GM should have used a diesel for the VOLT

Bio-D would be cleaner and the torque that a diesel makes works better than a gasser , also when doing a generator setup where the engine rpm is constant with a constant load a diesel is even more eff. then normal.

1.4 liter (140hp) gasser and it only gets 300 miles on a 12gal tank thats only 25 mpg

Diesel 1.4 liter could easly get 50+ mpg heck my Jetta (2.0L) pushing a 3500 lbs car at different loads gets 42 mpg hwy and 37 city (tested fillups)

40 mile = no tailpipe + 600 range B99 = nearly no tailpipe emissions with proper NOX controls which on a generator at a static load is easily achieved.

 

I'm wondering how hard GM's going to make it to change charging engines. Is the input torque and speed for the generator going to be publicly available? I can see some enthusiasts swapping gas for diesel or even gas turbine (probably need a reduction gear for that). How about a CNG fueled vehicle (probably won't even need to swap engines for that, just some injectors and the fuel system).

 

Isn’t flexibility the point of the volt? Swap a E85 for a diesel, or a hydrogen (if every viable). GM has options to take the lead. Imagine a car that can be fueled by 4 different fuels. Now that’s flexibility! Of course if it slows down development, I’ll just stick with the duel fuel (gas and electricity). I drive an ‘05 Passat TDI which I love. Don’t be so quick to opt for the same old, because I’ll never go back.