Volt Mule Spied in Michigan

AKA atomicalex

A few months ago when everyone was worried about the future of the Volt, we here on the CarDomain Blog leaked our info from GM – there were Volt mules running around Texas in Malibu bodies. Now one has been spotted up here in Michigan and a photo showed up over on AutoblogGreen. While there are plenty of things running around in the Malibu chassis up here, this one is distinguished by its bulging hood, required to house the stacked drivetrain components of the plug-in system. No one said this system was going to be easy to package, and it appears those European pedestrian safety standards won’t be difficult to meet. GM is only confirming a NiMH battery pack, but we hear the southern versions are already running with small stacks of Li-ion units. Makes sense to me as heat is going to be the enemy. The weather up here hasn’t provided the opportunity to do the warm weather testing needed for the hot battery packs.

Permalink:

Posted at 4:28 pm in AutoblogGreen, Chevrolet, Chevy, Green, Volt

Comments

GTwildfire
Apr 19, 2008 at 2:27 am

I just googled “GM nano titanate volt”. Couldn’t even find a response or anything from GM regarding nano titanate battery technology.
-
THEY’RE IGNORING IT apparently, like when we were kids and put our hands to our ears yelling DABBA DABBA DABBA I CAN’T HEEEEAR YOU!
-
It’s assenine. They’re developing an inferior product and just don’t give a crap apparently.
-
If the Volt hit the dealerships with better specs, more would sell and they could charge more for them. Maybe they wouldn’t be losing their shirt as has been expressed.
-
Supposedly, consumers’ concern for battery range and lifespan was an issue with the EV1, according to GM (although not according to those who leased them) so why the hell is GM going to use much more inadequate, much heavier and more volatile Li Ion? (at best)
-
Sorry, I gotta slam this at every opportunity. It’s just stupid stupid stupid.

GTwildfire
Apr 19, 2008 at 1:48 am

Oh brother… they’re UPGRADING to Li Ion from NiMH? I guess they figured they couldn’t get away with using gel Lead Acid, huh?
-
much of the performance of the Volt will depend on the capacity of the batteries, as well as the weight. Batteries having a 20 year lifespan? well I guess that’s why Nano Titanate battery technology isn’t under consideration.
-
Oh and they’d perform better in the Texas heat, too.