Comments on: GM’s Hybrid Battery Story Called Into Question

By: carLover

carLover — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:30:34 +0000

Problems usually arises when new models are already out especially to things like these with just limited research. One manufacturer release this kind of concept then the other will have their own too. I've heard this one in some Ford News before. But be sure these manufacturers will get the best solution for this problems because people really make a way to get this hybrids.

By: ex-EV1 driver

ex-EV1 driver — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:15:29 +0000

Hybridguy,
Thanks for your sharing your clearly enlightened information about the EV1. I drove 'mine' for 3 years and never realized it was a POS.
I believe that the patents that were sold to GM were the patents on the NiMH batteries only.
GM's apathy and indifference towards hybrids clearly has paid off with an inferior product. They proved that hybrids are just as bad as EVs. Funny, it's only GM hybrids that seem to be having battery problems.
Too bad for GM that Ford, Honda, and Toyota didn't realize that hybrids were a bad idea.

By: LR

LR — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 01:53:38 +0000

Be careful with facts:
Motiva is a 50/50 joint venture between Royal Dutch Shell and Aramco. Motiva owns 3 refineries in the US and markets fuels. Chevron does not own Motiva and Motiva has no ownership in Chevron. Texaco used to be a 35% owner of Motiva before Chevron bought Texaco in 2003.

By: Tagamet

Tagamet — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:13:45 +0000

Robert Ritchie
For God's sake Get OVER it! Life's too short and hanging onto anger forEVER will eat you up from the inside.
Buy a Volt when it comes out (g)

By: Robert Ritchie

Robert Ritchie — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:38:28 +0000

The Tennessean recently reported that Nissan manufactures a hybrid verison of one its cars but they are only sold acroos the U.S in those states that have very strict environmental/air quality laws such as California and some of the northeastern United States — residents of Tennessee (you might also include the many local and state governments across the Volunteer State) cannot purchase the Niissan hybrid that is being manufactured within their own state!!!

By: Robert Ritchie

Robert Ritchie — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:32:28 +0000

Yes, Indigo that is correct about Chevron --- the information was actually featured within the documentary motion picture "Who Killed The Electric Car?"

However, "Who Killed The Electric Car?" failed to track the corporate "pedigree" ownership of Chevron:

1) Chevron (and Texaco) controlled in large part by Motiva Enterprises;

2) Motiva Enterprises controlled by Saudi Aramco.

Upshot: GM sold this then advanced hybrid/plugin battery technology to the Saudi Royal Family.

I am so pissed at GM management...

By: Bryce

Bryce — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:14:01 +0000

Coincedentally……GM is the company that makes those Hybrid busses. Just a little fun factoid that might make u hate them less. : )

By: JJ

JJ — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:22:04 +0000

It would be nice if it was that easy

By: hybridguy

hybridguy — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:01:34 +0000

Will you people let the EV1 die. It was a POS. And which patent pray tell did they sell? The patent on the whole car? Give me a break. Why would any struggling automotive company bow to an oil company who is making billions by tanking a gem electic car? I know I know, it's the on going conspiracy that American automotive manufactures have with the Arab oil empire. I forgot.

If GM can not find a 48 V NiMH battery system works, what makes you think that they can find a 300 V lead acid system that works? And for a record, an electric vehicle is not a cure all. It is still a dirty process. Pretty much making anything is. But I guess if the factory isn't in your backyard there's no problem. But is it ok if they dump the used batteries in your yard?

The only real solid cure for our transportation pollution problems is driving less and walking more. Stop hiding in the burbs and buying giant SUVs made for 8 that only carries 1. Get on a bus. A HYBRID bus. Do more of that and less blaming giant inanimate organizations and do something yourself.

By: jak42

jak42 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:23:55 +0000

For around $100 you can get the about same mpg improvement that GM’s mild hybrid system gets for $3000 with the Enerpulse spark plugs. I got four for my 2002 Prius and it increased my gas milage by around 2 mpg and greatly improved the acceleration and torque. The 2002 Prius, unlike the post 2004 model, is a real dog when it comes to acceleration, but with the new plugs, it accelerates like a real car.