As gas prices continue to go up and down and up again, American consumers -- still -- are opting for gas-powered vehicles over the more expensive hybrid cars and trucks that almost all major auto manufacturers are making available these days. From hybrid SUVs like the Toyota Motor Corporation (ADR) (NYSE: TM)'s Highlander to the Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. (ADR) (NASDAQ: NSANY) Altima hybrid sedan, there are increasing choices in the market for all kinds of vehicles that save on gas while providing the speed and agility customers demand in a driving experience. What about electric vehicles?
Pioneers like ZAP! have been making gains in the sale of 100% electric vehicles for some time now, although the global numbers have not been a blip when all global vehicle sales counts have come into play. When a major global auto manufacturer says that it is speeding up development of electric vehicles, though, bystanders best pay attention. The technology in the newer General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM)'s Chevy Volt -- an electric vehicle -- may soon find its way into more GM vehicles. Where there is a market to be tapped (although mainly unpopular right this second), GM's need to grow 'profitable' market share in new or existing (or any) market remains clear as a cloudless day.
But then GM CEO Rick Wagoner chides the U.S. Congress for a newer stance on fuel economy standards for passenger cars and trucks right after the comment that GM is speeding development on electric car technology. Talk about speaking from both sides of the mouth -- but was he really? Wagoner was saying that imposing tougher fuel standards has not worked in the past, although the concept is easily understood as a way to reduce U.S. oil consumption. Wagoner's hints towards the near-term solution of biofuels and a longer-term solution of electricity to power vehicles seems clear to me, but it's a change that can't happen overnight in the sluggish American auto industry (which can' turn on a dime). Given GM's recent financials, the company has more important fish to fry, right?
GM speeding up electric car development?
Posted Jun 12th 2007 5:46PM by Brian White
Filed under: Rumors, Products and services, Competitive strategy, General Motors (GM), Toyota Motor Corp. (TM)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-09-2008 @ 4:42AM
Gordon Bartholomew said...
Gloom and doom of the new Volt electric car. It was stated that the new Volt car looks something like a Cadilac. I would imagine the electric car will have a price tag of a Cadilac. GM should be thinking of a lower or medium price range for the new model. It is the people who are looking to save money. The larger car owners could care less about saving, they just want comfort and will stick to their larger cars.
6-13-2007 @ 12:38AM
Doug Korthof said...
You're forgetting about the existing all-electric Toyota RAV4-EV, hundreds of which are still operating flawlessly in California, many in the hands of individual owners, with more than 100 miles all-electric range after 5 years on the same battery packs at speeds up to 80 mph without any help from an Internal Combustion IC engine.
If GM were serious about the Volt, it could make it now, just add a small range extender to the same drivetrain in the Toyota RAV4-EV.
GM would have a 100 mile-range Volt.
But GM could use lead-acid for the Volt, it only needs 40 miles. And the 1997 GM EV1, with good Panasonic batteries (some 1999 also had lead batteries) went over 100 miles on a charge at speeds up to 80 mph.
Who does GM think they are fooling??
6-13-2007 @ 8:06PM
Alex Campbell said...
I own ZAP stock. America should declare energy independence this 4th of july!
GOZAP
6-13-2007 @ 2:50PM
George Criddle said...
The car companys had better wake up. My next car will be all electric. I would like to get at least 100 miles to a charge. This would take care of all of my local driving. My other car will still be the one I own now. I will drive it on trips of over 100 miles. I will repair my older car when it needs it.It should last at least 20 more years since I won't be driving it as much. Anyone see a problem with this thinking? This should help Global Warming!
6-14-2007 @ 10:14AM
POP said...
GM = God's Mistake.
6-14-2007 @ 9:37PM
A D said...
Give GM and Ford the tax subsidies that we Americans are giving Toyota via fraudulant trade polcies including closed markets and flat out lying about currency values and may be the electric vehicle you want could be done.
This nation is so full of self centered self loathing wimps these days, it a joke to the world.