Having applied for a trademark on the phrase “range anxiety,” GM seemed to have wedded itself to the idea that all-electric cars are fundamentally compromised in their ability to inspire consumers. But with its range-extended Volt costing $8k more than its prime competitor, the Nissan Leaf, GM appears to be backing away from that position as the International Business Times reports that The General will begin testing EV versions of the Chevy Cruze/Daewoo Lacetti Premiere in Korea. According to the report,
The Cruze EV is equipped with a 31-kWh battery that generates maximum power of 150 kW. On specific test schedules conducted by LG Chemicals, the demonstration vehicles may achieve a range of up to 160 km (100 miles). The vehicles can go from 0 to 100 km/h (60 miles per hour) in 8.2 seconds with a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.5 miles per hour).
The Cruze EV will be tested as part of a demonstration fleet, so don’t hold out for a Chevrolet EV anytime soon. Reports that GM has “redeemed” itself after “killing the electric car” may yet prove to be premature.
Edward, well done. It’s not often I see a good Latin pun!
What’s the pun?
Volte-face
…needless to say, I’m not the first to have used it…
Having copyrighted the phrase “range anxiety”
Not copyright. GM applied for a trademark for the phrase. Normally, I would say no way would the USPTO register the trademark. But with Government Motors, who knows.
Corrected, with thanks
The Volt’s primary competitor in the beginning will be the gasoline Cruze, not the Leaf. An EV Cruze would definitely compete with the Leaf, but it looks to be a couple years late.
Volt’s primary competitors will be other $40k cars. The choice of the buyer will be between a Volt and a $40k Volvo or BMW. Not a Cruze
@charly:
Are you seriously suggesting that the Volt will be cross shopped against BMW and Volvo? What evidence, price aside, even remotely suggests this?
Don’t you think price is an important factor? It is the reason why the Phaeton is out of my list of cars i want to buy and instead i’m looking at a Golf
@charly:
No, I disagree and your explanation is flawed. You’re using to wildly differently priced cars to back your argument.
You said you’re looking at a Golf (very nice, I just got my wife a 2010) but you could buy a Chevy Cruze instead. Why aren’t you considering one (hypothetically since it’s not in showrooms yet). If your argument holds water then it should be on your shortlist as well since their prices should be roughly similar.
The Volt will appeal to a specific set of people. It’s not the sort of car you just lump in against similarly priced cars. The people likely to consider it will be looking at the Fisker Karma, Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf and Prius PHEV.
The average $40k Volvo buyer isn’t really a likely BMW buyer. A $40k car competes with other $40k cars, no with $20k cars. It is also marketed as a $40k car if you look at the trim. The inside is of a $40k car that tries to look like a $40k car and not a cheap version of a $100k car (that is why it doesn’t have fake wood) or an expensive version of a $20k car
ps. I’m in Europe. The Golf was more an example of a “middle of the road” car than what is really on my shopping list and the Cruze is out as it has the wrong badge as Chevrolet (korea) says i’m to poor to buy the real thing
The Nissan Leaf is nothing special. Just a gasoline car converted to electric. Like thousands of people are already driving, having built their own. Ford will have one soon — an all-electric Ford Focus. Tesla has its electrified Lotus Elise.
Similarly, an electric Chevy Cruze would be easy for GM to build. And would be nothing special.
The Chevy Volt, though, is a new concept. Unlike an electric car, it can replace a gasoline car, not just supplement it. It will be interesting to see how the Volt does in the market.
Once again, GM is proving a leader of nothing and a follower of many.
It appears that GM may STILL not have their heart into building an electric car. I’ll seriously consider shopping elsewhere if that becomes more clear.
Well, in the meantime, AMP Electric Vehicles can convert an Equinox for you, if you have a spare $50,000. Might as well buy a Volt and save the cash.
Oh no!
Range anxiety!!!
And, as of Sept. 21 2010, you still cant buy a volt anyway.