Jalopnik: gm electric car

The Top Ten Design Elements Of The Chevy Volt

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EDT

Yesterday's reveal of the production Chevy Volt got us thinking we should take a closer look at the design features, both inside and out, that make GM's plug-in hybrid unique. We've picked out five exterior and an equal number of interior design elements we feel are most important, and taken a little deeper look at each. Without further ado, hit the jump for our top ten key design elements that make the Volt so...eclectically electric.

Chevy Volt: Five Key Interior Features

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:35:01 EDT

Oh sure, the exterior's hot for a plug-in appliance, but the interior's just as slick. In fact, it's on the inside of the Volt where some of the biggest differences from concept to production were made. We sat down with Volt styling guru Bob Boniface, and let him give us the scoop on all that is interesting on the inside of the car. Here's the top five.

5.) It's Like A Big iPod

Every online media outlet's already compared the Volt to an iPod, but none have really detailed why. We'll be happy to explain. See, the Volt nearly does away with mechanical buttons on the car in favor of electrostatically activated controls, a technology more commonly known for its touch application in the iPod. The Volt not only swipes the iPod's buttons, it goes retro, swiping the discontinued white and chrome color combination as well. Except the Volt one-ups the 'pod with a very nice pearl paint finish onto which the "buttons" are stenciled in place. But wait, that's not the only color — according to Boniface, GM will offer several different color options for the center stack, including piano black. At this point the controls are touch only with an auditory feedback, but Bob Lutz claims he's pushing for haptic feedback on button-press — we'll see if "Maximum" Bob's able to win out over the need for maximum cost savings on that one. We're rooting for Bob.

4.) E-Flex Gives You Four Seats, Maximum Cupholders And Power

The Chevy Volt's E-Flex platform battery pack is the element everything else in the car is built around, and being that it's like a five foot long capital T running down the center of the car there isn't much room for three abreast seating in the rear. As such, there has to be a strong center console to cover it and only four seats. That doesn't mean the center spine goes unused; Boniface claims they've integrated a very nice set of cupholders and a storage bin into the plastic sheathing. More importantly, they've also added a rear seat power outlet.

3.) Double Control Screens

With so much information needing to be hurled at the Volt's driver — from battery charge level to HVAC to fuel economy to whether the pot roast is done — just one screen in the center stack was obviously not enough screen-space to get the job done. So, Chevy designers have designed an all-digital double dose of control screens, giving the Volt a high-tech, Star Trek command deck feel. One is a seven-inch LCD info screen beyond the steering wheel. The other seven-incher is a touch screen that controls climate, entertainment and power status. On top of that, you can apparently option the Volt out with a third screen if you want to pop in an external Nav unit thanks to GM smartly dropping a power outlet in the dash-top storage bin. No word on whether or not you'll need a stylus to push on one screen to control the action on the other, although we're practicing with a Nintendo DS just to make sure.

2.) Graphical Door Inserts

It may not be a car guys cup of tea, but the snazzy graphics on the door inserts do lighten up the cabin and give it just the right amount of urban hipster artist chic to satisfy even the smuggest of hybrid buyers. The car will be offered with a variety of color and graphics options to be selected on the order form but sorry, no mix-and-match option like the Saturn SC.

1.) One Seriously Slick Shift

The Volt will be a passive entry and passive start car, meaning you'll only need to have your keys in your pocket to operate the thing. Once in the car, starting it means grabbing the shifter and pressing the start button with your right thumb, pulling it back into drive and away you go. So although at first glance the shifter is a very odd looking design, in practice it seems to make perfect sense. Clever. And for you power freaks out there, there's a default "Eco" mode and a higher performance "Sport" mode. There's also a green leaf button — but we're not entirely certain what that does. Frankly, your guess is as good as ours.

Head Back To The Top Ten Chevy Volt Design Features

Chevy Volt: Five Key Exterior Features

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:33:08 EDT

It's been four years since the world's largest automaker (arguably) began work on reviving the electric car and almost two years after the concept was first revealed on the stage of the Detroit Auto Show, and seeing the Volt's shiny exterior up close we can say, yes, it's nothing like the look of the sleek, low-to-the-ground concept with vented windows we've seen toted out for every show over the past two years. But, that's not to say it's bad. In fact, it's quite a sharp looking extended-range electric vehicle. We sat down with a ruler and compass and here's the five features we want to make sure you take note of.

5.) Aerodynamics

The designers at GM really did the best they could to maintain the visual language of the original Volt concept — especially given the concept was never actually meant to be aerodynamic (Wired's shock at this fact yesterday was met with laughter in the press room) — delivering a more sleek, aerodynamic product at the end. Hundreds of hours in the wind tunnel have provided all kinds of nifty details intended to trick the wind and deliver the mileage. Our favorite is the adaptation of the Kamm-back, a trick of body work which simulates a teardrop tail without the extended tear drop shape. The ridge running along the corners of the rear bumper act to create a clean break with the air as it passes over the Volt, reducing turbulence and thus, drag.

4.) The Plug-in Port / Side Mirror Combo

As the Volt is a plug-in hybrid, there needs to be a convenient place to locate said plug. On the Volt, the port for making it the world's biggest Glade scent machine rests behind a door at the base of the A-pillar. The neat design element is how the side mirror is tied to the mirror stalk with a strip of stainless steel wrapping around from the window trim. The mirror also integrates a barely visible turn signal, so there's a lot going on in a small space. But, despite the busy feature levels, good design ties it all together.

3.) Glass Rear Hatch

Given the rake of the rear hatch on the Volt, something had to be done to make sure drivers could see what was going on back there. GM decided to follow the trail the Honda Insight blazed and make the bottom of the rear hatch glass so the rear spoiler is the only interruption to the driver's visibility. In practice, we're assuming this can be a bit annoying, but we're assuming you get used to it. But whether or not the driver likes the way it gets in the way, the design aesthetic of badges stuck onto the smooth glass makes a definite impression.

2.) Rear Three-Quarter View

OK, so technically, it's probably not a feature, but the rear three quarter view on the Volt is positively excellent. Sporty and pitched forward, it looks ready to run. We're told one of the very few differences between this revealed Volt and the production intent design is the rear spoiler is raised by about 30 mm, so expect it to be even more wedge-shaped in the future.

1.) LEDs, LEDs, LEDs

Everybody knows LEDs use less electricity and last longer in the field than their older counterparts, so what better application than on an "electric" car? Tail lights, turn signals, courtesy lights, backups... all of them LED. It's an all-LED light fest. As Wert would say, an LEDgasm (sorry, he made me do that). We especially like how the tail lights appear to be floating on the glass of the rear hatch.

Head Back To The Top Ten Chevy Volt Design Features List

GM's Lutz: Chevy Volt Will Use GPS To Determine Distance From Home, Adjust Engine Accordingly

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT

At GM's "blogger town hall" at the end of yesterday's Chevy Volt unveil, the General's Vice Chairman and product czar, "Maximum" Bob Lutz, made mention to a Volt feature we hadn't yet heard about, and is even more techie-cool than the iPod-like interface on the center stack. Apparently, the Volt will "know how far you are from home" using what we're assuming is an on-board GPS system. The plug-in electric extended range hybrid's computer will then use that distance, along with route information, to determine how long the car needs to run the gas engine to charge the on-board battery pack, allowing the vehicle to truly maximize fuel economy. Even if you're not drinking the GM Kool-Aid, you've got to be wow'ed by a system like that — as long as it actually works. Read the full quote from "The" Bob after the galleries and the jump below.

"with the Volt, you never have to worry you use the full 40 (mile range), the worst thing that happens is the gasoline engine comes on, and the car will know how far you are from home, and it will only run the gas engine long enough to give you enough charge to get you home where you can actually plug it into the wall outlet. So the car will be smart enough to know where its home base is."

We love this man. How cool is this as a feature if it works?

Chevy Volt, Live And Unplugged!

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:01:00 EDT

The finale of GM's centennial celebration today was the official reveal of the production 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the first official plug-in hybrid production vehicle from a major auto manufacturer. Details are slim, but what we know is this — GM calls it an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), it has a top speed of 100 mph and 40 miles on all-electric based on the EPA city cycle. The rest of what we know, plus the official press release, are below the jump.

More on the Chevy Volt:

UPDATE: Images are back, yay!

Vehicle Type: 5-door, front-wheel-drive sedan
Category: Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV)
E-REV competitors: none
Chassis: Independent McPherson struts front, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering
seating Capacity: Four
Manufacturing location: Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly (subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives)
Top speed (mph): 100
EV range, city (miles): 40 (based on EPA city cycle)

Chevrolet Volt Leads General Motors Into Its Second Century

DETROIT - General Motors launched its next 100 years today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt - a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles.

"Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges."

Form follows function
The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created an aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle. Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more. The Volt's rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag.

Working closely with GM aerodynamicists to shape the Volt, design and engineering teams developed one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM's history. They spent hundreds of hours with the Volt in GM's wind tunnel, testing and re-testing parts such as the front and rear quarter panels, rear spoiler, rockers and side mirrors. Aerodynamic improvements enabled GM to reach the Volt's target of driving up to 40 miles (based on EPA city cycle) without using gasoline or producing emissions.

Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan, and it delivers them in a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options unlike any offered before on a Chevrolet sedan. Modern controls and attractive materials, two informational displays, and a touch-sensitive infotainment center with integrated shifter distinguish the Volt's interior from other vehicles in the market.

Some of Volt's interior technological features include:

* Driver-configurable, liquid crystal instrument display
* Standard seven-inch touch screen vehicle information display
* Touch screen-style climate and infotainment controls
* Optional navigation system with onboard hard drive for maps and music storage
* Standard Bluetooth for cellular phone and USB/Bluetooth for music streaming

New era in automotive transportation
The Chevrolet Volt is leading a new era of electrification of the automobile by creating a new class of vehicle known as the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or E-REV.

The Volt uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle's battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Volt eliminates "range anxiety," giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.

The Chevrolet Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle's intelligent charging technology enables the Volt's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted. At a cost of about 80 cents per day (10 cents per kWh) for a full charge that will deliver up to 40 miles of electric driving, GM estimates that the Volt will be less expensive to recharge than purchasing a cup of your favorite coffee. Charging the Volt about once daily will consume less electric energy annually than the average home's refrigerator and freezer units.

Charge out of driving
The Chevrolet Volt offers spirited driving performance in a remarkably quiet interior. More than 220 lithium-ion cells contained within the Volt's battery pack provide ample power. The Volt's electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. The lack of engine noise, combined with special sound-deadening materials, make the Chevrolet Volt an extremely quiet vehicle to drive.

GM estimates that the Volt will cost about two cents per mile to drive while under battery power compared to 12 cents per mile using gasoline priced at $3.60 per gallon. For an average driver who drives 40 miles per day (or 15,000 miles per year), this amounts to a cost savings of $1,500 annually. Using peak electric rates, GM estimates that an electrically driven mile in a Chevy Volt will be about one-sixth of the cost of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. The cost savings are even greater when charging during off-peak hours, when electric rates are cheaper.

The Chevrolet Volt is expected to be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States. Pricing has not been announced. Visit media.gm.com/volt for more information.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

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GM's 100th birthday celebration kicks off in a few short hours featuring their revival of the semi-electric car in just a few hours with the official unveil of the Chevy Volt on a very MTV Unplugged-like stage. Click here to get electric with us tomorrow at 8:30 AM EST as we watch Chevy's exercise in generating buzz both under the hood and with the worldwide apparatus collectively known as the "media." For the moment, hit the jump to see our past coverage of the excitement — but whatever you do, wake up early tomorrow here at our Chevy Volt Live-Blog!
(9:30 AM EST) UPDATE: Dear god, one hundred media people stuck in the Wintergardgen watching GM give themselves a big hand for an hour. We're really hoping the Volt comes out sooner rather than later as we're getting pretty bored.
(5:50 AM EST) UPDATE: Wert, FTW! First media person in the "media work room" here at the Ren Cen in downtown Detroit. Yes, I have no life. But fear not — I won't be the only one. Ben and Mark are both on their way as well.
(12:10 AM EST) UPDATE: We've got shots of the Renaissance Center Wintergarden stage taken this evening in the gallery below.

The Chevy Volt, A Jalopnik History

First Full Picture Of Chevy Volt?

Wes Siler — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:30:00 EDT

Remember when the first shots of the Chevy Volt dropped yesterday? It was like a pinup calendar of hunky GM engineers; you could barely see the car itself for their chiseled features and toothy grins. Well here’s the Volt de-hunkified, courtesy of Edmunds Inside Line. We’re still waiting for Edmunds to call us back, so we don’t know if GM slid them this shot under the table or if they spent hours photoshopping all the man-on-Volt action out. Either way, this is the Volt as it will be when it’s officially unveiled later this week.

[via Edmunds]

GM Invents Electric Deathmobile In 1973

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:40:00 EDT

There's an awful lot of hubbub surrounding the 2010 Chevy Volt, and rightfully so: GM is ~~whipping us over the head with PR~~ talking up a mostly electric car that may actually be useful in the real world. This, of course, doesn't mean they haven't built EV's before. Everyone remembers the GM EV1, an experiment which was eventually pried from public hands and shredded to avoid the crushing liabilities of used cars. But few remember its predecessor, the 1973 GM Urban Electric.

In a piece of beautifully symmetric history, the Urban Electric was developed for the First Symposium On Low Pollution Power Systems Development held, basically, in the parking lot of an Ann Arbor, Michigan Marriott. The ultra-mini around-town runabout came in two wacky, Barris-inspired varieties as well: one with with a space-age lifting canopy entrance, and the other with an open-top featuring an Isetta-like swinging front door. As you can see, the Urban Electric had all the creature comforts the 1970's could offer — metallic paint, loads of plastic and chrome doo-dads on the interior, enough room to fit two stuffy-suited middle managers and even a curbside battery charger — the luxury! Expect to see the unveiling of the 2009 GM Urban Electric Car at the Second Symposium On Low Pollution Power Systems Development next year. [LostBrain and Wikipedia]

2011/2012 Chevy Volt

Ray Wert — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:47:15 EDT

Yes friends, we were the first to tell you that the Chevy Volt would be wending its way around town underneath the skin of old, dead Malibus back in September. Now we're the first to show you a picture of a Chevy Volt wending its way around town underneath the skin of an old, dead Malibu. Also, we were like, the second to bring you that Volt video a few weeks ago. So we've got that going for us too. Oh, and then there was that production shot of the Volt we saw at the end of last year. One more feather for the drips-and-dribbles from the General hat. Full spy report from the pride of Brenda Priddy's pride of spy photographers, Chris Doane, below.

The Chevy Volt (test mule)
Today we have the first rock solid evidence that the Chevy Volt has begun development. Hiding under a previous generation Malibu body, we saw GM starting to run the E-Flex powertrain through it paces on the track.

The General will hope to have the Volt on sale in late 2010 as a 2011MY car. However that timing will depend on how well the Lithium Ion batteries development progresses. A task given to Continental Automotive Systems and A123 Systems. It could very well be a 2012MY car by the time Volt's start rolling down the production line.

One thing we do know for sure if that the Volt will be riding on the next gen Delta chassis. This next gen chassis is also know as GM's "Global Compact Car Architecture." According UAW documents, GM seems set to build the Volt at their Hamtramck plant once the G-body Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS cease production.
Price wise, GM was hoping for an MSRP of around $30,000. It now seems that number may be closer to $35,000.

Photo Credit: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Co.