[Jim Rowland]

There are getting to be quit a few EV's out there now and up and coming. Is there any other competition that use this same kind of range extender technology as the Volt, other than Fisker? Fisker is twice the price and a premium vehicle so its not really in the same class as the volt, kind of apples and oranges. Trains have been doing it for a long time so there has to be another manufacturer concidering this idea. Anyone?

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

Fisker Automotive offered the Karma as an RE vehicle first
Tesla Motors "Whitestar" will have an RE option
AFS Trinity is showboating an SUV with an RE
Aptera is offering an RE option on their vehicle

Many, many, many companies are going to follow suit, as "range anxiety" will prevent many other offerings from closing sales.

 

[Texas]

You can also include the VentureOne (http://www.flytheroad.com/). It's an in-line two-seater but I love the design. Kind of like a safe motorcycle. I wonder if this will be popular (assuming it makes it to market).

Of course don't forget the Prius plug-in. The third generation Synergy Drive will have a much larger electric drive motor capable of highway speeds (last spec. I heard was 62 miles per hour) and can act very much like the Volt. In fact, if you want you can get a Ford or Toyota hybrid and have a lithium-ion plug-in conversion done today (only takes 4 hours and about 20 grand). The all-electric speed limit is only 32 mile per hour but it would be an excellent way to pass the almost 3 years it will take to finally be able to go to your dealer and purchase the Volt.

 

[Jim Rowland]

Well the fisker is a premium. Aptera isn't very realistic. Whitestar is reaching for the "stars"(also premium). But AFS is news to me, and I will say good news because competition is heathy, great for technology and affordability. However they are still 3 years out and the e-flex has alot more backing(engineering and money). The future will be fun!

 

[Dave B]

Well the fisker is a premium. Aptera isn't very realistic. Whitestar is reaching for the "stars"(also premium). But AFS is news to me, and I will say good news because competition is heathy, great for technology and affordability. However they are still 3 years out and the e-flex has alot more backing(engineering and money). The future will be fun!

Whitestar is much closer than you think. Tesla has indicated Roadster's 1.5 transmission will be used for Whitestar if my understanding is correct. Also, they are due to release the design of Whitestar shortly. It's been rather quiet at Tesla with production focused on the Roadster, but make no mistake that people are willing to put deposits down with these people. $60K is not so far out of line when people keep talking about $45-50K Volt.

 

[KariK]

Let's not forget the Volvo Recharge:
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/0...w-volvo-recharge-the-swedes-go-series-hybrid/
A concept only, but similar to the Volt. Also, Ford will have access to Volvo's designs so a Ford E-REV will also be possible.

 

[DaV8or]

Trains have been doing it for a long time so there has to be another manufacturer concidering this idea. Anyone?

You mean real manufacturers? Apparently not. Only GM. If the Volt is a success, then others will follow.