapped out, the gas engine will essentially replace the battery as the electric motor's power source. This is different from what GM originally said, but technically consistent with their statement that said "a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery." Sustaining therefore means that no additional power is drained from the already drained batteries. Not since Bill Clinton pondered what the definition of is is has there been a bigger technicality.

Perhaps it's not a big deal, but this seems to be another issue with the Volt -- and it's still two years away. Was it really a good idea to leak so much info so soon? At this rate, the Volt could be old, disappointing news by the time it eventually hits dealers. If so, that would be terrible shame.

UPDATE 48 HOURS LATER: Oh for Pete's sake. 2 days later and shazaam, GM contradicts their own story. Apparently, the gas engine will recharge the battery a bit, but never to the extent that it could fully recharge the battery. 2 days from now, we'll find out that the gas engine is only used to make a vroom sound to alert blind people at intersections. Sheesh.

-James Riswick

2:44 pm | Categories: car news commentary Permalink | Alert Administrator

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