[ericisbacchus]

As a whole, aren't EV's more reliable than ICE cars?

I'm just wondering if there will be quality issues w/ the Volt that would be correct for it's second year of production...

Conceivably, couldn't the price go down too, as more are made?

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

As a whole, aren't EV's more reliable than ICE cars?

I'm just wondering if there will be quality issues w/ the Volt that would be correct for it's second year of production...

Conceivably, couldn't the price go down too, as more are made?

The only quality / reliability issue that I can think of is battery life - otherwise, the vehicle should be more reliable than an ICE vehicle.

 

[DaV8or]

As a whole, aren't EV's more reliable than ICE cars?

I'm just wondering if there will be quality issues w/ the Volt that would be correct for it's second year of production...

Conceivably, couldn't the price go down too, as more are made?

Yes, yes and yes. Ordinary EVs are more reliable than traditional cars, but the Volt is neither. It is actually pretty complex compared to a traditional EV. The Volt still has an ICE and all it's concerns and a whole new, never been mass produced before, motor controller and software. Add to this a whole host of new energy efficent accessories on a brand new platform and yeah, there will be bugs. Hopefully small ones. Over time no doubt the price will come down. So if you're wondering if it would be wise to wait until a few years after release to buy, then I would say asolutely! However, I don't think I can wait, so once again I'll be the guiney pig for all you cautious types.

 

[mkaresh]

Remains to be seen. I conduct reliability research, and GM's first-year record is spotty at best.

I can see the Volt going both ways...

On one hand, they'll try extra hard to get the bugs out before SOP, because so much attention will be on the car.

On the other, they're rushing to get the car to market.

Either way, I'd expect most problems to be with non-powertrain components, just like in pretty much every car sold these days.

The research process I've developed can produce an initial result four months after a car goes on sale, if enough owners sign up and participate. By the time the Volt goes on sale we should have enough members to make this happen.

I have had a few current members tell me they're planning to buy a Volt.

Vehicle reliability research

 

[kubel]

I have a feeling the first few years will be plagued with problems, but I think a majority of the problems will be minor glitches. I think it will be at least 5 years before we see the Volt take off as a superior alternative to a gas guzzler.

 

[Tom]

Tradeoffs ++

Most of the complexity is in the electronics. But electronics love complexity and its reliability is not compromised by mere circuit design complexity. Auto makers have had decades to evolve under-the-hood electronics reliability to the parts per billion level for mass production of tens of millions of vehicles/yr. There is new technology/risk with the power device heat exchanger technology. But, GM will do intensive environmental, vibration, reliability, QA, FMEA, PFMEA, testing and evaluation. The short Volt development schedule may cut into Pilot evaluation. The EV underhood environment is far more benign than in an ICE.

Maintenance: No tuneups, EGR, hoses, mechanical linkages, engine lubricating oil, spark plugs, transmission oil fluid, vacuum leakage issues, degradation of high voltage ignition insulation (rubber), or heat degradation. Less break wear.

Overall, I think the tradeoff is on the plus side. Undoubtedly there will be great improvements and learning form Model 1.01 to 2, but this is just the inevitable march of progress.