Why the change and the continual pushback on the release date? It turns out that the Volt’s driving range performance and cost failed when compared to other electric cars and was far inferior to some Chinese made electrics. In the face of these failures, GM had to step back and re-design the car. But will this move be enough to save the Volt?
Car shoppers had better be primed to pay out some fairly sizable dollars as the bantered about price tag puts the cost in the $40K range. Now we know why GM executives were badgering and begging the federal Government to subsidize the car a year or two ago: it looks like it’s a high priced lemon and they need someone to bail them out. Even with the government rebate for a new “green” car, the cost will be $32,500.00 and that rebate goes away after so many models are sold.
And, it would be one thing if this price was for a true electric car, but it is for a different version of a hybrid. Does the volt deliver superior fuel economy over the already existing hybrids, better performance, superior technology, lower maintenance costs, etc? General motors is reporting that the Volt has a charge range of 40 miles and that most Americans have a round trip commute of less than 40 miles so that the vehicle addresses these folks very nicely. The average commuter cost per trip would drop from $4.00 in gas (for cars getting 30 miles per gallon) to approximately 80 cents in electric costs with the Volt. This would be great
No one knows as General Motors isn’t saying. I have to tell you my gut says that the news isn’t good or they would be releasing it to build up the hype. As it is, the “leaked” price range places the Volt’s cost about double that for already existing and historically successful hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Honda insight. Why the high cost and why would people pay this much more for another hybrid?
Will people be willing to pay so much more for the Chevrolet Volt when they know they can buy a Prius or Insight and save a substantial amount of money? I don't think I would. To begin with, the Volt is simply one ugly looking vehicle. It doesn’t deliver any characteristics that stand out or make it look special. Most would believe Chevrolet would make a strong appeal with this new “somewhat electric” model and go all out in every aspect. The car looks as if it is a somewhat harried Malibu. You know a Malibu on a bad hair day.
With it's high price tag, the Chevy Volt needs to appear sportier and have some flash. After all, it is named the Volt, so the car needs to appear positive, full of vitality, and sport! I am half tempted to state that the Prius from Toyota is a more charismatic car than the Volt. Everyone reading this should recognize there is something really wrong if we need to go there. The Volt should be full of curves. I mean what is better looking, a Corvette or an Aveo? It ain’t rocket science people.
Another issue I have with the Chevy Volt is the exorbitant cost. If most car shoppers have $40 thousand to spend on an automobile, they would purchase something more fashionable like a BMW or an Audi. These cars have pretty good gas mileage and look a heck of a lot nicer. Many regular American consumers will not be capable to meet the cost of the Volt. Those who can afford the price tag, the upper-middle and upper class, wont because they have nicer and more attractive options.
The Volt was originally touted as a car that would change the automotive industry. That does not appear likely to be the case. This car is a hold-over from the bad decision GM days, but it shows that the company still hasn’t made a complete crossover to smart decision making as they have continued to pump their money, and now yours and mine into this apparent white elephant.
Now I could be wrong about all of this but I don’t think so. General Motors appears to be proceeding down this troubled path. GM is coming out of failure and now intends to attempt to sell a $32,500 (net cost after govt rebate) hybrid car when there are proven options that are cheaper and the new Nissan electric car, the Leaf, will be added to consumer’s options, and at a lower price tag of $25k. Something tells me that this will end up very ugly with either GM taking a hit or the US taxpayers, well the US taxpayers will either way. We just could end up getting hit twice.
Will it be possible that General Motors can realize the problems with the Volt and address them to help make the car more appealing, possibly? But it’s not probable. It looks like GM will fail with the Volt or will get another hand from the federal government to make it all work.