Volt Birthwatch 28: Taking the Easy Way Out

Frank Williams
by Frank Williams

According to Canada.com, GM spokesman Dee Allen says his employer can't re-engineer the forthcoming plug-in electric – gas Chevrolet Volt's windshield wipers, audio system and other parasitic electrical components in time for their hoped-for 2010 deadline. So they'll just install a work-around. The first-generation Volt will feature expensive "redundant" systems for these components in hopes they won't drain the batteries faster than the propulsion system. While Allen didn't specify how these redundant systems would work, he admitted they would drive the price of the Volt "higher than expected." But don't worry: GM's engineers are working diligently to solve the problem and "the second generation will be more refined." Given GM's bent for five to seven-year product cycles, the engineers should have plenty of time to solve the issue before the second generation comes out. But, still, you have to wonder… if they're cutting corners on the secondary systems to rush the Volt into production, what shortcuts are they taking in mission critical primary systems?

Frank Williams
Frank Williams

More by Frank Williams

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 18 comments
  • Jl1280 Jl1280 on Feb 12, 2008

    I think I'll even pass on the 2nd generation one. But call me in 2025 for sure. Promise!

  • Bunter1 Bunter1 on Feb 12, 2008

    Soooooo...GM can have the worlds most advanced hybrid on the road (though proto one has yet to roll under it's own power) in 2010 but they can't sort out the problems with the electrical auxiliary systems by then? Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez, why do I feel skeptical? Gotta' love the General. Bunter

  • Stein X Leikanger Stein X Leikanger on Feb 12, 2008

    The cupholders will be fab.

  • SexCpotatoes SexCpotatoes on Feb 13, 2008

    I got it! Rechargeable AA batteries in the dash! That's how you can power the radio and wipers.

Next