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MG TD TF 1500 - Got a Chevy Volt

I got a Volt as a back-up to my 52 TD. A really incredible engineering marvel. For those not familiar, Google "deep dive chevy volt" and look at the three youtube videos on the drive system. Really amazing engineering. Now averaging over 175 miles per gallon of gas. Given I have a large solar-electric system, my daily charge is free (assuming you don't count the cost of that system). Just thought I would share an off-topic car experience.

Dave
52 TD
Dave Rome

A TD and a Volt is quite a contrast!

I test-drove the 'sister car' Opel Ampera. It really is a good, usable step in the evolution of the Electric Vehicle.

Here in Holland the car has a big tax advantage, but I'm afraid a lot of drivers who use the car for the tax advantage will neglect the charging of the batteries when parked. The will 'always' drive with the range-extender at full blast which will ruin the possible CO2 reduction.
Willem vd Veer

Dave,
Our small town is installing a charging station on the Main St,,, How long does it take to charge it??

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

On 110V it take about 9 hours to charge (an overnight event) most public charging stations are 220V and then it take 1/2 the time. I am installing a 220V charger soon. It is an amazing bit of engineering and a nicely appointed vehicle. The gas engine comes on-line seamleassly and the regeneration while braking is very efficient. For those with an interest, check out the owner's forum (gm-volt.com). It makes a lot of sense in the warmer climates as the heat is electric and the battery is less efficient in colder climates. For me, a big selling point is my tendency to buy on the bleeding edge; and, it uses US-generated power.

Dave
52TD
Dave Rome

Yep, great engineering marvel. I do resent the $7500 or whatever tax subsidy with our huge deficit, and my hard-earned $ being taken for yet another social program by... Oops, not suppose to get political here.. Curious- what about battery life with the AC cranked at max- like it would be every day in summer here? George
George Butz

Hummm,,, maybe I should look into a couple of charging stations to install in my wife's shop parking lot,,,Kind of like a "captive audience" for a few hours !!

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

George:

Not sure about AC load, probably substantial. With current battery technology, this car is not for everyone or every environment; however, for my commute and the weather in Norther California, it is great. If battery life doubles, which it should, that will change. I have driven over 2000 miles on about 12 gallons of gas. And, yes the subsidy matters for a lot of early adopters, that said, government does a lot of things to kick-start industries, maybe they should maybe not. China has a goal to mover 1/2 their fleet to electric. If they succeed, they will become the major force in batteries and related technologies as they are now in solar.

Dave
Dave Rome

I bet an all-battery Leaf would be drained pretty quickly with full on AC, but not as bad as really cold. The Volt does show the US can design and manufacture something really high tech and complex which is refreshing. Much as I like a big block , Hemi,or even my XPAG, those days may well be numbered! George
George Butz

George,
Let's hope not...I can't afford any more taxes to pay for green energy.
Gene
Gene Gillam

Hi Gene, It could ultimatey be like the transition from film and chemicals to digital pictures and x-ray. But it has to make business/free enterprise sense to work. I sure didn't mean any new taxes/stimulus etc.,etc. George
George Butz

This thread was discussed between 19/01/2012 and 21/01/2012

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