Silverado Hybrid Future Like Volt?

[chevroletvolt]

I was wondering, with the upcoming silverado hybrid coming up, do you think that they could make a future one based on the volt technology.

[ukrkoz]

Originally Posted by chevroletvolt

I was wondering, with the upcoming silverado hybrid coming up, do you think that they could make a future one based on the volt technology.

i am not sure what you referring to by volt technology, but know that hybrid silverado has only 3mpg improvment comparing to its conventional brethren. know this from real life experience of not so proud now hybrid owner.

ok, i know now what Volt tech is:
E-Flex, which would power the Volt, uses lithium ion battery power to propel the car via an electric motor for a limited range, with a small engine used only to recharge the batteries after 40 miles. GM is working toward producing the Volt by 2010 and plans to test prototypes this summer.

i think, things to look at here are: "limited range", most likely much greater cost, infamous GM poor reliability, and, most likely, very high repairs costs, which for hybrids are estimated at 30%+ comparing to conventional engines.
you know that Li ion batteries last only yey long and need to be replaced, and i can just imagine cost of that.
i'd rather shoot for upcoming new diesel and SFI engines. honda's next to realesing a ridgeline with diesel that will put out close to 40mpg, with famous honda reliability, for instance. have no doubt nissan will follow the suite, as toyota appears to be set on hybrids.

[gob 455]

I don't think we have a choice. With the EPA mandating higher CAFE standards, the car companes need to improve their fleet MPG numbers. Burocrats, you gotta love em. I personly think the car companies need to bring over Europen diesel technongy over here. That, tied into hybrid systems would produce the MPG the EPA want and the performance Amercians want.

[ukrkoz]

[quote=gob 455] I personly think the car companies need to bring over Europen diesel technongy over here. quote]

well, they already ARE here. 2008 was the 1st year mercedes could bring their european diesels into the american market, as big brother changed standards for the diesel fuel, and that permitted diesel merc-s to be sold here, as now they can pass pollution tests. you have noticed those stickers on fuel dispensers now - LOW SULPHUR DIESEL FUEL? that's the one.

that's not the problem. problem is, pickup trucks, as we know them here, are endemic to the USA exclusively. no one else makes them or uses them, they are laughstock anywhere else. neither tundra nor titan are made in japan, they are custom tailored for american market only.
i guess, that's why that new cargo van from dodge cought so well on the market, as it"s new mercedes diesel engine under the hood.
i, personally, do not see much future for the pickup trucks market at all. with gas headed straight into 5 bucks next year, most of folks that drove them for kicks won't be able to efford them, and will fall off the buying side. only people that MUST have pickup truck for biz will stay. look at the truck market - sales dropped 50% in june and 60% in july(msn.com last thursday). look at all the incentives offered now on trucks. $10 000 discount on new GM trucks? what else do you need to hear to see how bad it goes... of course, look at all the used trucks postings on say craigslist. hundreds of them for bottom low negotiable prices. country's ridding of toys and is headed back into the reality of what i MUST have vs. what i CAN EFFORD. and not many can efford tahoes, suburbans, expeditions, silverados and such.
as of V tech, i think it'll catch intitally, as folks will buy anything that is nicely bs-d. then they'll find the harsh reality of associated issues. and the word will spread, and the pendulum will swing one way or another.give or take 5yrs from the time they'll hit showrooms. as, you see, JDPowers can tell us all they want about GM trucks being "truck of the year" in intial quality. it is still INITIAL, 1st 90 days impression. wait till year or 2 of ownership will start showing its claws.