Grab our RSS Feed
Comments Overloaded on Last Post
March 17th, 2008 | Posted in: General
We passed 525 comments on the last post and it seems to have overwhelmed the software.
Don’t worry all the comments entered so far are saved and I will get them back up. For now feel free to answer the questions on this thread.
Popularity: 2%
(5 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5) 
Loading ...
Posted by: Lyle
March 17th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
[...] COMMENTS Overloaded go to Next Post to [...]
March 17th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I like the idea of all the extra features but this should not drive up the vehicle costs. The car must be free of any bells and shistles that will drive up costs overall. If it is minimal then offer it as an option. Basically just seeing the mileage and elictricity usage is enough. We can calculate the rest and to get the chaeaper rates we can set a timer like I do with the lights to go on at a certain time when I know the rates will be lower. No need to complicate the car. The less complex the less that can go wrong and trouble free will be big. When the first Prius came out is was spartan "Toyota dealers own words" since they did not want to do too much. I suggest you follow this lead. Ultra effecient, ultra reliable at the lowest price is the key. Anything else is great but keep it from hurting the real keys too much. That’s my input.
Tommaso Vitti
March 17th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? In the vehicle.
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? Yes, but not much.
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. Yes.
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? Yes.
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? Yes.
Let third party OEMs or hackers do most of this "work" by plugging in their PDAs and laptops. Although some of it is fun, the average Joe isn’t going to want to pay a lot of extra for the bells and whistles, nor will they know how to use it.
Also, all of the online, Internet, email, Wi-Fi stuff isn’t all that useful when you think about it… All you really NEED is to know the DTE (distance till empty) and perhaps re-charge times. GM, please don’t go crazy here as much as I love my gadgets.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Please make it where it can be purchased, not just leased. I was disgusted by what happened to the last electric cars manufactured.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Never mind that fluff. Here’s what I want:
1) Actual available vehicle - not vaporware
2) Under 3500 lbs - not a freakin’ tippy behemoth
3) Wagon or microvan (think Mazda5) so I can actually haul stuff and people
Make it, and price it under $30,000, and I will buy it. Until then, I’m waiting on the Jetta Diesel Sportwagen, and wishing that the US auto market wasn’t so cretinous regarding fuel efficient vehicles.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Can we all calm down about price and electricity draw? This can be an option and can be activated by plugging in the car, so no battery draw.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
When the Volt comes out, people will be looking at it very closely. Why have too many gadgets? It would only invite recalls and displeasure. It doesn’t even make sense to be thinking about having routers and who knows what. Later when the batteries are better and when the car is more refine, that’ll be the time to add those extras.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Haha, we broke GM-Volt.com!!! Way to go Lyle on the continued success. People are just coming out of the woodwork now.
-Andy (long time lurker, part time commenter)
March 17th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Over 500 replies is huge. You have really touched a nerve with this one Lyle! I think the fact a real engineer wants to hear us is great, as well as a tribute to your site.
OK Mr engineer, it seems to me you are going about this all wrong. basically, I would not pay for any of your questions I want all that for free, or, not at all. What you need to do is show me how you can help me.
EG. During summer I would happily pay $5.00/month for the right to turn A/C on from my desk as I leave the office, supermarket, house, so I can have a cool car to get into after walking across the hot carpark. People in cold climates would probably pay for the right to turn the heater on. I would pay for real time tracking IF my insurance company gave me a discount on my premium. I would pay the monthly access fee to have connection to the web for foreign radio stations. Also the ability to download music should I chose too.
I used to work for a Telco in the mobile network section, so a telemetry chip could be built in very cheaply. Given GM can builds 9 million cars a year, over time you would become a VERY important customer to any Telco. You would get a rebate of all the data through traffic to/from the cars. Think Residual income. In the example mentioned before, you could make the Telco responsible for turning options on and off as the customer wants. Actually, for my cell phone, I can access my web page and turn services on and off as I want.
You would also get important data that you could use to generate more income eg traffic reports. Viral sales etc.
Automatic breakdown service would also be another thing I would pay a monthly fee for & the tow operators would pay YOU for the infomation that someone in their area needs help. Did I mention the residual income?
My power is a fixed rate so I would not pay for time of use charging, but others would. On this subject I current consult for wind farm development, so I can say power companies would pay their customers for the ability to know the SOC, next time the vehicle is needed, and the ability to vary charge rate. As a customer, I would happily pay some of the money I would make to have this option activated. I could talk about the saving to, expensive GAS fired, reserve generation etc. but you get the idea. Longer term stuff, sure, but easy to build in the hooks now. Also in the longer term I see the day you will have to provide frequency support, so start now!
I STRONGLY suggest you talk to Vestas Wind, as they have
"A 23 per cent market share, and 35,000 wind turbines installed, Vestas is the world’s leading supplier of wind power solutions."
More importantly, every single one of those turbines sends data back to HQ in real time. Hell, Vestas seems to see problems before we do.
Think, David has entered xyz destination in trip computer and we have xx cars in the way going nowhere fast (accident?), as part of his ‘monthly traffic advice fee’ we will suggest a route change.
I also want a usb port, and Wi fi. Did I mention the residual income???
Over time, done right, you should make much more money from the services area than from the one off car sale! Just like cell phones really. I think this a really great time to be GM. If you need more time, the gen II for this stuff is OK, do not delay production for this issue. I want a power plug as well.
Finally, I would also pay handsomely for a remote controlled ejection seat for daughters loser boy friend (joke).
March 17th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
March 17th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
The idea that I need to access via wireless how far I drive, the cost of electricity, etc. is not something I need or want to pay for. I would prefer knowing the health of my vehicle systems, the batteries, the tires, next maintenance, etc. Bring it all together on a user friendly display and I’m happy.
jay
March 17th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
i am installing solar panels to charge the vehicle and be independent of gasoline. 12 panels with an estimated output of 2 kW AC and an estimated production of 3480 kWh per year. this production will allow me to drive 40m per day, to work and back. my suggestion, make the state of battery charge (60%) when the internal combustion engine kicks on adjustable. if i am close to home, i can set it to 50%.same platform for a 2 seater commuter or 4 seater for those who need it. upgradeable, as new solutions are invented, the early models can be upgraded. thanks, vini
March 17th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Make a basic model and have upgrades available.
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? In the vehicle.
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? Yes, but not much.
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. [I would not want to pay for this but if it is packaged in software with the other stuff I don't care.]
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? Yes. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? Yes.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Where I live, Texas, the price of electricity does not change throughout the day or night. Just one flat rate. Therefore, I would not find a use for the option to charge during cheaper electricity rates.
Only suggestion I have is a "credit card" key that uses proximity awareness. And maybe each key you set the weight of the driver for that key so the car lines up weight with key. Then if driver wants in valet they do that in the car as they hand it over by toggling into valet mode on the cars dash. Could set a time limit and miles limit for it to be in valet.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I’d like to see durable, but accessible and replaceable components. An automotive cultural icon lasts because people can modify it to represent themselves personally, and they’ll stick up for it. A human tech resource resulted from the LA car culture, some was bogus, but some was gizmo paradise. that tech is modifiable and makes jobs.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Nate, the proximity access you refer to is a good idea. The remotes have a regular brass key in one end, usually where the key-ring goes through. That is used is case, the battery is dead, or some other unforseen circumstance. So a prox card wouldn’t be of any use in a time like that.
I like the systems that I mentioned in the other post, (Cadillac and Corvette) but the encryption rate would need to be bumped up dramatically.
March 17th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
The charging system should have a simple timer function but with a manual override (i.e. "Push here to charge immediately"). I charge my electric car (an AC powered series hybrid Toyota MR2) at work during the day for my drive home, so don’t focus too much on charging at night. The 5 kW-hrs I use isn’t enough for me to save anything on FP&L’s "time-of-use" plan anyway. But during the day my power is free; my employer donates the 4-5 kW-hrs per day as a fringe benefit (50 cents a day) and ideally employers could get some tax bread for installing a bank of solar panels. Keep the options simple or you’ll end up with a VCR menu that no one ever reads, understands or uses. Just leave some hooks for the hard core geeks to crack into to get complex data readouts.
March 17th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
OK, who among us has the time to compile all of these posts into a nice report for GM? Anyone?
March 17th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
The question needs to be qualified. I voted NO on the question because such data/control should never be available in a wireless form. I doesn’t matter how careful and thorough you think you are about the creation of such an access point, it will eventually be hacked. Such an interface should only be made as a plugin port.
March 17th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I think it is time for GM to step up to the plate and say exactly what they plan to build. In reading these almost 550 postings, it is apparent that everyone wants a vehicle designed, built, priced, warrantied, and serviced to their own personal desires. And everyone else is wrong (or a douchebag as I recall), if they do not agree.
GM can not please everyone with this first production vehicle. It is impossible. Just read what has been asked of them in the last 24 hours……
It is time to face the facts. With what we have been told to date, it will be a car, with four doors and room for four people. It should get 40 miles of AER, and then a small gas or E-85 ICE will kick in to run a generator to keep the batteries charged. It will probably be available with some options that can be added. The hope is that they might make up to three different models, which will basically be trim and options packages already included. I doubt that it will look much like the concept.
So if you are expecting a copy of the EV1, or a truck, or an SUV, or an all electric model, or room for 8, or the performance of a Corvette, or the luxury of a high end Benz when the first units roll out of the assembly plant, you are really just kidding yourselves. If those are features you really want or need, you will either have to buy something else, or wait for the next models to be introduced, which should happen quickly from GM or other manufacturers, once they see that the Volt will work as advertised.
And don’t forget that GM is only going to build 10,ooo units in the first year’s production starting in late 2010 and limit the geographic sales area, so I would expect that the majority of us are not even going to be able see a production Volt in person, let alone be able to purchase one……….
March 17th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
#9 NZdavid , love your ideas , but could we name the ejection seat the mother-in-law option !!!LOL WOW , you think people don’t care about their auto’s !!! GM get rid of the test groups, it looks to me that people all over the world will happily take time out of there busy day to give great input on a car we all feel was the ability to CHANGE the world , please for the sake of all are kid’s get this one RIGHT!!!!!
March 17th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Teaxas #18:
I tried to do that in post #414!!!!
When it comes back online take a look….
:)
March 17th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Happy St. Patricks Day everyone !!!!!
March 17th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Keep it as simple, light weight and fun to drive as possible.
No need for any data transfer devices other than an on board "distance to empty" and similar. A simple timer for charging would be easy and cheap to install at the wall plug in the garage.
If you can make the Volt for an affordable price, I may be convinced to give up my old 45mpg Geo Metro 5 spd. which is still fun to drive even after 160, 000 miles!
March 17th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? [In the vehicle.]
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? Yes, but not much.
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. [I would not want to pay extra for this .]
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? Yes.
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? Yes, but not much if this info is available elsewhere.
My biggest suggestion living in LA and marveling at how hot my current car gets even in March is a solar panel option. I’d pay much more for it. Speaking of the greenhouse effect heating my car, it would be nice if the window guard I am forced to put in my windshield were a solar panel also. Think how much more surface area would be possible if solar panels could slide down and cover all the windows.
Not only would you need much less energy to cool down the cabin, but it would demonstrate GM’s commitment to new tech to everyone that walked by it.
March 17th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Yea, some of these features are nice, however I have always had as a moto, "keep things simple", and in my work as a Software Engineer it has helped me develope top quality and effiecient deliverables to my customers. A majority of the time I am a concerned with a simple amount of feedback from my vehicle. In my opion keep the features simple and do not go overboard.
March 17th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
9NZDavid, 18Texas & numerous others……
David said, "Over 500 replies is huge. You have really touched a nerve with this one Lyle! I think the fact a real engineer wants to hear us is great, as well as a tribute to your site."
Texas said, "OK, who among us has the time to compile all of these posts into a nice report for GM? Anyone? "
I think one possible response might be, "We genuinely feel singularly honored, and privileged, that General Motors has invited us to NYC for this inaugural meeting of VOLT NATION! A record-breaking number of our members at gm-volt.com have just responded to a new topic offering, "Give Your Direct Input to GM’s Volt Engineering Team on Vehicle Data Options!" by overwhelmingly posting more suggestions in less than 24 hrs than ever before in our site’s history (well over 500)!!! We would therefore respectfully suggest that GM’s decision to design the Chevy Volt while seeking public input was excellent and precedent-setting …..as witnessed by the comment of an actual GM engineer building the Chevy Volt, who wrote, “I’m an enthusiastic reader of the gm-volt.com site” and “I’m trying to ensure that it’s (the Volt) got the best features that the customers’ want", which was the introductory premise that caused this record-breaking response. Thanks, General Motors, and we hope your Volt decision-makers, engineers and designers keep "checking our pulse" as the history-making work you’re doing progresses!!!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:03 am
PS: Could you please release a picture of the design freeze Volt interior and exterior to us???
:)
March 18th, 2008 at 12:13 am
K.I.S.S.:
Under $25K.
Light weight.
Hatchback.
Until I see the above on the street I am really NOT interested.
GM has a lot of credibility lost to gain back.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:15 am
My top three features:
1. Under 30k
2. Solar cells on the roof and/or hood
3. Upgradable battery as the tech improves
March 18th, 2008 at 1:20 am
I would be most happy with even a base model. Just a good radio w/CD/mp3 capabilities is all I need. Something which will get me to work and back without having to use $6 a gallon gasoline, which is probably what it will be when Volt hits the showrooms. If the price of the Volt is over $25k I won’t be able to afford it. I’d be driving a Prius now if I could. I will sacrifice financially to get a Volt, though. We need Volt yesterday.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Okay. Prior comments suggest a data set available to track performance, maintenance and "green benefits." All this data could be accessed by a bluetooth phone or PDA. I would pay a small fee ($$350.)for the bluetooth feature for hands free phone and this (or similar) data set. GPS/nav, iPod and MP3 player port, USB port, and AC outlet. Programmable charge timer with variable rate input field (for prioritizing charge chronology to use lower utility rates).
Like other guys point out - don’t over engineer this part because computer/data failure could jeopardize the far more important electro-mechanical function. The onboard display should have a nice graphic showing "petrol-free miles" and "extended range miles." Both, of course to emphasize the radical E-Flex fuel savings.
Keep up the good work guys - you’re changing the world.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Post 29 "My top three features: 1. Under 30k
2. Solar cells on the roof and/or hood
3. Upgradable battery as the tech improves" Why do so many people want solar cells on the car? this is not the smartest idea. In fact, i think it is stupid.- Garages and parking structures, people still use them.- Rocks and road debris could damage the expensive solar cells, which leads to increased insurance prices on specific models…- Solar cells integrated on the hood / roof and you expect it to be under $30k? Laughable… I would suggest install those solar cells on the roof of your house / garage.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:22 am
the proposed technolegy is spot on. options like high efficiency lights and bigger batteries sizes of electric hub motors will be the options of the future. yes you can buy the cheap boring plug in ev or lay rubber with 4 wheel drive and 600 hp. the best thing about this platform is that it can be grandmas car or the corvette of the future If GM offers options to turn a 30,000 dollar car into a 50,000 car it will sell. Price spread in the model has always been where the money is. This car can bring GM back if they don’t sit on their hands until toyota beats them at their last chance to be there. America is ready to buy American if they only had a choice
March 18th, 2008 at 4:37 am
Having a overall consensus would be nice on this subject. Whose going back to tabulate the results,hehe.
Now if we had a ‘poll’ feature installed for a thread like this that would be twirlly….but no Lyle I am not willing to pay extra for this feature, lol.
Overall I would say most do not want a webserver, at least they don’t want to pay for it included in the price, make it a option. Almost everyone just wants the car to come out as quickly as possible, even if that means stripped down…but with a elctricity ‘gas gauge’ of some sort.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:37 am
Hey we got noticed by Motor Trend
http://wot.motortrend.com/6234809/miscellaneous/gm-asks-what-features-youd-like-on-your-chevy-volt/index.html
I wonder if GM has considered ramping up to 24/7/365 to get this car on the road or maybe it’s too early for that. But they should consider it at some point.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:44 am
1–My preference for Dashboard Information Systems is to only provide the actionable information necessary for consideration while operating the vehicle (should I recharge / fill now? can I bypass this station and make it to the next one?) and that such information is easy to understand, easy to find, and unambiguous. Offering too much information, like some of the proposed metrics, risks confusing and cluttering the more important information. I think I would like to see this information in a monthly email as I contemplate my checkbook, budgets, pay bills and what car I will buy next (which I do at a computer, not in my car, hence the email preference) but I don’t think it is necessary to see this information more frequently. If I only get the email once a quarter or once a year I wouldn’t feel cheated, but yet I would prefer that a mechanism be in place to collect and assimilate this information for when I do decide I would like to look at it.
2–I am not willing to pay for this information but the question being asked is backwards and ignores the true values of such information. If the information proposed in #1 was presented to me, I would look at it and use the information provided to influence me in my next car buying experience. If GM considers that such information if regularly provided would help to convince someone not to go back to a gas engine, potentially purchase a second car for spouse / child in college how much would it be worth GM to offer? Centralizing the information on a GM computer (so that emails can be sent out) gives the added benefit of low-cost insight and actual data into their customers to, say, provide lawmakers to help get in place and then continue tax breaks for electric vehicles that prices to further increase demand. How much is this information worth to GM? If they add daily high/low battery compartment temperature metrics could it give statistical information on battery health that impoves future designs and extends the useful life of a battery? How much is this information worth to GM?
3–I do not forsee this information being of use to me and my decision making at this time but I do not know how important it will be for me to calculate my total carbon footprint in the future (carbon tax?) and thus may eventually be useful. It would be interesting, my kid may enjoy taking this information to school when they get to the science chapter on conservation. See #2, though, I think this is the kind of information that GM should not hesitate to gather and maintain.
4–Yes
5–Electrical utilities are considering technologies like BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) to track the quality of electrical delivery and more extensively offer peak-hour and off-peak-hour electrical rates. In such an environment being able to plug in my car when I get home from work but not actually trigger the charge till 11pm at night would be beneficial, but I don’t know when/if my local utility will shift to such a model for it to influence my buying behavior today.
I would be willing to pay for an entertainment system in the car that can link to my house wi-fi network to allow synching my iTunes music library or potentially allow per-use or 72-hour renting of movies and games for the kids (assuming that I have the option of viewing/playing those same games on a computer in the house when we get back for the remainder of their rental.
March 18th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Thank you for the opportunity to feedback. The average consumer needs the following built-in: 1 - How well is the vehicle performing with some possible trending over time. A general overview would be given via the onboard display. 2 - Scheduled maintenance reminder alerts but something that is not in your face. An alert icon flashes, then when pressed it, you are presented with the required maintenance information. Set an acknowledgement or have it keep reminding me each time I start the vehicle until the maintenance is completed. 3 - Vital systems monitoring of renewables: tire pressure including spare and fluid levels (coolant, windshield washer fluid, etc). Again, an alert icon with maybe a voice alert at startup too. 4 - Vehicle operational stats would be automatically e-mailed back to the GM support center whenever the vehicle enters an available wireless zone. Owners can access this info via a MyVolt website. Here the owner can setup just how much "Volt spam" they want to receive or read their vehicle stats only from the website. Only critical system status would be e-mailed as a default. As for engineers, you may offer two tiered pricing options. 1 - A wireless bluetooth or USB port to connect a personal laptop (both Mac and PC support) to run a live interactive session with the vehicle (monitor mode). 2) A developer SDK. Off Topic: Recently, I was thinking about my drive up to Pike’s Peak a few years ago and all the issues about coming down the mountain in low gear to avoid using the brakes too much. How would the Volt handle this?
March 18th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Wow everyone, you broke the internet!! Almost 600+ posts and a mention at Motor Trend, what a fun time for all of us! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your input. I have read each and every one of your posts (excepting around 350-525 as they got lost before I could read them, but I’ll read them when they are back online). And if someone wants to summarize for me (maybe a track of yeah versus neah for all the questions along with statistics around willingness to pay) that would be great although the comments are probably the best part. I’m itching to respond directly to many of your comments and questions, but I can not because of the sensitivity of some of the information. Here are a few things I can comment on:
-Many of you have mentioned that you do not have time of day charging. Sorry about that, but many of you do have this feature even if you don’t know about it. Here’s a link from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power:
http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp002056.jsp
We have the option here in Detroit, but you have to research it to get it. If you work during the day, it may be a good option for you to save some money.
-I think many of you are getting tied up in the wireless versus non-wireless part of Belloc’s original post. While that is a great discussion, I’m concerned most about what type of optional data that you would like. I’m an engineer, so I tend to think that more data is better. From your posts so far, some of you agree and some don’t. I’m not sure how this data will be provided to you at this point.
-As many of you have mentioned we at GM in many ways are trying to KISS for this vehicle. Many of your suggestions, while very appealing, are just not going to be able to make it into the 1st generation vehicle. I can’t tell you what will and won’t make it at this point, but if the technology is complicated, unproven and/or difficult to integrate (excepting the whole electric/ICE engine combination), then it is probably not on the table for the first vehicles. Think about what you have proposed and you can probably figure out some of the things I’m thinking about.
I would like to continue to have dialogue with this group on other questions and ideas we have for the Chevy Volt. I read the Motor Trend article and was somewhat confused…why wouldn’t I want the input of those that really want this vehicle and want it yesterday? Would this group like to keep it going? If so, we may have to give Lyle some money to upgrade the server.
Take care and for those of you going to Volt Nation, ask all your tough questions, but don’t be upset if you don’t get everything answered.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:54 am
I really wouldnt care about all of this. I dont want a mobile data center…just transportation. Lets keep the cost down to the essentials
March 18th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Answers to the questions:
1–In vehicle
2–Perhaps, but it depends how useful it is for me. I don’t see much value in the reasons indicated. The value of a webserver to me could be: remotely control charging, future V2G capability, remotely controlling climate control (hint: especially in-seat cooling), in-car internet access (minor value). The value to GM that I’m willing to share: real world driving statistics.
3–It would be interesting but not worth $ to me, but I would be perfectly happy to have this information transmitted to GM for compiling statistics displayed on their website and in their marketing.
4–ditto #3 answer
5–It is important to be able to time one’s charging and I believe this should be standard.The graphical displays used in todays hybrids are a great training tool for the drivers. Since the Volt is even more of a paradigm shift it would be even more important for this car. Placement of the screen and proper shading will allow for lower power dispays and dim when headlights are on.
Stats that are important to me:
-*Estimated E-range remaining
-Estimated total range remaining
-*Total miles
-Total e-miles
-Total KWh through battery
-SOC
-MPG for all use (bragging rights)
-Instantanious miles/KWh
-*current KW
*Default stats on display
March 18th, 2008 at 9:58 am
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? In the vehicle, much like a fuel gauge.
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? Yes, but not much.
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. I don’t think this is necessary.
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? Again, I wouldn’t feel this is necessary. I can figure that out on my own without the car doing it for me.
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? No.
I agree with many that have posted here. Some of the fluff sounds nice, but I would prefer to keep the vehicle affordable. At first the information would be interesting, but just how much of it do I need? I simply need to know when I need to recharge or refuel. Being able to track mileage and operational efficiency should be standard and provided in the vehicle.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:11 am
You could install the guts of one of today’s smart phones with several USB ports for active sync. etc, WIFI, Blue Tooth; an independent GPS, and all with open source software. Using the Venturi effect install small wind generators under the car and or in styling scoops which could also be active when the vehicle was parked. Solar collection in any open area on a spoiler or areas which could be exposed when those cars are parked all day, in front of the house, at work or at school. A small bio fuel power portable generator which could be used for charging on the fly or during any emergency in the trunk. Price should be between 20 and thirty thousand favoring the low side.Give me a vehicle and I will drive it coast to coast, and border to border!
March 18th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Fleet Vehicles
I would like to add another idea…
Currently IT departments can log into all the printers in our company and check Toner levels etc… It seems like it would be a huge benefit for fleet customers to be able to log in and see which cars need maintenance, mileage, charge levels, etc.. Obviously this isn’t a Volt specific feature, but it would be an added benefit to all fleet vehicles using this tech.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I would like for the stereo system to be fully ipod compatible including recharge capability and all seats to fold flat. I don’t need GPS as standard equipment nor Onstar. An onboard diagnostic system for engine or system problems might be nice if it reports the problem in plain english versus a numerical code. Unfortunately timing and finances will preclude me from purchasing a new vehicle costing more than $30,000.00 before 2012 or 2013. I’ll have to wait for the economy version or see how the VW hybrid diesel Golf is doing at that time.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:15 am
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? In the vehicle.
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? Yes, maybe as a $300-400 option.
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. Not necessary for me.
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? Absolutely.
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? Not necessary for me.
I guess generally, I like all of the above options presented, but I start liking them a lot less as the price goes Northward. If the above can be added to the Volt’s software for less than $400, I think there would be a lot of takers. But if it is $500 or more, on top of an already expensive car, then personally, I would be inclined to skip these options.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I think a wireless data center is a great idea, but it doesn’t need to have all the bells & whistles. A graphic display of usage, how to optimize my driving to get better usage, and holding maintenance alerts and records would be features I would pay $2,000 more for. A higher price needs to be recognized for new technology, but as this technology develops or gets replaced the price tag will drop. People looking for the Volt to launch under $20k are being a bit ridiculous. If that is your budget I would look at either a used hybrid, or a small, light 4 banger to fit that price. I’m looking at the Volt to launch somewhere around $30-35K, which I think is more than a resonable price for the technology. Hopefully your discount will come from fuel efficiency tax returns offered by our government.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I live in Michigan where winters are cold. I am concerned with the heating/defrosting system. You are probably going to make an electric one. This would consume a terrific amount of electricity. What is the possibility of providing an optional propane heater as an option?
March 18th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Sorry if I seem to repeat myself, but I am just offended by devices that include all sorts of features which I do not need or use.
My cell phone has about 100 (+) such features. I don’t want a camera as part of my cell phone, or any games, just for starters. There is some sort of marginal cost in providing this stuff, and I don’t want it.
We have a 3500 pickup to tow our race cars. We bought it at year end and got a really good deal, but it has a huge package of electronic functions that I would prefer to do without. There are 5 or 6 ways to program the door locks, for God’s sake. If you want to make it stop doing something irritating, like locking all of the doors at x mph, you have to dig out the owners manual and study if for 10 minutes to figure out how to disable the !@#$ thing.
So it goes with TVs, cameras, DVD players, and every other appliance you buy. Japanese cars? Forget it!
I hate this stuff, and it strongly increases my sales resistance.
KISS
What ain’t there don’t give you no trouble.
Simplicate and add lightness.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
David nz should be a consultant for GM. Stock prices would rise in the first quarter of his employment. I think the premise put forward by others on this site is correct. Offer a basic vehicle under 20k which can be optioned according to the individual’s(or fleet buyer’s) desires. Keep the Volt"s design as close as possible to the concept car’s design. A "green" car can be SEXY. (Look at the Tesla in California).Talk to the salesmen at the dealers. Even when a potential customer comes in for a family car, they always check out the cool looking vehicles. And please offer a fold out solar panel to be placed in the windhield as a collector and a screen to protect the vehicle’s interior. we all want to help the planet and save some bucks while we are doing that.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I do not care about any of the "gadgets" you have discussed adding to the car. I just want the car built with standard onboard instrumentation like speedometer, odometer, hour meter on the gas engine, and fuel gauges for the gas and battery pack. I can even live with the "I’ve got a problem" idiot light as long as I can plug in a standard computer and find out what the problem is.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? No. I’d rather it be as simple as a gauge already in the vehicle.
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? Calculating those things requires such a small and simple amount of computing power, why would there be a charge for it? I could just keep a $5 calculator and a piece of paper in the passenger’s seat, instead.
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. As long as there’s no extra cost, sure!
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? Sure. Questions 1, 3, and 4 are relatively the same. I’d love to see all of them on the car’s info display. If it’s not on the info display, one can easily calculate most of these figures on their own. Why would there ever be a charge for this? Would you like to know how fast you’re going for an additional $10 a month? SIGN UP NOW!
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? No. Would you pay $1 to know you saved 50 cents? Sorry to be so blunt.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
All this is interesting but the important thing is for GM to build an affordable car that people want to drive. All the bells and whistles can be added for those that want to pay the costs. GM would be better off to follow the likes of Toyota and offer limited models like economy, mid range, and luxury to keep things simple.
Better yet, use the Volt to change the way to purchase automobiles and follow the model of DELL computers. Only build Volts that are sold so no inventory and each model reflects the purchaser’s needs.
Finally, follow the little car SMART plan and take the VOLT on road trips and allow potential customers drive them and then decide when and what to buy. I saw people wait in line for over 2 hours in Minneapolis at an Art fair to drive the SMART car. The days of building models and letting them sit on dealer’s lots should be over.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I would like to see the option to recharge using 220V AC as well.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Just build it. Make it affordable. All this banter is like talking while in foreplay. When its time to do business I’ll be asleep.
March 18th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Didn’t read through all the comments but if you are going to offer this as an option, I would add an integrated GPS system. Specifically a GPS that can be used to optimize travel so as to reduce energy. My TomTom asks me if I would like to avoid tolls, what if the Volt showed me an comparison of projected energy use for a planned trip, and offered energy saving alternatives?
March 18th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
The most important thing to me would be to get enough trunk/hatch space. I need at least 25 ft3, comfortable for luggage for four people for a 2 week trip. Also, I need a hatchback with foldable rear seat for carrying large items around town. Please provide at least as much room as the Prius, but I’d really like more.
GSP
March 18th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
#51 William Dryden:
#52 Mike D:
#53 Mike:
#55 just do it already:
Yeah! Tell it like it is. I love it.
March 18th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
I agree with the principle of keep it simple stupid.
1. Just give me a USB port with a memory stick that I can access to get the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage. Also let me receive on my home computer via the Internet new versions of the Volt software that I can install via this USB port with a memory stick.
2. Am not willing to pay for this option over and above the base price of the car.
3. If you are keeping this information I assume I can get information such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated from the USB port mentioned in 1 above.
4. If you are keeping this information I assume I can get this calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel from the USB port mentioned in 1 above.
5. Just give me the ability to specify when to start charging the battery.
Below is a list of desirables.
1. I currently have a Park Avenue that keeps a running average miles per gallon, instantaneous miles per gallon, number of gallons used, number of miles remaining. These numbers are not very accurate. The Park Avenue usually has consumed ½ to 1+ gallon more than the display indicates per tank of gas. The Volt should either keep the numbers accurately (including electrical usage) or allow the owner to input the actual gallons pumped so that the software can correct for the inaccuracy of the internal measurements. Over time the software could be designed to more accurately estimate usage.
2. Keep the cost of the car between $25-30k.
3. The idea of a propane heater that others have mentioned seems like a good idea, if the safety issues can be solved.
March 18th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
it appears that the software may delay the roll out of the car and the first version of it (as any other software out there) will be buggy. So, I think it’s in everybody’s interest to include it in the next generation of Volt which I think should come out very soon after the original car becomes available for sale.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
5 things the Volt should have.1. Everything that they advertise on Chevy’s website2. A basic look like what they advertise3. Base sticker price of under 30,0004. Release date within the next 3 months4. Release date that actually exists
March 18th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Don’t do anything to hold up production on this vehicle. You don’t need a lot of bells & whistles. Initially, you will be flooded by those who are dying to drive a factory built EV. You can look for the cool feature set in rev2. Just built the thing as soon as possible.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? In the vehicle or via e-mail such as the Diagnostics Report currently provided with On-Star service.Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? Yes, but not much — as part of On-Star diagnostics, for a slightly higher fee.Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. No — Don’t need it, wouldn’t pay for it.4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? No.
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? No. I can easily find that information, and time my charging accordingly. Finally: 1) Please do not create a "gutless wonder" — Give this car some decent power; and 2) Please provide, at least as an option, some luxury interior options. Not everyone who supports the concept is interested in driving the equivalent of recycled Birkenstocks.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
With a total commute of 65 miles per day, please keep out the bells and whistles.
I want a no frills car to get me back and forth to work and thats it. I’ll use my truck on the weekends if I want to here my bells and whistles. Keep the price as cheap as possible.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Since my wages haven’t really increase in the past twenty years, still $12.75/hour as an auto paint an body man, the price of this car needs to be comparable to the price of the average GM car twenty years ago.
I also heard there may be a possibility that the batteries in the cars will be leased. This is wrong! I don’t want to have to lease my car or its batteries. I want to own it outright at a price of around $15,000 max. You need to get in touch with your buyers.
I am tired of waiting for an electric car and am considering building my own EV.
sincerely,
Exhausted
March 18th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail?I would be concerned about security. Providing it in-vehicle at least means that it’s possible that the data will stay between me and the car; email would mean it gets sent somewhere (GM?) and stored/processed to produce monthly reports. A wireless web server built into the car would be really cool, but could it be locked down sufficiently? And what about security updates?2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much?I’m not sure I’d pay for this option. I certainly wouldn’t like to have to pay more for it as standard equipment.Now, wireless sync with iTunes would be a killer feature: great for road trips with the kids. I’d pay the equivalent of what an iPod costs (or somewhat more) for that.3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc.Once you’ve got the basic connection capability, I don’t see why you’d want to artificially limit reporting capabilities.4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel?Ditto.5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest?This would be great, perhaps as an external charge management device. First step towards vehicle-to-grid.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I didn’t vote yes because I want just a simple vehicle. I like the idea that I can plug in a Ipod or MP3 player. Mainly I just want to get to work and back. I think it would be neat if it told us how many more miles we could go before turning over to gas. I also agree that if it is wireless then it could be hacked.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:01 am
I drive 80 miles each way to work and I don’t come home one night so I’m still contemplating how the Volt will work for me.
I want a Wagon (think Fit) so I can actually haul hockey gear and golf clubs.
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? slight prefernce for in vehicle
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? Yes, but not much.
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. Maybe
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? maybe
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? Yes, will it know where I am to calculate this or do I have to do a lot of prework?
March 19th, 2008 at 10:51 am
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? Transmit data via WiFi/WiMax link or Bluetooth to mobile phone browser (a la Sync), or OnStar until the others are commonplace, so it can be accessed later via Internet.
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? No, should be standard, will be almost a free add-on to do so via existing and future systems like On-Star, navigation, Bluetooth, Wifi/WiMax.
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. Sure.
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? That would be nice to show your friends!
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? No, should be standard feature.
March 19th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Definately would need a navigation system option!
March 19th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
1. Weekly/Monthly E-mail (maybe)
2. NO
3. NO
4. NO
5. NO
Built-in wireless server -NO
Keep it simple
DTE gauge or graphic display -YES
Under $25K - YES
Where do I send my check?
March 19th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
I have several degrees in Project Management, as well as degrees in IT Management, and Information Systems Security. GM is performing step 1 of project management—determining the needs of the customer. Thanks for listening to us GM! #1. U.S. Support: As said by someone else, we Americans want to buy and support our country AMERICA. So if you work with us, and you’re making the right step already, VOLT and other concept models WILL BE a success. #2. Biggest Priority: Let’s get it on the road no later than 2010…that means much earlier if possible. We’re here and willing to buy. Let’s not wait for Toyota or Honda or someone else to beat out GM! Use the loyal people here as "beta testers". You could even set up "beta testing" centers at some local dealerships. Set a release date, and communicate this to the public by June 2008. Start beta testing no later than March 2009. Keep it simple and deliver on time. The rest can come out in Phase 2, but read and try to implement some of these "freebies" such as #3, #4a Bluetooth audio, #4b USB data collection, #5, #8, #12, #17, #18, and #21. #3. Dashboard View: Several Dashboard options, similar to installing an application on a PC. Do you want General or Advanced? Then everyone will be happy! #4. Car Statistics: I think we have several good ideas, maybe just not portrayed correctly. #4a. Bluetooth should only be used to link your car’s stereo to your phone or IPOD for music, and to display phone caller id information. To ensure vehicle security, ensure the main computer is secured by using proper access control. I’ve read articles saying Bluetooth would be standard in GM vehicles in 2009. #4b. USB Data Collection: Wireless router/bluetooth for computer DATA ACCESS is bad for security. You don’t want someone to hack into your car’s computer. The idea to obtain your car statistics and download to your computer for trending is EXACTLY what I’ve wanted for many years. Make this a plug in, accessible by a standard USB cord. Perhaps a brief, uncomplicated GUI application could be created (in 20 hours or less) to allow a user to download their car data in Excel format. Users are smart enough nowadays to do their own trending! Give us stats on fuel usage, engine hours, distance to empty for both battery and gasoline tank, oil % til change…all of the things currently in your GM vehicles such as my Z71 truck…but let us download it instead of having to write it down! And should we have to pay for this? Are you seriously asking this? GM is losing credibility fast. My family has been loyal to GM for over 40 years, but you’re starting to lose people…fast. Jump on the bandwagon and give in a little. #4c. Someone mentioned GM doing their own trending, similar to what they do with Onstar. Does anyone actually know if, whether or not you actually pay for Onstar, GM can still obtain this data and trend? GM might want to make that sacrifice for their own benefit, and let the customers Opt in to buy it for reporting and such. #4d. Someone else mentioned possibly having computer information to note the grams of carbon avoided. I’m thinking IRS discounts, is anyone else? Optional Onstar customers could get free reports on this, similar to a 1098 IRS form. Maybe it’s time to spark a deal with the Government? #4e. Optional Onstar customers could perhaps obtain information on driving statistics. Did your teenage daughter go over the speed limit? Did they drive past curfew? #5. Complimentary Remote Start: Build-in a remote starter free of charge. They cost all of about 50-100 bucks. Many of us have reasons for them, weather to combat a steamy hot or freezing vehicle. I have yet to see a vehicle come standard with one. #6. Timer Charging: Although this sounds neat, I think we all can buy a heavy duty timer at Home Depot, Lowes, or your local hardware (10-20$). If GM tries to build this in the computer, it will cost us all much more. Plus, it’s something more to go wrong and cost us later. Could GM please go and test a heavy duty timer to verify the specs required, and note this in the Volt manual and in this forum. #7. Optional Cell Phone Booster: Let’s face it, the US cell phone companies have basically screwed us all over in moving from TDMA to GSM systems. TDMA is mathematically proven to travel a further distance than GSM, but you don’t see more towers going up. It might make sense to use one of those low profile roof antennas and install a car cell phone booster (180$ value). #8. Multiple Charging Ports: Ok, so how many batteries does this thing have? More than one, right? So can we somehow load balance amongst several charging ports to speed up the time it takes to charge? #9. No onboard solar panels: I see why people might think they want them, but in all honesty they’d probably break. If your car gets hit, the panel would crack. If hail hit your car, the panel could crack. If a store cart or bike lightly bumped your car, the panel could crack. See my point? USERS should buy their own HOME solar panels or wind turbines. Let GM stay out of this one. GM could offer TWO of those window solar panels (50$ value) inside the vehicle. One for the front window, one for the back. When it’s inside the car, it will have a lesser chance of being damaged. And of course, provide hard plastic cases so they don’t get broken when you aren’t using them. #10. Radio: The speakers seemed to have gotten better, but I would pay slightly more (roughly 200$) for Bose as I did with my truck. Make the radio IPOD compatible. Also, I like Sirius better than XM. The signal is stronger; XM always seems to cut out when Sirius has all 3 bars. So perhaps, when people order their Volt, you could ask which they prefer and cater to them. It might all end up being the same company, but until then, give the customer an option and make them happier. #11. Steering Wheel: I saw in the concept picture a metal looking steering wheel. I hope you’re planning to change that. #12. Locking Gas/Charger Door: Before my truck, I had a 1997 Grand Am. It had a locking gas door that had to be released inside. This keeps thieves from steeling that expensive gas, and keeps people from putting eggs or sugar in your tank. Build it in, no cost to the user. #13. Windshield Wipers: I’ve seen both the parallel (standard) and touching wipers. I’d have the touching ones seem to work better and are less distractive. Example: Chevy Lumina. #14. Optional Heated Seats and Heated Mirrors: Sometimes it gets cold, and it takes forever for the side mirrors to defrost or deice. I would pay (200$) for this option. #15. Standard rear defrost: Everyone has it use it at some point, even in Texas. #16. Doors: Are the rear seats accessible by opening rear doors, similar to the 3rd/4th door introduced by GM several years ago? Didn’t seem to find this in the literature. Anyway, let’s go with the 2 front doors AND both opening doors in the back as the Volt standard. Later on, in Phase 2, perhaps a 4 door version would be appreciated as well. I would prefer a 4 door myself. #17. Price: Needs to be less than 25k. It can be done, particularly by getting the car right so enough people want to buy it. Have you thought about pre-selling or getting a "down-payment" in Q3 or Q4 of 2009? This will help you "lock-in" on those who are serious about the car, and give you a decent idea of how many cars to produce. #18. Charging: Someone mentioned using 220 power as well. Perhaps you could implement TWO 110 (one on each side) and ONE 220 power receptacles. Hence, users could use either ONE OR TWO 110’s, OR the 220. 220 is cheaper for the users if you have that option. Think of a 110v AC window unit vs a 220v AC unit. #19. GPS: I use TomTom, and as far as I’m concerned nothing can compete with it. Now if GM wants to go into contract with TomTom, that would be fantastic. Otherwise, I’ll stick with my removable one. #20. Leasing vs. Purchase: Most of us want to purchase the car, the entire car including the battery. You could offer a Lease option for some who want to "test" the vehicle before purchasing. #21. Cigarette Lighter Power: 2 in the front, one in the back seat, one in the trunk. Thanks for your time!
March 19th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
The format looks messed up. If interested, email me at michaelthompsonpsualum at psualum dot com for the MS word file.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
The format looks messed up. If interested, email me at michaelthompsonpsualum at yahoo dot com for the MS word file.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Response #73 was a typo. #74 is the correct email.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
And I’m still not happy that GM sold the NiMH battery patent to Chevron/Texaco. It basically screwed us all in our quest. The patent isn’t up until 2016. Boy did Chevron/Texaco know what they were doing…
Isn’t that a monopoly? Maybe the US Government should actually step in and do something, instead of being bought off by the oil companies who continue to raise the price of gas! The car companies, oil companies, and Goverment got us into this in the first place.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
The existing batteries should be easily removed to replace them with more powerful batteries when invented. Fourty miles is great, and eighty is better.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I like the fact that the Volt is priced at about 30,000
- all the xtra stuff u named i will not pay for
- The only thing I would need to know is when i will run out of gas/electricity/diesel
- estimated time to charge up the car
- I WOULD DEFINITELY pay for an upgrade in security ( i live in MIAMI and there is a high theft rate)
- Maybe a special lock system ( make the locks so that ppl aren’t able to pop in the locks ) I’ve had my impala locks popped in before
- Just a real good alarm not the traditional ones
- key less entry is always great
- maybe have it so that you have to enter a code to get the car started ( kill switch so if it gets stolen it wont start)
- Make the car so it doesnt come with the basic alarm system but one of the high tech ones that you can get added
- I would really like the volt to be a 5 seater the pics i’ve seen show it seating only 4 ppl comfortably
- of course an AUTOMATIC
- all that extra wireless etc etc isnt worth the trouble/hassel
- GPS would be good- google maps etc
- All the other stuff that you guys plan on already putting in the car
March 20th, 2008 at 5:01 am
On cheaper and better
The Revolutionary FireStorm Spark Plug patent US
Full Text
Nexusmagazine:http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/Firestorm.html
,http://www.libertypost.org/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=87928>Disp=0
,http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=200213
Full text http://www.unicusmagazine.com/pioneers2003/firestorm.htm
March 20th, 2008 at 5:11 am
On cheaper and better The Revolutionary FireStorm Spark Plug patent US Full Text Nexusmagazine:http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/Firestorm.html ,http://www.libertypost.org/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=87928>Disp=0 ,http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=200213 Full text http://www.unicusmagazine.com/pioneers2003/firestorm.htm
March 20th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Built in wireless - YES! but as an option, I dont think anyone but us geeks would care.
All those software features, yes, built in, on the dash/console, just like every GM I’ve owned since 2001, I would not pay for that though, thats a minor thing to do on their part.
A NAV system wilth a nice 7 inch screen as an option could allow all that data to be shown in ‘pretty mode’ (this goes back to the optional wireless, all this should be visible over the wireless, in addition to remote start over the net) a small monthly fee (read: more than $15/mo and I wont get it) for the connection would be acceptable for that
ALSO! THE MOST IMPORTANT!!! Leave the PCM unencrypted and unlocked for us hackers to play with (and leave a nice serial port for us). The mod market is huge, and if you play nicely, you may get some of your bugs fixed by the hacking community for free.
March 20th, 2008 at 8:24 am
The following article can be found at:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/03/20/mpg.xprize.ap/index.html
Too bad GM will not be able to match the competition…………
(See underlined text in middle of article.)X Prize offering $10M purse for 100-mpg vehicle NEW YORK (AP) — The X Prize Foundation, best known for its competitions promoting space flights, is offering $10 million to the teams that can produce the most production-ready vehicles that get 100 miles per gallon or more.The foundation was to announce the size of the purse and its sponsor, Progressive Casualty Insurance Co., on Thursday at the New York International Auto Show.More than 60 teams from nine countries have signed up for the competition so far, including California electric carmakers Aptera Motors and Tesla Motors, German diesel carmaker Loremo and a team from Cornell University.Teams will be able to sign up through mid-2008, when applicants will be narrowed to those who can prove they would build production-ready, consumer-friendly cars. Those that qualify will race their vehicles in cross-country races in 2009 and 2010 that will combine speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance.The purse will be split between two categories: mainstream and alternative cars. Mainstream cars must carry four or more passengers and have climate control, an audio system and 10 cubic feet of cargo space. They also must have four or more wheels, hit 60 miles per hour in less than 12 seconds and have a minimum top speed of 100 miles per hour and a range of 200 miles.Alternative vehicles will be required to carry two or more passengers and five cubic feet of cargo, have a top speed of at least 80 miles per hour and have a range of at least 100 miles.The Santa Monica, California-based X Prize Foundation, which was founded in 1995, gained fame in 2004 when it awarded $10 million to the first private vehicle to fly into space. The foundation since has launched a $10 million prize for rapid human genome sequencing and a $30 million prize for sending a robot to the moon. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
March 20th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I am enjoying this forum and delighted GM-Volt is actually reading the posts. I have been a Chevy owner since the 50s and still drive a Chevy truck, a diesel running bio fuels (when available). I especially enjoyed Michael Thompson’s post # 72. Make a basic car and have many options to choose from. My needs may be different than most but I think many will agree with me. All wheel drive is a necessity and makes for a much safer car, especially with ESP. With the weather the US is experiencing lately you need all wheel drive just to get around. Also the engine options should include diesel.My home is powered by photovoltaics and in the summer I have excess power, I can plug the Volt into my home power and drive with out fossil fuel for 40 miles, this is a fantastic way to go.
March 20th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
My answer to all the questions is NO. I think these options will inflate the cost of the car and don’t add any efficiency (may infact reduce it due to extra power required to run extra equipment). I don’t want an overly complicated vehicle….a fuel gage and a battery charge gage would be useful as well as an hour meter for the engine/generator. If it were up to me I’d put the money into something to make the car more efficient or more reliable. I live in Maine and right now the roads up here eat suspension parts and cause some cars without much ground clearance to drag bottom, so don’t make it too low and keep the suspension simple and sturdy (FYI the Grand Prix GT that I drive is too low). Lastly, some people on here said they’d be willing to spend $30,000 on this car….in my opinion that’s a lot of money for a family to come up with when you can buy a similar size car that already gets 35-40 mpg for much less, so for me personally, I’d be willing to pay a premium for a car like this but $30,000 is a little steep for me. Just my $.02
March 20th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
From all of the posts that I’ve read it seems the majority of people are saying skip the frills or leave them as options, keep the price down, make it reliable and make it available. The solar panels that many seem to want wouldn’t do much. The Aptura (a current 90 mph 3 wheeled electric vehicle and soon, 2009, to be 300 mpg hybrid) has a solar panel on its roof but it is there only to keep the ac running if you are parked in the sun so that the car is cool when you come back. I’m looking at both the Chevy Volt and the Aptura. I like the stability of four wheels and more room but the much higher efficiency of the 3 wheeler. The all-electric models are already on the road so they have a track record and the hybrid should sell for under $30,000 so price will be a big determining factor as to which one I buy. So keep the price down and quality up. Put a more efficient motor for the generator in it and make it available soon so the others are playing catch up to you again instead of the other way around like the way its been for the last 20 years.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
First, I’d like to say thanks to the GM engineers for asking for input from the buying public. Very nice !
Basic Model : a simple guage for battery state of charge, estimated miles to depletion of battery, charging time left to full charge, # of charge cycles, (for trade in info), output per cell, or pack, (so one can tell if a cell is going bad), capacity at full charge (measure of battery quality).
As more all-electric vehicles are put in service, our electricity suppliers will soon stop offering any off-peak savings, because to charge the batteries for an all-electric vehicle it takes a lot of electricity. ( by the way, I beleive that a majority of people would really like to see an all-electric version ).
A solar panel on the roof, using Nanosolar technology, would be very helpful in reducing demands on the grid, and extending milage. Of course, it would have to be protected by a layer of epoxy, or something. This would be a great optional accessory, on the first models, or soon therafter.
Remotely being able to tell how much the battery is charged is a little ridiculous. Do we ‘remotely’ check out the amount of gas in our cars right now ?
Give customers a USB port or two, but keep the basic information a driver needs simple, and easily readable. Certain functions should ONLY be available when the vehicle is motionless. This is a safety issue that shouldn’t be ignored.
Until we have 500 to 800 miles per charge, give consumers shut off switches to eliminate energy losses if they wish.
Standard odometers, and speedometers, no need to change.
Very few people check their gas milage every day. It is sufficient to be able to determine it every six months, by simple personal calculations. Tracking info for costs/usage, is not necessary.
Emissions reduced and CO2 negated is great for the sales literature, but that’s it. Skip it.
Make the ‘bells and whistles’ optional, so the base model is very affordable. To compete with the Prius, it had better be very close in price, and have extremely better all-electric range. Skip the internal combustion motor,,,,,,, add more battery capacity. If GM doesn’t do it, their competitors surely will.
The vehicle should have : regenerative braking, a mechanism that won’t allow movement if it is still plugged in, an all-electric version (because I know it’s already possible). Tesla and Zapp can go 250 to 300 miles per charge, so the Volt should be able to go 350 to 450 miles per charge with the lithium polymer batteries, and the supercapacitor technology from Eestore. 40 miles per charge,,,,, who beleives that ? The EV1 did better than that and now we have lithium polymer batteries, and supercapacitors.
Standard features : manual windows, manual seats, PS, no airbags, no ABS, 2 speaker AM/FM, cruise, rear window defrost, manual mirrors, present technology for climate control, iPod dock, USB dock, 5 passenger w/ trunk, batteries over the drive axles, insulation in the roof and door panels, LED lighting, charging by 110 or 220 vollt, charge neccessary beeper when turning off.
Options : pre-heat w/ house elec. , pre-cool via fan to vent, wireless ( w/ off switch), being able to use car as backup power, WiFi, and of course standard upgrades currently available.
So, keep it simple and well built, and keep the price down as much as possible (under 22K), and for those that want the ‘works’ give plenty of options/upgrades.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Lots of great input. Nice job GM for asking for feedback !
In the future, many more homes will have solar panels, (because they’ll be cheaper), so the technology will be needed to store this energy for use in ‘cleanly’ charging our all-electric vehicles, when we get home. So, the Volt should have the ability to be charged from this power storage unit.
The all-electric vehicle is ‘game-changing’. I compare it to when Chrysler introduced the first front wheel drive back in 1981. Anyone remember ? Front wheel drive made sense, it worked great for winter driving, and people liked it. Front wheel drive is everywhere now, has been for a long time.
It’s the same w/ the all-electric vehicle. It’s game-changing. Not only is it needed to protect our environment, but people want it to save money. It makes sense. The all-electric car is the future, the only thing left to see is, who will capture the lions share of this new market by introducing it in not just one vehicle, but several lines of vehicles. It won’t be long before they’re pumping out litium polymer batteries like mad. I mean 24/7, full throttle, massive, production levels.
Sadly, I have to agree with ‘mathguy’, post # 249, previous post. GM will very likely overprice the car. They may well delay it while their competitors gobble up market share. I fully expect that the first all-electric vehicle with 350 to 450 miles per charge, will come from overseas and it’ll be something we can afford. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
The battery packs should be interchangable between models of vehicles. They should have a standard configuration. they should hold up for a long time. Bad, cell units should be able to be replaced w/o changing the whole pack.
Good luck GM.
March 21st, 2008 at 12:25 am
Thanks for quoting me Wes. I still have no idea why the text got so messed up.
One more thing on the car, why are they putting drums on? It’s 2008 currently. Aren’t we done with drums? We’ve already proved that disc brakes are so much better. Am I missing something?
March 21st, 2008 at 5:05 am
All I’m concerned about is the main thing about the volt… You can drive with out gas for 4o miles and its low fuel consumption. It would be nice to have a ton of sweet options for it but mainly it should be on the less expensive side so average people can afford it. Put it this way if it came stock with no power windows or Ac or all the nice features we have now days I would still buy it. It would be nice to be able to see the data of how much fuel and electricity it has used but not so much a must have thing.
March 21st, 2008 at 10:10 am
I’m not too worried about the "extras". I just need it to cost less than 30k, even if that means dropping the all electric range to 20 miles. The other thing that would be nice is some solar panels in the roof for a little extra free energy. I love the idea of the sun filling my "gas tank".
March 21st, 2008 at 10:45 am
Here’s what I want to know while I’m driving.
1) How fast am I going?
2) Is there any current system malfunction?
3) What is the current level of charge?
4) What is the current level of fuel?
5) (Approximately) how much farther can I get in pure EV mode?
6) (Approximately) how much farther can I get (total?)
These approximations would be based on past performance data for current operating conditions. This data would not "cycle" on the dash, it would be constantly displayed.
I imaging 3 analog gauges, displaying speed, charge and fuel. The speedometer would have an incorporated odometer (as usual.) The charge and fuel gauges would have mileage figures incorporated in a similar fashion (i.e. no muss, no fuss.)
I would like to be able to download all performance data to a USB "flash drive." I would like software to help me interpret that performance data. (I would be willing to pay no more than $50 for that software.)
I have no desire whatsoever to receive e-mail from my car.
March 21st, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I agree. My car doesn’t need to email me too. I get enough email as it is.
March 21st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Readers,
check out : BYD auto. They claim 217 miles per charge (using litium ion ).
the BYD F6DM is expected to be selling in the US by early 2010.
March 21st, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Have a link?
March 21st, 2008 at 6:23 pm
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/02/byd_f6dm_will_the_first_plug-in_hybrid_be_chinese.php
BYD’s first plug-in hybrid for the Chinese market will be the F6DM mid-sized sedan in the second half of 2008. Top speed should be 100 mph (160 kph), with a range of 62 miles (100 km) in all-electric mode and 267 miles (430 km) total after the gas engine kicks in. A fully electric version called the F6E is planned for 2009.
What makes the F6DM and F6E special is the battery pack: the lithium iron phosphate battery is said to be safer, less expensive, without heavy metals, completely recyclable and should be rechargeable to 70% in 10-minute at special charging stations. It can also be recharged more slowly with a home charging station, of course.
————————————————————-
Selling in 2009? GM better get their a$$ in gear. If the Chinese/Japanese/Koreans beat us again, GM might be screwed.
So 62 miles on electric, 267 miles with electric + gas. The volt claimed 650 or something didn’t it? Sounds like the BYD has a little bit bigger battery and a smaller gas tank.
March 21st, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I guess the question is, people how far do you think you need to go on an average "work-day" including errands?
And how green do you want to go?
I think either could be a selling point. How about GM aims for 2009 sales of the VOLT!
March 21st, 2008 at 6:30 pm
http://www.futurecars.com/reviews/byd-f6dm-sedan.html
BYD is claiming the BYD F6DM has a range of 330 miles (60 miles in electric mode, 270 on the gas engine). If this bears out, it’s not bad for a plug-in hybrid.
• The battery system. Although the automotive trend is towards lithium-ion batteries, the BYD F6DM uses iron-based batteries, allowing it to recharge to full capacity in only ten minutes at a designated charging station. Otherwise, recharging at home requires 9 hours.
• The price. Early estimates suggest the BYD F6DM will retail for under $20,000.
—————————————————-
Ok. Now GM should worry. 20k for this car? Range estimation at 330 miles. Eeek. I’d still buy Chevy if it was reasonably priced and AVAILABLE…
March 21st, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Eye catcher…this says CHINESE auto, not JAPANESE. There’s a big difference. Japanese created Toyota, which is a half way decent vehicle I suppose. Chinese create…cardboard boxes that even my recycle place won’t take.
GM, hurry up.
March 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 am
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail? In the vehicle. Doesn’t excite me
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much? No.
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc. Yes.
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel? Yes.
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest? No.I agree with Dave the average person isn’t going to want to pay a lot of extra for the bells and whistles, nor will they know how to use it. My main interrest is a high mileage vehicle that has a low cost of ownership. As Dave mentions above all of the online, Internet, email, Wi-Fi stuff isn’t all that useful when you think about it… All you really NEED is to know the DTE (distance till empty) and perhaps re-charge times. I’d like to echo Dave’s comments "GM, please don’t go crazy here as much as I love my gadgets." Opening up the on-board computer to Internet access creates a whole new set of problems like viruses, hackers, malicious code and what not.
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I hope that the cost will be held down and keep the car as simple as possible. I’m sure there will be plenty of electronics on the car any way.
March 24th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
GM should consider coming out with two VOLT models. Basic barebone model with operational only dash gages priced under $25K. Geek model about $50K with all the computer wireless gadgets suggested. See which model sells or people want to buy.
March 24th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
LOL. How about 25k and 30k.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
1–Would you prefer the tracking information for costs/electrical usage/gas usage, etc. be provided in the vehicle or by a weekly/monthly e-mail?
Both! If this is being greedy, than in the vehicle is most important as it shows you best how your driving habits effect your results.
2–Would you be willing to pay for this option? If so, how much?
Certainly. Maybe up to $300 at purchase or $5 per month. (I might cancel a monthly service after I learned all I wanted to.)
3–Would you like other information, such as emissions reduced, CO2 negated, etc.
Yes, but only if free.
4–Would you like a calculation of cost savings of electricity over fuel?
Yes, but I wouldn’t pay much extra.
5–Would you be willing to pay more for the vehicle to know the rates for electricity and delay charging until the rates are lowest?
Yes, and I’d pay more than half of the money I’d save. In fact, I’d like delay charging to be an option in any case so that the battery can be stored at half charge and "topped off" right before the next planned drive.
Some additional comments. The Prius has tons of data and driving configurations (like EV mode) that are buried where they can’t be accessed. Perhaps you guys could have a "user-friendly" defaul