The Chevy Volt could help ....eventually

A link follows to a recent Washington Post letter to the editor, and a brief response from Dr. Lyle Dennis, a physician who started and maintains the "GM-Volt.com" enthusiast site for the upcoming Chevy Volt electric vehicle. Link: http://gm-volt.com/ (It's considered to be an "extended-range electric vehicle" (E-REV), though weather conditions, driving speed, etc. will affect its range to some degree. The Volt will also contain a small gasoline combustion engine. "...in the Volt, this engine is the smaller one, and has only one task, it produces electricity for the motor when the stored power gets low. The engine is not connected to the wheels, it is only a generator. The brilliance of this feature is that you will have an overall driving range of 400 miles. The efficiency of this engine amounts to about 50 mpg.)

Link to letter to the editor and response: http://gm-volt.com/2009/05/07/gm-voltcom-letter-to-the-editor-of-the-washington-post/

I'm not going to get into whether the first-generation Volt will really have much impact upon reducing U.S. dependence upon foreign oil, etc. It will initially cost too much for many and probably will not help immediately. And we have to worry about how GM's impending bankruptcy/rebirth will affect this project. (Despite strong statements that it will not derail the E-REV.)

However, I think "plug-in" electric vehicles in general, and a mass-produced Volt in particular, will be part of a multi-faceted approach to generally reducing vehicular use of oil, reducing emissions, and even increasing use of renewable fuels (e.g., if E85 (ethanol) can be used in its gasoline engine). Will I attempt to advocate that the Volt is or will be THE answer? No. Other engine technologies, including diesel-powered and natural gas-powered vehicles will be "in the mix" for quite awhile.

I wish to emphasize two points about the Volt, however, made by Dr. Dennis in his response: 1) Though relatively few will/will be able to buy/lease the first-gen. Volt, a well-made, functional Volt that delivers upon its promises (let's hope), will "beget" more Volts.... at lowering prices. Studies show that more than 70% of U.S. drivers travel less than 40 miles per day. A powerful (i.e., instant and even torque), American-manufactured (mostly?), very high "gas" mileage, low emissions vehicle will be useful and desirable for many (U.S.) consumers. (And don't forget: GM and others still plan to make (other) E-REVs in different body styles/configurations.) Production economies of scale may follow, along with further advancements. 2) I read that Volt will facilitate charging at a time of the user's choosing. (Link: Volt charging functionality, Gen-1.) Working with utilities, users should be able to (often) choose an off-peak, lower 'grid' demand/price charging period for their vehicle. (Usually overnight.) Off-peak electricity costs the consumer much less than gasoline. Further, I'm not an engineer or an expert so I won't go into it much, but here's one interesting discussion of the Volt's possible impact upon greenhouse gas emissions. EV's supposedly can convert/use energy more efficiently than gasoline engines. And not all the world's electric power comes from coal. Individuals who feel compelled (for whatever reason) can likely either find or support cleaner sources, as well. (E.g., generating your own solar or wind power, supporting current clean power sources (e.g., "clean energy" utility programs), offsetting your estimated emissions (e.g., carbonfund.org), etc. Some may feel a moral obligation, even if it costs more in the short term.

It won't be profitable for awhile, but I agree with Dr. Dennis and others: I think the Volt could be the best idea and, I hope, eventually the best product that GM has come up with a long time. (Link: http://gm-volt.com/2009/05/17/ceo-promises-gm-has-new-vehicles-that-will-blow-you-away/ )

Enjoy this final link to Dr. Dennis' first ride in a Volt test "mule", from a few weeks ago: http://gm-volt.com/2009/04/28/gm-voltcom-chevy-volt-mule-test-drive-w-video/