Let’s subtitle this one, “What they’re bitching about now…”

* Heat and AC, which according to GM can only function when a car burns gasoline.

* The radio apparently can’t function because it bleeds too much energy from the battery.

What really kills me is this bit of wisdom:

Toyota, which also has set a 2010 goal for producing a plug-in version of its Prius sedan, has the same issue. But the Japanese automaker also has the advantage of having pioneered gas-electric hybrid technology and being the world’s leading seller of hybrids.

URG.

Just make the car already. You don’t see Toyota, Nissan, Tesla, ZAP, Miles Automotive, or any of the other electric developers pissing and moaning like this. It’s like someone’s holding a gun to GM’s head. If they don’t want to be an innovator in this field, that’s perfectly fine. They can step aside. No doubt the void will quickly be filled by their competition.

Post from: EveryJoe

More Explanations for Pushing Back Production on Volt

In the face of Toyota’s criticism, GM has converted one of their technical centers into a station solely focused on the  development of their electric cars. Formerly the Warren Technical Center, in Warren, Michigan, the 8.2 million square foot  structure is now home to all Volt-related business.

Newest projects on the horizon? According to Bob Boniface, head of designers for the electric line, they have 45 designers and sculptures busy at work on a model that cuts down on air resistance while enticing customer interest … and still being familiar enough for most consumers to buy.

As is expected, they are still hard at work testing batteries and hope to have a working model available for testing in the middle of next year.

Read more here

It seems like GM is going the extra mile to ensure consumers they aren’t hitching their wagon to green innovations short-term. Of course, the mom in me is thinking “field trip!”

Post from: EveryJoe

GM Gets Serious About Electric Development

Toyota’s [hybrid project general manager, Yoshitaka Asakura] expressed skepticism about the concept of a plug-in hybrid car that would run only on battery power for 40 miles, the idea central to the Chevrolet Volt concept. Batteries powerful enough to achieve that would fill up the trunk of a car, he said.

OH BURN!

Slow and steady wins the race between big autos’ electric dreams, according to execs:

Mr. Asakura said Toyota is concerned customers might not accept a plug-in hybrid electric car that has to be recharged every day, despite enthusiasm from environmental groups and electric-vehicle enthusiasts…

Oh no. Did GM jump the gun again? I’m hoping not, but I have faith in Toyota’s marketing team to know what will sell – and what wont – even on US soil. (Though Consumer Reports disagrees – wee hee.)

Read article here

Post from: EveryJoe

Toyota Gives GAB to GM’s Volt Plans