Grab our Post Feed
or
Our Comment Feed
Volt Nation VIDEO: Bob Lutz Addresses the Crowd
Posted in: Volt Nation Video
This is the section of Volt Nation where GM vice chairman Bob Lutz made some comments to the crowd about the car and the event.
Popularity: 30%
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5) 
Loading ...
Posted by: Lyle
38 Responses to “Volt Nation VIDEO: Bob Lutz Addresses the Crowd”
Leave a Reply
Recent Posts
- The Chevy Volt Mule Schedule: Final Integration Vehicles to Appear in 2009
- Nissan and NEC to Begin Mass Production of Automotive Lithium-ion Batteries in 2009
- Production Chevy Volt to be Revealed in Less Than 5 Months
- The Volt Program May be Life or Death for GM
- GM’s Next Generation Chevy Volts May Use Supercapacitors
- Micky Bly, GM Director of Hybrid Integration on the Running Chevy Volt Prototype
- BIG NEWS from Bob Lutz: First Chevy Volt Prototype Hits the Road and Gets 40 Miles Electric!
- Could Recession Crash the Volt?
- Renault-Nissan To Spend $1 Billion Building Electric Cars, and Already Shows One Off
- The EV-1 Wasn’t Killed, it Was Dead on Arrival
Designed and Developed by Twenty Six Media
Lyle, it seems like the movie is not loading here, I try to use the control and it says that it’s not loaded… Am I just being impatient? I’m turning blue over here holding my breath in anticipation!
http://flash.revver.com/player/1.0/player.swf?mediaId=758255&affiliateId=169199
I hope I grabbed the right url out of the source, looks right, but I can barely hear it.
Video worked fine for me, but here’s a non-embedded link to it:
http://revver.com/video/758255/volt-nation-bob-lutz-address/
Note that the audio is a bit muted, since it sounds like the audio is just from the camera’s mic.
Should have mentioned in my previous post…
Awesome job Lyle in organizing this event and turning this forum/community into a force that GM now recognizes! I’ve been a fan since August, and I’m still impressed with the work you do.
Looking forward to the remaining videos!
#4 PaulR,
Thanks, the non-embedded link worked great! I was able to discern all of the audio except the joke that everyone laughed at about the “less noble” goal of the Volt.
2010 can’t come fast enough…
Thanks Lyle , keep the video’s coming . I just hope that all the people that are convinced that GM is in bed with big oil companies can finally let go of that tiered old line . And when the E-flex drive system hits the road I can pump my fist in the air and proudly proclaim that a American Company with the help of a international team solved the age old question of how we as a nation are going to get off our OIL addiction!!!! Thanks Bob Lutz and your team.
The less noble goal is kicking Toyota in the teeth. It is a goal I fully support as the proud owner of 2,000 GM shares.
Bob, You ROCK!
Well done Lyle you deserve the praise. Did anyone hear when the Volt will go from concept to pre production?
This might be off topic, but I need to muse.
The KISS approach to Volt 1.0 makes all the sense in the world. But, I can’t help thinking about Volt 5.0, Volt 10.0, and beyond. Cool hardware (better batteries? magnetic bearings? carbon fiber? nanotech applications?…), cool software (my Volt will drive itself to the grocery store, where a robot will load it up?). I’m going to feel really old when I have to explain to my grandkids what a gas station was.
Fellow Volt Nation, I really appreciate the tone and hopefulness of this site. You people act like adults. There is respectful skepticism, but minimal negativity and “yelling heads.” When negativity arises, it doesn’t flame out of control because the community demonstrates wisdom and reason. This site buoys my confidence in people and the future.
Wars are fought over resources and religion. If we can invent our way towards more plentiful resources, we can live in a better world. Advancements in energy, agriculture, medicine, water treatment, and waste reduction will reduce stresses - if world leaders alow them to do so. Communications improvements, like this internet thing, will broaden people’s worldviews, promote acceptance of others (if acceptance is modeled by leaders), and bring people together. Keep up the good work.
We live in exciting times.
I’ve got to stop coming over the crest of every hill with maximum speed only to have to apply my age old front disk brakes.
The Walter Mitty in me will have to wait ’till twenty-ten for regen.
Lyle, great video clip. Can’t wait to buy my Volt.
I hope to say this continually until I own a Volt. My purpose is from my experience having served more than 20 years with the Air Force. Middle-East oil, if the calculation for the cost of gasoline were fully equated, would be nearly $10 per gallon to Americans. The cost to arm and defend the oil lanes and Oil Barons of the Middle-East is staggering. Another proper note is our taxpayer dollars are used defending these lanes for Japan, Europe, China, and the rest of the consuming World while they pay nearly nothing and beat us economically as we weigh ourselves down in debt.
I’ll be the proud owner of a Union made, American made, American fueled vehicle in a heartbeat.
Chevy Volt - my car decal will read “American-Made AND American-Fueled.” I’m thankful and proud to have served the Air Force blue, a job honored over to me by American Taxpayers. Now that I’m home, it’s time to give an American a decent job at a decent wage.
Buy American, Buy American fuel - electric vehicle.
Work was really busy today, so I did not have much time to check in.
WOW - I missed a lot!!!
I spent quite a bit of time reading the last several postings, and looking at all the pictures. Really good job everyone!
Did anyone mention anything about the possibility of pre-deposits? That was the only thing I do not remember seeing discussed.
And I sure will make time for the next Volt Nation meeting!
I don’t want to pour cold water on anyone’s parade, but I doubt that all the parts that will be in the Volt will be exclusively American made. Take the batteries for example - doesn’t A123 manufacture in China?
From a Canadian perspective, Auto Pact provides tariff-free trade between Canada and the US on cars, trucks, buses, tires and automotive parts. I suspect some Chevy Volt parts are going to be made in Canada …
I’m doubt that any car made anywhere contains only products made from one country. For example some BMWs contain GM transmissions etc.
The point he was making is that the Volt is as American as the Bimer is German. In the case of the Volt, it’ll definitely be American fueled.
The waiting list has jumped quite a bit this week; over 15,000 now. Up from 14316 last week. Must have been the Volt Nation exposure.
For Volt Nationa attendees:
Did anyone ask how GM would distribute the first Chevy Volts? WIll they have a national waiting list program? When will we be able to officially sign-up? A lottery? An auction?
Wow, amazingly to see US citizens care for the planet environment! Thsi is certaintly hope!
ps.
I do not own a car and if i do 1 day it will be emission free ONLY.
Cheers + Best Regards to us all
I so-o-o-o wanted to be with you guys this week but had a conflict. Maybe next time…
Since you guys have access to the engineers, maybe they would be willing to discuss more info on the following topics:
Topic 1 – Charging, etc:
1) Is it true that the US Volt will allow both 110V and 220V charging?
2) What are the peak and steady state current requirements for each?
3) Will there be any special fusing requirements?
4) Will it require special extension cords for charging?
5) Since they are planning to not allow the battery to completely drain, how many KWHs will be needed to charge the battery?
6) Will they allow the driver to delay the ICE from coming on if he knows he only has a few more miles before he stops?
Topic 2 - Battery used for power to home and power to the grid (V2G):
1) Will Gen 1.0 Volt allow battery to be used as an emergency power source for the home? (I live in NC and we do get a lot of weather outages here.)
2) I am thinking of adding solar panels to my house. Can I use the Volt Battery to power my home at night?
3) If the answer to 2) is yes, how does this impact the expected life of the battery?
4) Same question as above, but in a V2G application.
Oh Great Cult Leader, you may want to reserve the above topics for a separate discussion after the show is over and everyone is back home. BTW – thanks for all you are doing to advance this important subject and the contributions everyone is making here.
#20 Vernon-Ga-tech
1) Is it true that the US Volt will allow both 110V and 220V charging?
My understanding is they are planning a "smart" charging system that will work with either voltage.
2) What are the peak and steady state current requirements for each?
I did not obtain any data on this, but for an 8 kwh charge, they expect 6 to 6.5 hours, so that would suggest about 12 amps @ 110 volts.
3) Will there be any special fusing requirements?
Don’t know.
4) Will it require special extension cords for charging?
I would imagine the plug to the car is unique, and would likely be supplied with the vehicle.
5) Since they are planning to not allow the battery to completely drain, how many KWHs will be needed to charge the battery?
The battery is rated at 16 kWh, and will operate between 80% and 30% state of charge, so 8 kWh will be needed if you utilize all of the battery’s energy.
6) Will they allow the driver to delay the ICE from coming on if he knows he only has a few more miles before he stops? Not sure, but sounds unlikely if you want a warranty on the battery pack.
It was stated that the Volt 1.0 would not include any V2G capability. Also, no provisions are currently included for back-up power. Again, they seemed open to that concept on future versions.
For right now, they are trying to finalize the design specifications so that they can get this vehicle into production. Some of the features you mentioned, along with the possibility of a solar panel, will be reserved for future versions of the car.
20 Vernon-Ga-Tech….
I finally got back home & just now (Fri AM) scanned over the many threads/posts since returning. Since my favorite undergrad prof was Dr. Vernon Crawford (& my undergrad work included a degree in Physics from Ga Tech), YOU got my attention 1st!
Let me try to answer the questions you raise from memory (I recorded the entire formal Volt Nation formal presentations & Q/A sessions —well over 3 hrs, but haven’t had a chance to play it back yet). So here goes from memory & from my own background in EE & Physics…..
Topic 1 – Charging, etc:1) Is it true that the US Volt will allow both 110V and 220V charging? Yes, and the Volt will sense which (110V or 220V) is present (just like an electric razor does).
2) What are the peak and steady state current requirements for each? Not discussed, but I’m sure the Volt will limit 110V sources to under 15amps [8KWh/(110Vx6hrs)=12.12A max] & 220V sources accordingly.
3) Will there be any special fusing requirements? Not discussed, but I’d expect almost any source’s fusing to protect itself and I feel sure the Volt’s charger will also include a protective circuit breaker as well as current limiting & overvoltage protection.
4) Will it require special extension cords for charging? No, but a unique adapter will likely be provided as added assurance a service station attendant or a kid in the neighborhood can’t plug anything in either accidently or deliberately)!
5) Since they are planning to not allow the battery to completely drain, how many KWHs will be needed to charge the battery? Not discussed, but we know it will be ~8KWhs if the battery is fully discharged, proportionally less for partial discharges.
6) Will they allow the driver to delay the ICE from coming on if he knows he only has a few more miles before he stops? Again, not discussed in this detail (but I’ve suggested in one of the written questions I gave directly to Bob Lutz that they include an EV-only switch on the dashboard that the car’s computer would override if the battery is endangered.)
Topic 2 - Battery used for power to home and power to the grid (V2G): As I recall this was asked about & I think GM’s answer was they had considered it but for only introduction on a later model [anyone remembering this differently, please correct me.]
Vernon-Ga-Tech, most of your questions were answered at the meeting.
Topic 1 – Charging, etc:1) Is it true that the US Volt will allow both 110V and 220V charging? yes
2) What are the peak and steady state current requirements for each? I caught the tailend of this answer. The power draw is pretty limited, so current at 220 (240) is not high. I didn’t here what exact draws were.
3) Will there be any special fusing requirements? Didn’t here but it shouldn’t be anything outside of normal circuit design. My guess is the charging outlet should be isolated on it’s own circuit, similar to other high power appliances.
4) Will it require special extension cords for charging? Didn’t here GM’s answer this but they would need to be sized for max current. Plug on the wall side would be standard since charger is integral but I don’t know about car side.
5) Since they are planning to not allow the battery to completely drain, how many KWHs will be needed to charge the battery? This is one I was hoping to ask a related question that would have answered this and more. Since both batteries are very efficient as well as charging electronics, you’ld be looking at 6-8% more energy than what was used. I would really like to here if they are still planning on 50% discharge cycle which would mean 8.5-9 KWh total recharge draw.
6) Will they allow the driver to delay the ICE from coming on if he knows he only has a few more miles before he stops? Another answer I am very interested to here.
Topic 2 - Battery used for power to home and power to the grid (V2G):1) Will Gen 1.0 Volt allow battery to be used as an emergency power source for the home? (I live in NC and we do get a lot of weather outages here.) I live in Florida and wanted a yes to this but at this point they’re still saying no. Perhaps it is a liability concern, but this is HUGE missed opportunity in IMHO. They even said no to 120 and 240 outlets. Which is really frustrating since even my Pontiac Vibe has a 120V outlet. I’m hoping this part was a miscommunication and they thought the question was still about full v2house support.
2) I am thinking of adding solar panels to my house. Can I use the Volt Battery to power my home at night? No, because of the above.
3) If the answer to 2) is yes, how does this impact the expected life of the battery? Even if it were yes or you get anaftermarket solution, it is a bad idea to do on a regular basis, unless you don’t plan on getting many e-miles from the battery
4) Same question as above, but in a V2G application? Even more of a no, at least for Ver 1.
"The battery is rated at 16 kWh, and will operate between 80% and 30% state of charge"
BillR, did someone from GM confirm this at the meeting. I was hoping to participate in a discussion that involved the intended discharge cycle, user control, and associated battery life issues; but I didn’t have the opportunity. Did anyone else find out more?
#24 Koz
They confirmed that once the battery is discharged down to 30% SOC that it will be maintained there with a buffer band.
#11 thomdbhom:
Very nice. Thank you.
#14 BF ALASKA:
No s**t!
You sound like Prof. Chalmers Johnson, whose books I keep recommending here. "Blowback", "The Sorrows of Empire", and "Nemesis".
I sure hope I can visit Alaska some day. I owe a comrade a beer!
#24 Koz
They confirmed that the Volt is designed for a 40 mile AER using 8 kWh of electricity from the battery, and as #25 Mike756 states, at 30% SOC, the ICE comes on.
I believe they also confirmed the 16 kWh capacity of the battery as well.
In other words, I can confirm everything except for the 80% charge point.
Lets see… the 30% to 80% was decided on BEFORE the batteries were built. Everything about the Volt has been towards no chance of failure and no chance of a screw up/recall/disaster. This means that they probably were a little conservative with those numbers.
I wonder if they are only testing between those ranges? When more batteries arrive I am sure what they range can safely be expanded to will be investigated further. Maybe a simple software upgrade will extend that range to something on the order of 20%- 90% operating range which would mean the range would go from 50 miles initially to 70 miles!!!! Fingers crossed.
Looks like we need an edit feature here… sorry for the poorly written post.
#32 omegaman66:
Speaking as the king of typos, your post looks pretty darn good to me. Don’t sweat it, it’s blogging. I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve clicked "submit" and then groaned to see the typo after it was too late! Keep on keepin’ on.
#31, omegaman66. I keep thinking I heard 70%. Not 80%. I also heard 50 miles with new battery and 40 with old end of life battery (say around 100,000 miles or so). BillR is right, 30% SOC before ICE turns on. This they confirmed.
But I hope you are right with the 70 miles. I travel 51 miles one way, and the 70 would cover it completely if I could charge up at work.
Bob DID say "more like 50 AER initially" and 40 at the end of the battery’s life. SOC range = 30 to 80%. If I was reading Bob right I wouldn’t be at all surprised with 60 AER in Volt Ver 1.0 Just a subtle guess (but I got $2 that says I’m right. They will hold some positive info secret to release here and there to stoke flagging interest or offset bad news.
Nominal voltage designation in the USA is 120/240 VAC. If you use 110/220 in conversation, you are giving away your age.
Sounds like the Volt is very near a certainty. Hope I don’t have to steal one to get one. GM please take some money.
Would love to see info on the locked down design. Work on’em Lyle.
Thank all of you for your responses to the planned discharge cycle. The consesus appears to be GM is still with 30-80%. omegaman66 touches on the issue that I was hoping to discuss with the engineers. Are they testing outside of the 30-80% cycle, which I assume they must be? Do they have plans to allow the driver to overide the cycle limits? Do they have an idea yet what effects certain deviations from the 80-30 cycle will produce? Obviously battery life is an issue and performance could be an issue on the max discharge limit.
#24 Nasaman
Regarding your 3 hours of Q/A you recorded…
Would love it if that could be added to Lyle’s podcast feed. I am a subscriber of that. Thank you.