why ask martin? Is he the Program manager for GM?

Peace

 

The real answer is to build one yourself. There is a distinct difference between PowerPoint or Press Release engineering and a functioning, working vehicle. The problems are non-trivial. For those interested, it would be a heck of a lot easier to 'roll your own' from an existing hybrid or electric vehicle and then report the results, not the plans, the actual test results.

Bob Wilson

 

Bob, I must say that you are able to bring clarity to muddy waters

 

Sorry, I'm a little late to this party. For my two cents, GM's attempt to market vaporware (Volt) does not absolve them from burying a legitimate design. The "EV-3" (or 4) could have worked beyond the infrastructure issues. We're talking about recharging batteries here, not cracking hydrogen or putting a man on the moon.

Just my OPINION...

 

Yes, GM could have and still can produce a EV-2, EV-3, etc... type vehilce in a relativly short time frame.

The EV-1 as it was designed was great for it's purpose, but a bit limited.

They could have released the Volt by 2007-2008 if they had tried, but we will wait and see. In the interium, I bought a TCH and might buy the 2-mode Tahoe or such if it is all they claim it to be. If not, I will probably just get a fuel sucking 4runner.

Will I boycot GM because they have a habit of releasing cool vehicle they claim will be produced, but are never produced? No.

Do I think it is dumb? Yes.

Do I think we should cut Martin a bit of slack since he provides us with information none of the other manufacturers provide us? Yes.

Where is somebody from Toyota?

Where is somebody from Honda?

Lets listen to what he has to say, but lets not shoot the messenger.

 

So Martin is the Volt program manager then?

 

For what it's worth, once the Chinese hardware begins to hit our shores, GM will have to be moved to the ICU & put on life support.

 

The answer would surprise you. And that is NOT sarcasm.

 

So are you the program manager?

 

Karken & Ag4ever,

You both raise some very good points. Could more have been done sooner to level out the shortcomings of the EV-1? Probably. Could strong hybrids like the Tahoe, Yukon, and VUE 2-Mode vehicles have come to market sooner? Probably. It all comes down to prioritizing spending and human resources.

The downside (from a hybrid / EV enthusiast perspective) is that those activities apparently were prioritized behind Cadillac resurgence, complete Saturn makeover, Chevrolet portfolio turnover, Full Size Truck redo and development of the mid-size crossover products (Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave).

The upside is that they were still funded and resourced even during a time when several "industry watchers" were trying to predict the day and hour of GM filing for bankruptcy. I think that shows some commitment. The advanced projects were apparently funded and staffed at levels that did not threaten focus on maintaining strength with bread and butter programs and products and we're just now starting to see the product exit the development pipeline. The next couple years will be pretty exciting.

Peace,

James