Explain this to a potential chevy customer first: http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3233331#post3233331 Window get stuck ok, AC broke fine, transmission goes bad tough luck. Steering wheel falls over while going 65MPH. And this is from the "new and improved" GM. I think the chinese BYD engineers are laughing their ass off. Just admit you are working for a dead company that's the laughingstock of this country and move on.
The only GM I'd ever entertain owning these days is the C6 Vette. I like the new Grand Sport in triple black (vert), with the 6 speed, LT3 package, Z51, Nav, etc., I'd love to have one of those to put a paxton supercharger on, larger injectors, headers, borla exhaust, and a nice tune. Should be able to get close to 600 rear wheel hp out of a setup like that. Nothing like shifting into 3rd at 105mph climbing up to 155mph in a blink, then slowing back down to cruising speed before going to jail! lol
Speaking of Corvettes... I don't know what's more sad. The fact that I own a boat with an LT-1 Corvette engine (MasterCraft ProStar)... Or the fact that it will never know life above 50 mph. Sad. But fast.. for ski boats. So I also drive a GM truck. V-8, of course. No V-6. Or Ford... crappy/girly.
This might be a dumbass question, but bear with me... What are the odds that thiefs just start a black market in these batteries by simpling stealing them off existing cars parked on the streets? I know about the whole shitstorm with these guys ripping catalytic converters right off the bottom of cars, so do we see battery swiping as the next logical step once enough electric cars make it out of the showrooms?
Nobody knows? Really? Just because you don't know its doesn't seem likely that no one knows. Since we are talking about something that represents around 25% of the total cost of the car I think asking some questions about the warranty coverage is appropriate - sorry if you find it bothersome that some folks that want answers rather than blinding putting their faith in GM. Just to refute your other arguments, that battery performance in a Prius is not as critical as it is in the Volt since its primarily powered by a gas engine - also its much smaller and not a Lithium-Ion battery so not nearly as expensive. As for your laptop analogy, well, it goes without saying how off the mark that is but if you want me to spell it out: I can replace a laptop (or most other Lithium-Ion batteries) myself and it won't cost me thousands of dollars to do so (and I do find myself having to replace my laptop batteries after 2-3 years so I hope you are not trying to use that as a selling point to prove the lifespan of a Lithium-Ion battery)
NYPD buys 50 Chevy Volts http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/chevy-volts-invade-nyc-police-fleet-give-cops-all-new-ways-to-t/
This is the first ever trading thread I have read with multiple GM truck fans. I hope you need a truck for work b/c otherwise there is no reason to buy one. My first car was a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and I learned fast that sadly the USA, the industrial power that won WWII, now makes sh*tty automotive products. If you want quality go German. As an American not proud to say it, but its true. The unions destroyed our auto industry.
Hybrids and full electric cars are going to make more and more economical sense in the next 5 to 10 years. Just look at Nissan Leaf - around 25K after all the deductions, rebates, etc. I wanted to get one but apparently they are all sold out for the whole year. I spend around $350 to $400 dollars a month on gasoline that does not include trips outside of the city. For that kind of money I could lease or get a loan to obtain Leaf and never see a gas station for fuel again. Now, I do not have to tell you how this scenario would tilt if gasoline were to jump to 8 dollars a gallon. Good luck riding your V8s. Some people use their cars for what they were intended for (transportation) and some use them to compensate. That 600hp Vette must be one penis extender that is for sure. LOL