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Wagoner says automaker wants production as soon as possible; battery development is key. (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/AUTO01/801040361/1148)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Volt_as_an_FCV.jpgSharon Terlep - Detroit News - Jan 4, 2008

We know the money is being spent. Question now is will it arrive on time? -- Ed.

General Motors Corp. still hopes to have the Chevrolet Volt -- the automaker's ambitious attempt at a plug-in hybrid -- on the road by 2010, CEO Rick Wagoner said on Thursday. But he cautioned that the timeline isn't a sure thing as the automaker works to develop the technology required to produce a battery-powered car for the masses.

"We continue to put massive resources into production as soon as possible," Wagoner said, responding in writing during an online chat session to kick off the automaker's 100th anniversary.

"2010 would be great, but (we) can't guarantee that at this time. We'll keep you posted regularly on our progress."

Wagoner fielded questions from automotive journalists and bloggers during the 50-minute question-and-answer session, on topics ranging from the automaker's overseas ventures to potential new products.

Whether the Volt becomes reality hinges on GM's ability to develop a lithium-ion battery capable of powering a mass-market car. A battery would drive the Volt's powertrain, and an onboard fueling system would recharge the battery while on the road. GM is working on a fueling system, which would be called E-Flex, that could run on gasoline, diesel fuel and hydrogen fuel cells.

It's been almost a year since GM went public with plans to develop and build the Volt. The high-profile effort is being hailed by many in the industry as a savvy and daring move. Others have dismissed the Volt as a publicity ploy by a company desperate to compete with Toyota Motor Co.'s well-nurtured reputation as the greenest automaker.

GM has said it is in the midst of designing a production-ready version of the Volt. At the same time, the automaker is testing battery packs for factors such as durability and longevity … http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/AUTO01/801040361/1148

"2010 would be great" doesn't sound like it's a realistic target from an insider. Hopefully I can purchas a plug-in from Toyota or Aptera in 2009 for my wife to drive to and from work. My 2000 Honda Insight probably has another 10 years left in it and at 77mpg average why replace it.

Oh man. That is way discouraging.

They are going to get left behind again at this rate. I was concerned that 2010 would be too late to help them... later than that is going to make things really REALLY tough for them. :(

Atlaw4u, a couple of years ago I was saying, "My 2002 Elantra probably has another 10 years left in it and at 32mpg average why replace it?" Soon enough we will all be looking for anything other than gas burning transportation. I've been hoping that the Volt would be my foot in the door for such a future, but that is looking to be a more and more distant hope. :(

Well this makes the decision easy. Since GM is just setting us up for an excuse to not deliver the goods on time. Guess I'll start saving for an aptera.

Wow... I never saw this coming. :rolleyes:

Yeah, I was trying to hold my cynicism back, too. All I can figure is they hope speculators abandon oil and prices drop so they can dump the program. I imagine they're funding their imminent early retirement plans with better run companies.
Keith

GM needs to get into the 21st centruy with their design cycles. Ford has had turn around times for their prototype to assembly line that are atleast half what GMs are.

Big 3 too little - All 3 too late.

Now, if they started when Toyota did....

Am I reading this right in that it looks like GM wants to release the 3 fuel capable version in 2010? (Or is the e-flex system a system that allows for easy conversion to another fuel type at a later date?)

Even if that version was delayed to 2012, with three fuel capability would be a step past the phev-10 that Toyota could put on the road by 2010 if they WANTED to, but has no reason to until someone steps up with a mass produced competitor. (although I think as soon as a less than $10,000 total price 40 mile conversion hits the market we'll see toyota play their hand shortly thereafter, would be a mistake to let people willing to spend $10,000 for a conversion not know what is in the pipeline)

Dear GM,

Please release a PHEV as soon as possible. We'll forgive you if you wait until the 2nd-generation Volt to perfect the e-flex system.

Sincerely,
PDK and a bunch of other people who really want to see a great American hybrid.

Hi Pdk:

___I am with you on that one.

___This is only expected to be a delay. The one thing I hate is the newsies always saying it is GM developing the battery which is utter BS. This story is all over the place now (if only I would have seen the live version myself :(). LG and A123Systems are being handed different configs for packaging. The chemistry works in the round cel form but GM wants a Prismatic or brick form for packaging. And of course they are still looking for $250 - $300/kWh by 2010.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I'm glad this is only really a delay (instead of a possible no go), but seriously... Nov. 2010 was too late to begin with!!!

Grumble. :mad:

From my firms interaction with GM and some of its key hybrid electric tech suppliers I would say that battery development is one of a few critical path items for GM. I do think they are developing some technologies (not off the shelf) which may differentiate them from Toyota or Honda - which is good. They certainly seem highly staffed with aggressive development timelines.

I hope we support their efforts and innovations and I really hope what they put out is a great performing vehicle.