I love my Volt, but I'm tall and I have carseats. Please consider adding a few KW and strapping it to a full size sedan. I know it won't be anywhere near as efficient, but it'd still do great for the many of us with less than 50 mile daily commutes.
Put it in the impala
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
GM actually is putting a version of Voltec into a full size RWD sedan this year, with a full battery pack, but a larger and much more powerful engine. That's the CT6 PHEV.
The technology and components may trickle down into Chevrolet large sedans in a year or two, or it might not.
Not mentioned is the CT6 has a huge backseat and personal infotainment systems for the back seat denizens. Will take care of the little guys as they transition out of those car seats!
Just not the best price point for a commuter car and it has limited electric range at 30 miles (but total range over 400 miles).
On the CT6 they put the battery pack behind the rear seats. That's a downside IMO but with RWD not much choice. Packaging packaging. The Impala with FWD might be easier in this regard.
For a commuter car you might look at the Bolt EV. It has acres of headroom in the front and plenty of space for car seats. And of course, unless you're a pioneer, you'd need a second vehicle for long trips. But for local driving it's a great alternative.
Might see a Voltec SUV based on the D2XX platform. The Volt and the Equinox share that. Or perhaps a Buick Envision which has been shown a couple of times in China. Or maybe .... nothing.
Just not the best price point for a commuter car and it has limited electric range at 30 miles (but total range over 400 miles).
On the CT6 they put the battery pack behind the rear seats. That's a downside IMO but with RWD not much choice. Packaging packaging. The Impala with FWD might be easier in this regard.
For a commuter car you might look at the Bolt EV. It has acres of headroom in the front and plenty of space for car seats. And of course, unless you're a pioneer, you'd need a second vehicle for long trips. But for local driving it's a great alternative.
Might see a Voltec SUV based on the D2XX platform. The Volt and the Equinox share that. Or perhaps a Buick Envision which has been shown a couple of times in China. Or maybe .... nothing.
... minus the plug... that is the problem 
I, too, would like to see a Volt with some space. Soon, that is the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, but that might be a bit on the large side. I would like to see something like the CT6, but around $35k. If Pacifica Hybrid is only $42k, a large car could be $35k or so. Honestly though, I am likely to get the Pacifica Hybrid as I already have the Volt for around town, replacing the gas only minivan would make the most sense.
I, too, would like to see a Volt with some space. Soon, that is the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, but that might be a bit on the large side. I would like to see something like the CT6, but around $35k. If Pacifica Hybrid is only $42k, a large car could be $35k or so. Honestly though, I am likely to get the Pacifica Hybrid as I already have the Volt for around town, replacing the gas only minivan would make the most sense.
Joined
·
10,014 Posts
After it's been out a while, you can. I got my new ELR for $53k before the $10k rebate+credit. MSRP was over $80k same as CT6. Check out what 2017s are still on the lot in 2018.
The 'S' in MSRP stands for 'Suggested'. The 'R' stands for 'Retail'. Don't pay either.
Joined
·
747 Posts
The traction battery in the Malibu is a complete after thought. There is no place to put a battery of useable size for EREV and the straight hybrid takes a big bite out of the trunk space already. They need to design a platform with considerations for a large traction battery. Then you will have a Malibu EREV. In my opinion it's just a matter of time. The next decade will bring the cars that you want.
Thanks for the tip, will definitely keep an eye on that one.
There's a reason the CT6 PHEV is made in China, it's made for the Chinese customer, avoids importing tariffs and qualifies for Chinese incentives...Over there the customer is far more likely to ride in the back seat...
Impala makes very little sense, you'd imagine with the Malibu they already have the hybrid so to adapt it into in PHEV would be easier than if it already didn't have the voltec drivetrain into it...
The vehicle that would dominate sales would be an Voltec AWD Equinox...
Impala makes very little sense, you'd imagine with the Malibu they already have the hybrid so to adapt it into in PHEV would be easier than if it already didn't have the voltec drivetrain into it...
The vehicle that would dominate sales would be an Voltec AWD Equinox...
Joined
·
6,863 Posts
+1, look at my signature. I had to buy TWO vehicles to get what my family needs. Unfortunately we didn't need to spend over $60K to get what meets our needs.
Joined
·
1,063 Posts
Get in line behind me. I'm first!
Seriously, does GM even read these sites? We've been asking for that, no BEGGING for that, ever since the Volt was introduced. Considering how many people own both a Volt and an SUV or mini van, it isn't hard to believe that a Voltec Equinox would be guaranteed sales.
Agree, I want a Volt SUV. I have a Volt, and a SUV for family trips. Would get rid of the SUV if there is a volt SUV.
But perhaps this is also why there isn't a volt SUV. People will be getting rid of their regular SUVs. Presumably they make more money off the SUV, so less incentive for them to produce a Volt SUV.
But GM, do keep in mind, that many of these SUVs are not Chevy brand.
So you should still make more money in the end.
Joined
·
4,237 Posts
I wonder how much of GM's decision to not migrate their Voltec technology to other vehicles is marketing. Toyota didn't migrate their Synergy Drive to other vehicles until they had sold close to 200,000 Priuii, which ended their Federal tax credits. The 2017 Malibu Hybrid doesn't qualify for tax credits because it's not a PHEV. By waiting GM can get the most out of the tax credit advertising.
Joined
·
766 Posts
I think GM could Voltec an Equinox relatively easily. The reason I say that is Toyota/Tesla converted an ICE RAV4 to a 120 mile BEV without compromising cargo space too much. Surely a 30-40 mile AER Voltec Equinox is possible.
https://transportevolved.com/2016/0...hevrolet-volt-drivetrain-to-rival-automakers/
There are more detailed articles but the Voltec is for sale via a licensing deal, apparently so far, no takers...
Joined
·
664 Posts
Equally important, it seems like too compromised a vehicle to me... Assuming I wanted such a vehicle (I don't), I'd shop elsewhere...
The Pacifica hybrid is (aside from the ICE) description-wise exactly a Voltec style e-drivetrain.
Joined
·
766 Posts
There are a couple of pretty key differences in my opinion:
1) From what I can tell if you ask for full power the ICE will fire up even with a full battery
2) No control over when EV mode is used. IE no "hold" or "mountain" mode
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
