[Ziv]

I agree with most of the comments that DC fast charging/Tesla type super charging is not really needed for the Volt.

I DO think, though, that faster charging, even if only 6.6 kW charge rates, would be really useful for a substantial portion of the Volt buying public. I frequently drive 60 or 70 miles and being able to get 20 miles per hour of charging while taking a lunch break (instead of the current 10-11 with the 3.3 kW charge rate) would really make a difference. It would also make using public charging stations that charge by the minute make a lot more sense than they do now.

Is it a make or break item like more AER, lower MSRP or roomier back seats/seating for 5? Probably not. But it would help me decide on a Volt when my current lease runs out in 2016, instead of another plug in choice. Heck make it an option, I would pay $500 to get it, maybe more, and it would cost GM a lot less than that to do the upgrade.

 

[Ziv]

Baragona, I understand where you are coming from on the issue, and like I said, I don't think 3.3 kW charging would be a deal breaker for me. But given the fact that the main point of the Volt is being a no compromise car that is primarily electric but can drive all day when you want to, why wouldn't you make it charge at a 6.6 kW rate, which is becoming the minimum for a serious electric car? This isn't rocket science, nor is it expensive, but it would it would help a lot of Volt drivers do a lot less driving on gas.

For just $300-$500 increased cost to GM, you can get a Volt with an extra 10 miles per hour of charge rate. That is a huge upgrade that a lot of Volt owners would use fairly frequently. And it would make using public chargers that charge by the hour less of a losing proposition. There are already enough chargers in place in most larger towns to make 6.6 kW charge rates a very nice option to avail yourself of. Within a year or two it will be even better, more ubiquitous, option.

I agree with you on the more vehicle choices. There are so many people on this site that really want an Equinox/MPV5 that it really is obvious that there is a demand for larger vehicles.

This assumes building a fast charging network, not just along main freeway routes, but at every workplace, shopping mall, restaurant, movie theater, and any place else where there is public parking.

I still say this is trying to turn an EREV into an EV.

If it is a deal breaker, then so be it......

What we need is more vehicle choices instead of one vehicle with all options. What is this, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle? Someday when the Volt is not the only EREV on the road, people will stop trying to make it do "EVERYTHING".