http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
yes, exactly. and why also launch in the place with the most sarcastic drivers "NJ", the most angry drivers "DC", and the most chillaxed drivers "CA"? What are they thinking?!]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/I call fascist editors!!!!!!!
Silencing the people!!!!!


;p. vlad]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 11:38AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 7:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
It probably would be cheaper to use the gas to charge the battery. I can only imagine the cost of charging this thing at home. It might be "green", but it will probably triple maybe even quadruple your electric bill.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 7:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
In truth I'm more excited about the Volt than I am the Tesla. Sure, it may not be as fast but in every other measurable way it's more economical and signifies a greater shift in the market. I suspect Chevrolet will sell every single one they can build.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 7:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 8:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Try again. Chevy was saying early on that it would cost < $1 to go 40 miles. Something like $0.60 to charge the battery. Try www.gm-volt.com...]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/It won't charge your battery anyway. It's only meant to keep the car going, and will only get the battery up to about 30%, I think, then shut off. This is probably to keep the fuel usage down (and their insanely inflated MPG figures up).]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 9:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 10:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
OK, I'll look at a gm site as a reliable source. Lets just see what happens when the mass public picks up on these electric vehicles. "Peak hours" and other BS will no longer be an issue. All hours will be "peak" and the current grid will not support it. Not to mention the HUGE electric bill. I'm paying $400 a month for a 3,000sq/ft home and I barely turn on the lights. I keep my AC/heat reasonable and still push 3-400 dollars a month. I could only imagine the joy my local electric company would get billing me another $300 for using an electric vehicle. I guess, we'll have to wait an see, right?
]]>Jul 2nd 2010 10:38AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Dude, the mass public will not be picking up these cars, maybe in 10 years or so when they become cheaper. I remember there was a poll on Facebook or something and the majority of people voted saying they like they car but couldn't really afford it. Last time I checked, the Volt is going to cost over $50,000. Your average person ain't going to be getting this.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 10:47AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/you, good sir, need to learn how to manage your home renovations and thermostat correctly. $400 a month for only electricity is most likely your fault.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 10:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 11:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Suit yourself. It's light years ahead of being locked into one single power source. If power shortage is an issue, build more nuclear plants, or solar power plants, or gasoline plants for all I care. Or, get solar panels on your house to charge it, or, or...

For the people saying hybrid < electric, the volt is a completely electric car until the battery hits a certain threshold. The gasoline generator is only there to charge the battery, which makes it ultra-efficient. In this case hybrid > electric.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 11:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 11:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
I am investing in some insulation, but I've had several complaints with my local power company. Maybe it's a local thing, but many people I know(even with smaller homes) have been hit with equally high bills. Even when I travel for a few months and my house is completely empty(with everything except security turned off) I still push $300 a month.. They "replaced" the meter, but that didn't make a difference.

Anyway, I don't see charging an electric vehicle at home a cost saver.. Maybe I can rent an outlet from some of you with cheaper electric bills.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 12:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 12:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Tesla is a great car...unless you run out of juice in the middle of no where. It doesn't make sense for a daily commuter to use that, especially with how long you can wait on the highway some days.

The Volt on the other hand, is a great idea that will take a few generations to be refined. As they improve the batteries, the length will improve, requiring less gas. BUT the gas option is there if you want to drive further than 40 miles.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 12:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 1:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
I understand that it's easier to 'fix' a car that's run out of gas. But if you're running a car out of gas/charge then you have more serious problems regarding memory and priorities to deal with...

Also... depends very much on the length of your daily commute... doesn't it?

(*runs off to patent portable electric car charger*)]]>Jul 2nd 2010 1:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
You weren't even home and it was still $300 a month? Dude, something is seriously wrong with something. Is your home close (very close) to another residence? Maybe someone is -- either intentionally or unintentionally -- leeching power from your home. Do you have a combined gas/electric bill? That's how it is for my parents where they live. Do you have a lot of electronics that are always on, such as a home server or other type of computer? Do you have multiple fridges/freezers? If so, how old are they? If you're in a hot area of the country, how old is your A/C?

I'm a techie sort of guy; my house if filled with energy sucking equipment. Two xboxes, two HD televisions, a PC, two laptops, etc. My heat is completely electric. In the coldest winter months, my electricity bill was no more than $120 and so far this warm weather season, my bills have been $35 and $27, and that was before I replaced my decades old A/C unit. You should try unplugging EVERYTHING in your home, including the fridge(s), and then go take a look at your electric meter. If it's still spinning like crazy, something is wrong with the wiring or the meter. If it's not, either check your usage behaviors or have a look at your billing rates and the cost/kwh.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 2:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Its all about efficiency. Burning gas in a car, it costs around $.40 per kWh. Burning coal in a power plant costs about $.05 per kWh. The coal plant is more efficient. Same with all other types of power.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 2:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Will it transform?]]>Jul 2nd 2010 9:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Actually, you are completely wrong. Estimates vary (and depend on a lot of variables including the current price of gasoline and electricity), but going 100 miles on electricity is 1/5-1/10 the price of 100 miles on gasoline. The reason for this huge disparity is the fact that ICE engines are horribly inefficient, losing the majority of their energy to heat/friction. In fact, it would be far more efficient to burn the gasoline in modern power-plants to generate electricity which could then be fed into electric vehicles.


]]>Jul 3rd 2010 2:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 7:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 8:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 7:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 12:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 7:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
I wish more people in cities and bigger towns would consider cycling. It's convenient, cheap, green, and healthy. More riders on the road will make it safer.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Because anyone who buys these cars IS NOT being 'environmentally conscious'. Most of the environmental impact (at least during a normal ownership period) is on the front end during manufacturing, not during the period when it's using fuel.

If you really want to help the environment, go buy a junker that gets decent mileage and drive it until it dies. Better yet, have that junker be a diesel engine and run biodiesel.

Regardless, these cars retail at such high prices because they are expensive. Batteries are expensive, motors are expensive, the R&D put into this car was very expensive. ]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
I think it's safe to say that everyone considers cycling, and the majority for whatever reason deem it unpreferable to driving or public transport. You would struggle to find someone in a city or town that is unaware of the bicycle.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Costs will go down. Dont doubt it. Dont sweat it.
Most rich ppl dont give a shit about EV's anyway.

Written on my StarTac, from my Caprice Classic idling outside an orphanage.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 8:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Because R&D is expensive and those costs have to get passed on to the first generation of adopters. Costs *will* come down after the technology matures and the research investment has been recouped, but that will take a few years and vehicle generations.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 9:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
I'm a Texan myself, live in one of the big cities, and I disagree with you saying cycling isn't viable period.

"how would I get my groceries home?" - Well I don't know how much groceries you get per stop, but I could probably fit 3 full plastic bags onto a handlebar, or you can even probably carry more with reusable totes. You can also get the option to deliver it directly to home. Or shop together with a friend who has a car. Such cases you don't need a car.

"the summer heat" - Deal with it? Carry water bottles, wear long loose clothing and helmet, take occasional breaks, and change when you get to the workplace. You'll eventually get accustomed to it, which is good and helps you last severe heat spells whether you cycle or not.

"not for people in cities as spread out as most cities in TX" - There are urban areas, and most metro areas have at least bus coverage. Most buses will accommodate bicycles so you can bus yourself part of the way, and cycle the rest. It's actually a good money saver.

I don't see why you must feel like it's impossible. I can't imagine how you could have survived the era before AC's existed, whether or not it's the Texas heat. Cycling isn't as impracticable as you make it seem in Texas.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 9:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
Well, I used to live in Houston and did 2-5 5 mile commutes every day, depending on whether I needed to go back to the Uni. to finish up homework. It was really hot for sure, but with proper hydration, its nothing you can't handle. People lived in Texas before AC. And exercise helps improve my mental ability, regardless of the temperature outside. As for hills, well, I personally enjoy them a lot; give the hills a go and within a month you will develop the muscles for it, and dare I say, seek them out and pretend that you are riding up Mt. Ventoux. Shopping is a non-issue; I shop once a week with only a backpack; two bags in the backpack, one on each handlebar. You can also get a rack and pannier bags to carry even more stuff.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 10:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 8:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/GM has ALWAYS missed the mark with their advertisements. ]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
it has a combustable engine... so shouldn't they call it Hybrid??>>> ]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/A traditional hybrid uses the gas engine to drive the car. This car does not. ]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
The gas engine doesn't directly power the wheels; the engine only charges the batteries. Its a grey area, but I'd place it on the electric side.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/
The Pruis is a parallel hybrid which uses a planetary gear transmission to simultaneously connect the generator/motor and the gas engine to the wheels.]]>Jul 2nd 2010 9:51AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 2:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 2:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Jul 2nd 2010 8:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/What did the boy of color get for Christmas?
Your bike.

written on my 486 dx, via the Ghetto, nuckah!]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/chevrolet-bringing-10-000-volts-in-2011-but-its-the-current-of/Apparently he got a terrible school district that no one would want to attend. ]]>Jul 2nd 2010 8:42AM