Volt vs. Leaf

[Reborn]

http://autos.aol.com/article/chevy-v...nissan-leaf%2F

Leaf?

[Mr. Wyndham]

They aren't even in the same league, imo...

...just wait until that 100 miles turns to 75 or less under real-world conditions...and then it runs out. heh....

Volt, please!

[FenwickHockey65]

I really should start throwing around this speech I wrote more often...

Imagine a world where you can drive to school or work and back without using a single drop of gas. While it seems as though automakers have promised cars like this for ages, General Motors is getting ready to bring that concept to life with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. Scheduled for start of production at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant in November of this year, the Volt is set to revolutionize the auto industry. Its introduction will bring three benefits for consumers: saving consumers money at the gas pump, eliminating range anxiety, and providing all the familiarity, quality, and durability of a gasoline-powered vehicle.

The Volt has the potential to nearly eliminate gasoline usage for many drivers. It is powered primarily by a lithium-ion battery paired to an electric motor. This battery is capable of providing power for the Volt for up to 40 miles of electric-only driving. According to studies conducted by GM, around 78% of Americans drive 40 miles or less every day. This means that the average Volt owner could regularly drive to work and back with an additional side trip for groceries or picking up the kids without using a single drop of gas, saving hundreds of dollars a month. The Volt can then be recharged from a standard 120 volt household outlet in 8 hours or a 240 volt outlet in 3 hours. Owners can charge up their vehicles overnight during off-peak times, reducing strain on the electrical grid. GM estimates that less than a dollar will recharge a Volt’s depleted battery pack for another 40 miles of electric-only driving. As such, the Volt will be able to save owners a substantial amount of money over a gasoline-powered car.

In addition to saving money, the Volt is also practical. A common problem for pure electric vehicles such as the upcoming Nissan Leaf is range anxiety. Drivers must constantly monitor how many more miles they have left to drive. If the battery pack is depleted before arriving at their destination, they must find a place to wait for a lengthy, time-consuming recharge or risk becoming stranded on the side of the road. The Volt eliminates this problem through the use of a fuel-efficient 1.4L gasoline-powered generator to maintain battery charge once depleted. According to Volt Chief Engineer Andrew Farah, this generator separates the Volt from other electric vehicles by extending overall driving range on one charged battery and a full tank of gas to over 300 miles. In addition, the generator never powers the drive wheels, supplying electric power only to maintain battery charge levels. This attribute increases the overall efficiency of the system. Because of the extended range, the Volt has the potential to be a primary car for families. Upon reaching the end of the 40 mile electric range and 300 mile extended range, owners can simply refuel their vehicles with gasoline or E85 ethanol and continue with their trip. Therefore, there is no need for Volt families to have to purchase a separate car for long distance travel.

With all of the technology packed into the Volt, it is surprising to many that the Volt’s driving experience, quality, and service life are comparable to a gasoline-powered car. Performance is very similar, and in some aspects superior to a normal compact car. GM engineers have tuned the Volt’s powertrain to accelerate from 0-60 MPH in under 9 seconds. The electric drive unit provides instant torque upon launch, delivering impressive performance for an alternative-fuel vehicle. Lastly, the range-extending gasoline generator smoothly kicks on once the battery is depleted without any loud noises or vibrations. In addition to performance, the interior of the Volt has been designed to provide as much information to the driver as possible while retaining a familiar look and feel. Two reconfigurable LCD displays allow the driver to track his or her speed, electric driving range, fuel economy in extended-range mode, access climate controls, and many other features. The Volt retains all the amenities expected in a modern car, including a hatchback configuration for increased cargo capability. Finally, to ensure quality, reliability, and durability, the Volt has been tested thoroughly. Heavy-use components such as the rear liftgate, doors, charge port cover, and gas tank cover have been torture tested under variable conditions at GM’s Warren Tech Center. The Volt has been subjected to both cold-weather testing in Canada and extreme heat environments in Arizona to ensure survivability in whatever climate owners live in. Features such as dynamic climate control of the battery pack help extend the service life of the Volt and its battery to an estimated 10 years or 100,000 miles.

In conclusion, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will benefit its owners in three ways. First, it will save owners money by decreasing the number of trips to the gas pump. Second, the Volt solves the problem of range anxiety through the use of an onboard gasoline-powered generator. Finally, the Volt provides owners with a familiar driving environment despite the advanced technology within. The Volt is scheduled to go on sale later this year in the United States and will also be sold overseas in Europe and Australia. The Volt’s powertrain and technology may also find its way into larger vehicles, such as the Volt MPV5 concept recently unveiled in China. With its 40 mile electric-driving range and 300 mile extended range, the Volt is leading the way in the electrification of the automobile and the future of General Motors.