Quote:
Originally Posted by martinjlm
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So why are they become so vocal? Possibly because they may recognize that this thing is likely to happen before they get plug-in parallel hybrids to market (the Volt is officially designated an extended range electric vehicle, but some could characterize it as a series hybrid). By disparaging the basics of the technology, Toyota in particular is looking to deflate consumer expectations.
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For the record, I think the Volt is an excellent engineering approach regardless of battery chemistry. From what I can tell from my Prius energy studies is all we really need is enough battery energy to reach the maximum speed and an ICE sized to handle the average, sustained load. The tricky battery part is it has to have a rapid charge and discharge capability, not so much total energy as much as the ability to dump and load at least 75kW. That is achieved by large but thin battery areas. From what I can tell from the press release "specs," the GM Volt will work out very nicely no matter what battery system is used.
Actually, I'm kinda hoping that GM will come out with a Volt-II having a turbo-diesel . . . like the original GM concept car. That would be one sweet ride.
Bob Wilson
ps. So Martin, when are you getting a two-mode vehicle? <grins>