Autoblog

Catching up with Chevrolet's 1,200-mile pre-production Volt fleet drive

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Chevrolet, Electric

Chevy Volts on 1,200 mile drive - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday, we had an opportunity to chat with Chevrolet Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah as he rode through the hills of West Virginia during a development drive. On Tuesday, a fleet of eight pre-production (a.k.a. IVER) Volts set out from the company's Milford Proving Ground in Michigan on three day, 1,200 mile jaunt through Ohio, Pennsylvannia, Maryland, West Virginia and back. This event is known in General Motors' engineering process as a "65-Percent Drive" and as it implies it's one of a series of milestones on the road to production.

The 65% roughly corresponds to the minimum level of completeness of development of all the hardware, and more specifically, the software. At this point, many of the systems are in fact approaching 90-100% complete. Over the next several months, 70, 80, 90 and 100 percent drives will follow on the way to production launch a year from now. Read on to find out what we learned from Farah.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt 65% drive

Continue reading Catching up with Chevrolet's 1,200-mile pre-production Volt fleet drive

Catching up with Chevrolet's 1,200-mile pre-production Volt fleet drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: See how prototype Chevy Volt bodies are built

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

Click above to watch video after the jump

Right now the crew at General Motors' pre-production operations center at the Warren Technical Center is in the midst of building 75 Chevy Volt IVER prototypes. IVERs, or integration vehicle engineering release prototypes, are the last stage of prototypes prior to pilot builds. For these IVER builds, pretty much all of the production intent parts and systems are in place and the intent of the build process is to evaluate final assembly processes. The cars are all built by hand, but the technicians and engineers are testing the build sequence as it will be done on the line to make sure everything actually goes together.

As always, the first stage of final assembly is the body shop. The video after the jump shows stampings that for the Volt that are assembled on jigs and then welded by hand before the complete body is painted. GM will apparently be releasing a series of videos documenting the complete build process, so stay tuned. Check out the first one after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading VIDEO: See how prototype Chevy Volt bodies are built

VIDEO: See how prototype Chevy Volt bodies are built originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Ampera caught in the buff ahead of Geneva reveal

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Chevrolet, Opel

One of the many cars we'll be seeing at the Geneva Motor Show is the Opel Ampera. The Ampera is essentially nothing more than a Chevrolet Volt with a new face. The Opel grille and headlights have largely been lifted from the Flextreme concept that appeared at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. General Motors has already said it will sell both the Volt and an Opel-badged car using the same Voltec powertrain in the European market. Judging by the appearance of the Ampera, it looks like GM's money troubles mean that body changes for the Opel will be kept to a bare minimum. Of course, a big part of the reason for the production Volt's shape is the need for optimized aerodynamics, so it's unlikely the Opel would have changed much anyway.

Although AutoCar reports that the Ampera will be built at one of GM's European factories, the reality is that initial production volumes are likely to be small (in the very low tens of thousands annually, at best). That means for at least the first few years, even the Opel- and Vauxhall-badged versions will be sourced from GM's Detroit/Hamtramck factory where the Volt will be made. Thanks for the tip, Mehdi!

[Source: AutoCar]

Opel Ampera caught in the buff ahead of Geneva reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM reported to have chosen Compact Power as Volt battery supplier

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Ever since that cold day in January when the Chevrolet Volt concept rolled onto the stage at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, the single biggest question has been the battery. More specifically, could GM find a lithium ion battery that would provide 40 miles of range on a charge, last the life of the car and not drive the price into the stratosphere?

Although we still don't have any independent evidence that GM has achieved those goals, the company does claim to be meeting its targets. The first step on the path was evaluating more than two dozen battery suppliers in spring of 2007 followed by the awarding of two development contracts in June of last year. Although Bob Lutz acknowledged that one of those battery suppliers was in the lead last June and in August acknowledged that one had been selected to supply batteries for production, no official announcement had been made.

Reuters is now reporting that Korea's LG Chem and its US subsidiary Compact Power Inc, has won out over the team of Continental and A123 Systems. The official announcement from GM isn't expected until sometime in November. The hold up seems to be that GM and CPI are still negotiating the commercial details including how they will split warranty costs. This latter issue is expected to be a critical factor for the first generation Volt as no one has ever used batteries like this in a high volume automotive applications before.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt - Live Reveal

[Source: Reuters]

GM reported to have chosen Compact Power as Volt battery supplier originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Production Chevy Volt

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, Rendered Speculation

The Truth About Cars' contributor Andrei Avavarii is one of those rare individuals with a real knack for using Photoshop. Being a dedicated car guy, Avavarii's photochoppery is often a very good representation of what a real production automobile could look like. Such is the case with his latest piece, which offers an early glimpse into the design of GM's most highly anticipated vehicle before it's finally released to the public sometime in 2010 (hopefully).

The most radical design element kept in this speculative-image are the transparent sections built into the upper door skins first seen on the original concept. Lutz says that the production car will be recognizable as a Volt though some concessions will need to be made, so Avavarii has enlarged the greenhouse and streamlined the car a bit for the sake of aerodynamics. Of course, we'll just need to wait till Chevy lays down its cards -- possibly as early as this October in Paris -- before we know how accurate this rendering may be, but it's always fun to speculate in the meantime.

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

Rendered Speculation: Production Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With crisis looming, GM may unveil Volt for 100th anniversary

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

Sales of General Motors' one time cash cow, full-size trucks, are declining faster than the value of the US dollar, but with a birthday coming, GM still wants something to celebrate. This September, the world's largest automaker will be celebrating its centennial under a financial pall unlike any it has faced since its early days under Billy Durant. The car that GM management hopes will represent a new beginning is the Chevrolet Volt, which has been locked in for production for November 2010 and the shape of the production car has reportedly been finalized. The Volt team is apparently planning to unveil the definitive Volt shape as the star of the big party this September.

Early powertrain development mules have been running for several months now and GM insiders claim the lithium ion battery packs are exceeding performance expectations so far. The big question at this point seems to be cost. With everyone focused on GM's cash burn rate, the company is hoping that showing the production version of the extended range electric vehicle will divert attention to something positive. However, without some serious cost reduction of the battery and some hefty tax breaks from the government, the Volt may just end up making things even worse. GM desperately needs the Volt to be successful, but with the current financial situation, one has to wonder how long they will be able to build Volts at a loss?

[Source: Reuters]

With crisis looming, GM may unveil Volt for 100th anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Lutz on Volt: "no reasonable doubt... this is going to work"

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Green, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM

Bob Lutz has come out and said it again: "I would say there's almost no reasonable doubt in our minds anymore that this is going to work." And that isn't just that the Chevy Volt will work -- it's that it will work on time and as promised. In spite of the difficulties GM has had getting Volt technology up-to-speed within its timeframes, the man upstairs is apparently as confident as ever.

Lutz said that engineers have driven the car to and above its 40-mile pure electric range already. Two companies are still trying to win the lithium-ion battery pack contract, although LG Chem says it has a 3rd-gen unit that's ready to go. Another hurdle is the car's internal combustion range extender starting up, which Lutz described as "noisy and still a little rough."

And of course, it wouldn't be a Lutz piece without him taking a shot at something. Speaking of Toyota's delay in rolling out lithium-ion batteries (although there could be another reason for that), Lutz said Toyota should have faced a bit more scrutiny for that decision. "They told the world that GM was taking a huge risk, that lithium ion batteries were prone to explode and that we were putting our customers at risk and that they would stay with the tried and true. When it comes to Toyota, let me tell you, the press has a short memory." After all of this, if the Volt doesn't show up on time and as promised, GM will need to retool one of its plants to make humble pies.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt - spy pics

[Source: Reuters UK]

Bob Lutz on Volt: "no reasonable doubt... this is going to work" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz declares that first Volt mule is running 40 miles on battery power

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Chevrolet, GM

According to Bob Lutz, the first Chevy Volt powertrain mule has just passed a major milestone. After several weeks of testing in the lab with a battery pack installed, the Malibu based pre-prototype has rolled out into the fresh air. In fact, according to Lutz, the car has even rolled ~~passed~~ past the security gates of the Milford Proving Ground to drive around on public roads. Even in this early, very rough, form, Lutz says the car is meeting and exceeding the goal of 40 miles of driving without running the engine. With this, the E-Flex engineers have demonstrated the performance viability of this concept. However, they still have a long way to go in validating the robustness of the system in different operating environments as well as the long-term durability of the powertrain as a whole. Perhaps the biggest issue to address is the cost of the system, particularly the battery pack. For GM to sell the Volt at an affordable price at launch, they will likely be taking a significant loss due to the cost of the batteries. When that cost comes down, GM will finally be able to crank up production.

[Source: Edmunds Auto Observer]

Lutz declares that first Volt mule is running 40 miles on battery power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM considering all-electric Volt to meet Cali requirements? How about no battery?

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Chevrolet, GM

The hopes and dreams of electric car aficionados for a purely battery powered successor to the late, lamented EV1 may soon be satisfied. Or not. It all depends on ... you guessed it, the battery. However, the latest utterings from Maximum Bob have people buzzing again. Mr. Lutz spoke to EV site PetroZero the other day and intimated that a purely battery-powered variant of the upcoming Volt is a possibility, leaving the range extender on the cutting room floor. This is actually not a new idea and dates back to the earliest dates of the Volt program. During a media briefing back in December 2006 several weeks before the Volt's public release, the Volt team showed us images like the one above that included several different powertrain configurations. The premise was to demonstrate the flexibility part of E-Flex. This included a variant with a larger battery and no engine to charge it. This pure EV was described as something that could be built if and when the range and more importantly the cost of the battery reaches a point where it could be successful in the market. Ditching the battery. on the other hand, won't happen because the inefficiencies inherent in transforming from mechanical to electrical to mechanical power without a battery to store regen energy and grid power just wouldn't make sense.

Finally, the PetroZero article indicates that Lutz will be driving the first Volt prototype within the next week. Lutz's use of the word prototype rather than mule led the author to believe this was an actual car with Volt bodywork. We checked with GM's Rob Peterson, who confirmed that such actual prototypes are still many months away and Lutz would actually be driving the Malibu-bodied mule that is now running with a lithium ion pack installed.

[Source: PetroZero via AutoblogGreen]

GM considering all-electric Volt to meet Cali requirements? How about no battery? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Real photo of the real Volt powertrain mule

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Chevrolet, GM

As so often happens when the first spy shots of a new car surfaces, we jump all over them trying to get them on-line and then we stop and take a closer look at what we have. Then questions start to arise. Is this really what we think it is? If not, what is it? Well, when it comes to one of the most eagerly anticipated new cars to come out Detroit in recent years, the late night availability of the first photos causes us to jump first and look where we're going later. In this case, it was the first spy shots of Chevy Volt mules that turned up late last night. We already knew that GM has been testing various bits and pieces destined for the Volt in previous model year Malibu body shells, but now, we had pics.

As it turns out the gray car that we posted on last night is only a ride and handling mule. It has various suspension components destined for the extended range EV, but the powertrain is bog standard Malibu. The red Malibu you pictured above, however, is one of the powertrain mules. Notice the big lump in front of the driver? That's to provide clearance for the prototype power electronics module that goes along with the electric drive motor and engine/generator set. Tying all of this together is a standard nickel metal hydride hybrid battery that acts as a power buffer. These cars are being used to validate powertrain hardware (aside from the lithium batteries of course) and start development of control software. Sometime in the next few weeks these mules should start going back on the hoist to have the new lithium battery packs installed and then the real fun starts.

[Sources: General Motors, AutoblogGreen]

Real photo of the real Volt powertrain mule originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors study shows superiority of EREVs over plug-in hybrids

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, GM

Fans of hybrid vehicles have been clamoring for carmakers to add plug-in capability to those models so that they can grab some juice off the grid and leave more in the tank. The problem is that making a useful PHEV is actually not as simple as just plopping in a bigger battery pack and some charging circuitry. Current hybrid models are only designed to run on electricity at light loads and relatively low speeds. At higher speeds or rates of acceleration they operate in a blended mode with both the engine and electric motor running. This of course is still beneficial because it means a smaller less powerful engine is required to meet customer performance expectations while saving gas.

In the real world, PHEVs need more electrical power from the motor in order to actually go farther without starting the engine. A new study done by General Motors using real world data recorded from over 600 cars analyzed how standard and plug-in hybrids would perform in the hands of real drivers. What they found was that to get a real benefit the vehicle needs to be designed to perform at all speeds on electrical power alone. With that much electrical power on board, having a full engine to drive becomes redundant. A small engine to charge the battery however makes sense. An extended range EV (like the Volt) would actually eliminate 70-percent of the engine starts at any time during a drive. AutoblogGreen talked to GM's Pete Savagian about the study and the results.

[Source: General Motors, AutoblogGreen]

General Motors study shows superiority of EREVs over plug-in hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept revealed!

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, CES, Green, Technology, Crossover, Cadillac

Click on the Cadillac Provoq concept for a high-res image gallery

Following the introductions of the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Flextreme during 2007 auto show season, Cadillac is bringing forth a third design based on the E-Flex architecture. The Cadillac Provoq concept is intended to help give the brand an image of premium sustainability by updating the fuel cell E-Flex powertrain that was shown in a Chevy Volt at the Shanghai Motor Show last year. The Provoq is a luxury crossover design that's considerably larger than the Volt.

With updated Cadillac styling cues on a 180-inch long CUV body, it's stretched 10 inches longer than a Volt to allow comfortable seating for five passengers. The Provoq is built around GM's fifth-generation fuel cell stack combined with a 9kWh lithium ion battery pack. The electrical energy is used to power a 70kW AC motor driving the front wheels and a pair of 40kW hub motors at each rear corner. Like the other E-Flex vehicles, the Provoq has plug-in capability and the battery has enough capacity for about twenty miles of driving range. Combined with the 6kg of compressed hydrogen gas stored in its two tanks, the Provoq has a total range of about 300 miles. Clay Dean's Cadillac design team incorporated some of the aerodynamic lessons learned by the Volt crew, including thermostatically controlled slats in the grille to minimize drag when cooling air flow isn't needed. Check out AutoblogGreen for more details on the Provoq concept.

UPDATE: More high-res pics added to gallery, now 23 total.

[Source: General Motors, AutoblogGreen]

Gallery: Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept

Continue reading CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept revealed!

CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept revealed! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: First glimpse of the production Chevy Volt!

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Chevrolet, GM

Click to enlarge the teaser shot of the production Chevy Volt

The Chevy Volt concept was undoubtedly the star of the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, with most people who saw it clamoring for it to be built. However, it didn't take long for Bob Lutz and other GM officials to make it clear that a production version would have to change. At the LA Auto Show last month, Lutz reiterated that the production version would be different but still recognizable as a Volt. Now in the runup to the Volt's first birthday, GM is giving the world its first glimpse of the production Volt. From this first shot, it looks like the Volt will be keeping it's low roofline proportions, but the main portion of the now-standard Chevy grille is now blanked off and flush to optimize the aerodynamics. Cooling air will now enter through the intake below the bumper. Head on over to AutoblogGreen for the full story by clicking here.

[Source: General Motors, via AutoblogGreen]

BREAKING: First glimpse of the production Chevy Volt! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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