Thus making its design inferior.... although, I doubt it would be 6k as a refurb LEAF battery is going for less than $8k from Nissan.
My battery est. is based on the current difference between the standard hybrid and the current crop of plug-ins. They add about $5K for a PiP with a 4.4 KWH lithium battery. So to add a lithium battery to a C of around 7 plus KWH, I would bet it would be closer to $6K Remember you're going from a tiny .9KWH NiMH to 7+ KWH Lithium setup.
Then why is the Volt's starting price lower than the PIP? Based on your logic and having knowledge that existing technology is always cheaper in the automotive world, shouldn't the PIP be cheaper? Or maybe you could explain why the LEAF which has a bigger battery than both of them is, also, cheaper than both of them?
Marketing and corporate losses are why. The VOLT is sold at a big loss to GM. The lithium battery at 16 plus Kwh's is very expensive and it's probably 40% or more of the actual cost of the car.
DrDiesel - The volt is not sold at a loss on a per unit basis. Its only sold at a loss if you factor in R&D costs divided by units sold - this is commonplace across the industry. This arguement has been covered many many times on various forums and GM has confirmed that there is a per unit Profit on the volt today. Keep in mind as more units are produced - there is no additonal outlay on the R&D for the current model. Also keep in mind the first generation Prius was sold at a loss to Toyota, subsequent generations have built on the first and turned the Prius into a profitable vehicle for Toyota. GM quoted incremental cost ( Think per unit cost to GM ) at between $20k and $32k GM Quoted Fixed Cost ( R&D and Tooling ) at between $1B and $1.2B Why GM Actually Is Getting Its Money's Worth From The Chevy Volt# GM CEO Dan Akerson: Next Chevy Volt should be profitable - Fortune Tech The Real Story On GM's Volt Costs - Forbes I dont understand why you are so opposed to this vehicle, but continuing to spout off statements like you work for Fox News does nothing to further acceptance of efficient vehicles. If you prefer your Prius fine - its a great car, but The Volt is also a great car. Do a little reading - its good for you.
Take up the bickering in a private conversation. If it continues, especially with the name calling and language for which one person has been warned, the thread will be closed. Thanks...
