How will the Chevrolet Volt be better than a Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid?

Yes, I just noticed that also. Seems odd offhand, but maybe there is a reason. In any case, it probably still shows the relative power demand distribution.

 

That's a very good point. Even ignoring the emissions implications, lots of start/stop events have a fuel cost. My calibration acquaintance talks about "wall film" something or another and my eyes promptly glaze over.

 

From the document, the red line is the maximum power required by the UDDS test. I believe it's just a reference point in each chart since the scales change between them.

 

^^ The area under the curve does not add up to 100% using the Y axis scale.

 

This is a great point I've not considered before.

That wouldn't make much sense; I'm also sure they are mistaken.

Anyway, regarding Prius wimpy feel, no surprise. I know people say the Volt is a much better drive and I have to trust they are right, but we must be splitting hairs to a degree, as it's still a fairly slow car...although the car replaced my my Prius had a 8.5 0-60 like the Volt and felt much quicker. I do think that CVT has a numbing feel on performance, though. It feels slower than it is.

A couple of times I've dragged people at the lights in the Prius and I never win. It just isn't fast, even though it still feels pretty well planted on the highway.

 

That's pretty good considering this is the most aggressive highway cycle. The remaining 4 cycles are less aggressive, especially the city cycles.

 

There is exhaust heat recovery system and EGR to minimize those. Volt lack those technologies.

 

I took a Dodge Stealth at a light last week in my Volt, I was turning next block so it didn't last long, and he might not of realized it (but he sure was making a lot of racket over there with the engine and shifting and all). It was fun.

 

I see your point. The pie charts on the following page of the report don't line up with the bar graphs either based on ~46kW output of the electric motor (page 5). Maybe there's a scaling error?

Slides on both page 11 and 12 should indicate which vehicle they're based on. Power output and mass are different for PHEV10,20, and 40.

Found a spelling error too. Our tax dollars at work.

 

Even if the PHV lithium battery pack provides 27kW (assumed) sustained power, that still covers majority of the miles in all five EPA test cycles (UDDS, HWFET, SC03, LA92 and US06).

In the most aggressive US06 cycle, 27kW can cover about 50% without ICE assistant. MG2 would still be used in the remaining 50% with power blended from the ICE.

MG2 is capable of 60kW so there is greater opportunity (~95%) if the Lithium battery can match that power.

 

I thought all modern gas and even diesel engines use EGR.

 

0-60 isn't always a useful metric to gauge "fun to drive". Nissan Leaf would be beat by most cars on that metric - but Leaf would beat a lot of them in "fun to drive".

 

I would have said the Prius PHEV but seeing as Toyota Europe have decided to price it £2,000 under the Volt, but £10,000 over the base Prius, I have now changed my mind and think you get more car for your money with the Volt.

Premium unleaded is our cheapest unleaded in most of Europe so there is no issue with the Volt running on that either. We shall see once the Volt is released next year, but I think Toyota have shot them selves in the foot with their greed.

I certainly won't be paying £31,000/$49,200 for 15 mile EV range PHEV Prius!

 

GrumpyCabbie, how are the warranties compared in Europe?

Also, what's the typical price difference for PiP and Volt size/class over there?

 

Erm, base model Toyota Avensis £18,500, Ford Mondeo £18,500, Prius base £21,000, Nissan Leaf £31,000, PHEV Prius £31,000 and Volt (when it's released) £33,000. The last 3 will have a £5,000 government grant to deduct but the funds on that are limited.

An Ford Focus is about £15,000 for the base. The Mondeo is the size up.

 

So it generally cost £3,500 to up-size a class? We should take account of that when comparing PiP and Volt.

 

I just got my ComEd disclosure (see attached). It is 41% Nuclear and 43% Coal. Regardless, I'm more happy to spend my money domestically. As well it is commonly stated/understood that electrical production is getting cleaner every year.

 

Flaw logic to me. We produce half the petroleum we consume.

You are going to spend $6k less on gas (vs no-cord Prius) but willing to spend at least $10k on the Korean battery? Volt only has 40% domestic content so that is not a good excuse to have a dirty gas engine with 6 out of 10 smog emission rating.

You are supporting technology that generates more emission right here in the US of A.

 

Your numbers of my coal generated electricity in Chicagoland were off by a considerable amount don't you think? 72% vs 43%

40% domestic content is what all the haters quote/grasp_on_to. For initial ramp up production and you need to go where you can initially get the supplies.

Did you know there are 161 battery components in the Volt's battery, 95 percent of which are designed and engineered by GM!! Google search

LG battery plant coming to Holland - Holland, MI - The Holland Sentinel

 

That doesn't change the fact that your money went elsewhere and not as you claimed since you bought the Volt already. We'll see how the 2013 model come out.