Why must GM always shoot their own foot?

[CamaroSpike23]

i fill up every 100 miles in my Z.


but remember gasoline weighs like 6-8lbs per gallon, so that is also extra weight they are cutting out to help further the gas mileage

[Nickdago]

Originally Posted by MAC

for people who commute a ton tho..filling that gas tank up once, instead of twice, in say a week, could make a lotta difference..Sure they may not fill up twice in a week, but that pretty much makes it even worse to have to fill it up every week & a half, because gas price could rise even higher than that weekly fill up.

the cost of gas is rising - almost Daily.
for the real econofreaks, that 5-10 cent rise in price of gas could mean a big difference..
Fill up a 12 gallon tank for 4.30 per G, Once...(approx $51 after one filling)
or fill a 7 gallon tank one day for 4.30 a G, and the next time you fill up - 4.40 a G...(Approx $61 after both fillings)
yeah - ur gonna end up paying more... Sure it's only $10, but some people really have to watch their pennies.
While some may see this as an exaggeration, truth is - it's fact these days.
Gas prices Aren't getting any lower.

Actually Oil has dropped over 10 bucks in the last couple of days and moving lower today as well

[JaysonAych]

While cutting the range with a smaller, lighter fuel load isn't that big of a deal, it doesn't help GM's PR. There seems to be a lot of people looking for the Volt to overpromise and underdeliver, and what with the internal confusion about when the car will actually be available for sale and its pricey cost, it's just another thing that may make people wonder, "Well what ELSE is the car not going to feature?"

[boxmonkeyracing]

lol the gas tank imo should only be there if you can't make your commute. . .the volt is suppose to be a commuter car. . .at least from what I understand.

[theholycow]

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

but remember gasoline weighs like 6-8lbs per gallon, so that is also extra weight they are cutting out to help further the gas mileage

More importantly, they increase the performance and plug-in non-gas-burning range.

[Chevyrocker]

Yea, that article is garbage. I went to a GM seminar today for the launch of the 09 Aveo5 and we briefly discussed the Volt. The GM Rep stated that it WILL BE IN SHOWROOMS BY THE END OF 2010 and that it will have a 12 gallon tank that will provide a cruising range of 640 miles. If that's what GM says, that's what I'll believe, not some article on Autoblog.

[stovt001]

I have mixed feelings on the gas tank decision. For a daily commute, the smaller tank will mean less weight and more room for other stuff (or just a smaller car) so it is a definite plus. The implications of more limited range on long road trips bothers me somewhat. My Cobalt has a 400+ mile roadtrip range, so I can get from my apartment to my wife's family's house in Sacramento (or to SF) on a single tank. Having less range would be annoying as I prefer to make one gas stop and if the tank isn't completely full before leaving, it might then take two stops.

[The_Stache]

People just need to read and think before spouting the mouth off...


First thing:
I thought when i heard this...Hmm the drop in weight might actually increase the full electric range from 40 miles. What would you say if that range went to 45 miles full electric for the loss of 5 gallons?

Second thing:
Lets do some math...
90% of Americans driving miles are commute time.
75% of Americans commute less than 30miles round trip.
= 75% of americans will never use a drop of gas for 90% of there driving.

Seems like a solution to me...

BUT lets go for that other 25% that go farther than 30 miles..

Lets say the small ICE generator gets 40MPG
Lets also say the daily commute is 50 miles.
You charge your battery every night so you only use gas for 10 miles per day.

5 working days * 10 miles = 50 miles
50 miles / 40 mpg = 1.25 gallons per week used

12 gallon old tank = 9.6 weeks until fill up needed (2400 miles driven)
7 gallon new tank = 5.6 weeks until fill up needed (1400 miles driven)

If you honestly want to tell me that you need to go almost 2.5 months without getting gas you should check in with your local therapist.

Also lets look at the MPG there... wait whats that.... 200MPG!

The road trip excuse is just that an excuse. When was the last time you bought a car specifically because it would be useful 10% of the time you actually drive it?

Another added benefit of a smaller tank. Gas should not be stored for more than 2 months without chemical additives. With the potential for never using a drop on the daily commute for up to 75% of your customer base, don't you think its wise ensure that the gas is either cycled more often so that you lower the chance of poor or reduced quality fuel being sent through the ICE system?

Another case of use your melons before putting down something that no other manufacturer has done.

[Nickdago]

Great Post Diarmadhi

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by MAC

for people who commute a ton tho..filling that gas tank up once, instead of twice, in say a week, could make a lotta difference..Sure they may not fill up twice in a week, but that pretty much makes it even worse to have to fill it up every week & a half, because gas price could rise even higher than that weekly fill up.

the cost of gas is rising - almost Daily.
for the real econofreaks, that 5-10 cent rise in price of gas could mean a big difference..
Fill up a 12 gallon tank for 4.30 per G, Once...(approx $51 after one filling)
or fill a 7 gallon tank one day for 4.30 a G, and the next time you fill up - 4.40 a G...(Approx $61 after both fillings)
yeah - ur gonna end up paying more... Sure it's only $10, but some people really have to watch their pennies.
While some may see this as an exaggeration, truth is - it's fact these days.
Gas prices Aren't getting any lower.

If that's the case, then why not just buy a storage tank and filler up at todays price? Lugging that extra weight around in your car is only going to cost you more anyway......so, you'll probably break even, right? And, when that storage tank empties, you'll go back to the pumps where it's going to be even more expensive than when you needed to fill your 12 gallon tank. Either way, you are going to be paying more money for gas.

Solution? Move closer to work or work closer to home. Don't let the gasoline engine kick in and only use electric staying under 40 miles per trip. That should do it!

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

i fill up every 100 miles in my Z.


but remember gasoline weighs like 6-8lbs per gallon, so that is also extra weight they are cutting out to help further the gas mileage

Yeah...I think it was 8 lbs per gallon. So, 5 gallons x 8lbs per gallon is 40lbs less that you have to constantly lug around. When you are talking electric, 40lbs makes a difference.

Originally Posted by Nickdago

Great Post Diarmadhi

NO KIDDING!!!

[MAC]

Originally Posted by Nickdago

Actually Oil has dropped over 10 bucks in the last couple of days and moving lower today as well

honestly, how long do you think that's going to last?
I have noticed it's at a slight standstill atm, but it'll shoot up again.

[Nickdago]

Originally Posted by MAC

honestly, how long do you think that's going to last?
I have noticed it's at a slight standstill atm, but it'll shoot up again.

The oil bubble is going to pop someday, it is not a matter of if but when. With all of the alternatives being looked into as well as more exploration coming down the road specualtion will have to change as well as supply vs demand.

[stovt001]

Few foresaw oil shooting up this high this fast, so you can't say you know for sure it won't do something else crazy, like shoot way high up again, or plummet dramatically. Energy and food prices are excluded from the core CPI because they are so volatile. Who knows, if the European bank remains as unconcerned about inflation as it is now, the dollar could strengthen significantly, especially if the former Fed rate reductions start showing effect and Bernake and Co make the decision to raise rates a bit. More domestic drilling could also play a role, and I give that one a 50-50 shot. Finally with gas prices the way they are alternatives are sure getting a boost, and may make a bigger impact than originally estimated.

[aldaron327]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Yeah...I think it was 8 lbs per gallon. So, 5 gallons x 8lbs per gallon is 40lbs less that you have to constantly lug around. When you are talking electric, 40lbs makes a difference.

Gasoline at 72F weights 6.25 pounds per gallon. Just thought I'd help out a little.

At least we don't all burn JP8... that weighs 6.7 pounds per gallon.