Comments on: Top Five Insights from Our First Drive of Chevy Volt

By: Bill H

Bill H — Wed, 26 May 2010 05:42:51 +0000

I use a fuel preservative in my motorcycle when I store it over the winter. If you found that because of your driving habits that you were using very little gas then this fuel preservative could be added at every fill up. However gas will stay good for a few months when stored in large quantities, over 20 liters. Make sure that you buy good quality gas with additives as opposed to econo gas or gas with ethinol as it has a shorter life.

By: bernard christensen

bernard christensen — Sat, 22 May 2010 13:42:50 +0000

hope we get them in Canada soon.

By: JG

JG — Sat, 22 May 2010 04:12:02 +0000

I chose the Prius over the Fusion for 3 reasons:

1) I wanted the highest MPG vehicle available.
2) The Prius's hatchback design provides for much more flexible cargo space.
3) Price.

From what I have heard, the Fusion hybrid is a great car, but there is no one car that is the best for everyone.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 21 May 2010 02:16:53 +0000

"I would still rather have a Prius or Camry Hybrid" - Dave Black

That's only because you haven't driven the Fusion Hybrid yet!

We're a three-car family, Prius (grandma), Camry Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid. All of us are in violent agreement: Fusion Hybrid, no contest.

Why? The Fusion is easily the most well mannered, quiet, smooth, and luxurious of the three. It's hybrid system is also capable of besting even the Prius in the heavy stop-and-go driving in Washington Metro due to its superior motor/generator hybrid system. And the electronics? The Ford Hybrid Sync system is a true joy for any technology freak.

By: usbseawolf2000

usbseawolf2000 — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:04:22 +0000

Volt's gas engine will turn on if:

- The hood is open
- The battery pack is too cold
- Every 60 days

By: DownUnder

DownUnder — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:18:45 +0000

Can't wait for the Volt be on sale and then compare it against the Prius at the time (may be the next gen) to see which one is the winner, taking into account space, usability, etc

By: ex-EV1 driver

ex-EV1 driver — Thu, 20 May 2010 04:26:12 +0000

@Samie,
One good thing about the Volt baseline is that if a future battery technology comes along with good specific energy density (Wh/kg) or energy cost ($/Wh) without sufficient power density (W/kg) to give the car good performance, it can simply replace the ICE in the 1st generation volt, using the 1st generation battery to get good performance.
Likewise, should other alternative energy storage mechanisms, such as fuel cells or turbines, which also lack power density but have good energy density become slightly feasible, the Volt platform can be a good, flexible starting place.

By: ex-EV1 driver

ex-EV1 driver — Thu, 20 May 2010 04:21:29 +0000

@Dave Black,
May I ask why you think you’d prefer the Camry or Prius? Do you like having to buy gasoline all the time?

By: MrEnergyCzar

MrEnergyCzar — Thu, 20 May 2010 01:23:19 +0000

In charge sustaining mode the generator powers the electric motor directly (not through the battery first) to move the wheels ….the generator also charges the battery to keep it maintained at the pre-set state of charge level, 30% approx…..most articles miss this point of what the generator actually does…

By: Samie

Samie — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:20:27 +0000

I agree ex-EV1 driver about your historical perspective, as humans we like to keep running into brick walls before the light comes on..., but I have to say the author of this story was just being a bit cautious as should all journalists do in their reporting. Maybe I am too optimistic and hopeful but, if markets are allowed to innovate (unlike the old EVs) the future for batteries and renewable energy that powers the vehicle is endless!

I know I am getting ahead of myself but what will the next generation Volt look like? Will it continue to have a gas powered generator with say 100 miles of pure electric capacity or will battery tech improve enough to make the Volt a pure EV? Anyways a good re-start by GM and hopefully they will devote more money in advancing this vehicle as a true leader of next generation cars, instead of old over-hyping marketing schemes that could leave the Volt underfunded. Say what you will about Toyota but over time through development, the Prius became a world class car and this is what GM must do with the Volt.