More Battery, More Problems: Electrical Issues Surface in Battery Technology Race
General Motors is finding that delivering an electric car to the masses is more than just the battery issue.
Heating and cooling systems traditionally run off the combustion engine, therefore, needing a new system for them to operate is an issue, according to the Detroit News.
Frank Weber, GM's vehicle line executive in charge of the electric car program, said, “People tend to believe that if the battery question is solved, everything is solved and the vehicle will work. But beyond the battery, the electric vehicle presents challenges that are significant.
Comments
mena
You guys that think the Volt will be under $30k are just dreaming. Don't surprised if the final tab on this car is closer to $40k.
Josh
So if they can develop systems that do everything besides move the car that use less energy for use in electric cars, why can't they apply that same technology to gasoline cars and save even more energy? Granted, the heat from an internal combustion engine is basically "free" once it's in the coolant (as in if you don't use it to heat the cabin, it's just going into the atmosphere), improving the energy efficiency of any and all electrical components will benefit all cars, not just the battery powered/hybrid variety.
William Patrick
It's called research and development for a reason...
JN
...why can’t they apply that same technology to gasoline cars and save even more energy?
If they did, they could use smaller alternators and reduce parasitic drag.
FLASHPOINT
Sounds like someone needs a new battery for that little light bulb that comes on when you get an idea. Let's see, normal electrical drain @ 20-30 amps/hr for accessories, a.c. requirements @ 24,000-30,000 Btus (7+ kw)plus heat for those cool summer evenings...Yeah, we can get a battery to do all that AND run the car itself for 300-400 miles between 20 minute recharges. Now, where do you want to start cutting corners?
DOWNSHIFTER
It's not the price of the Volt; rather, the price of the volts.
Mena
They won't cut corners, they'll just charge more money. The $5000 price hike is just the first. There will be more. I can already hear the whining on the cars cost.
Scratch
mena: no one is going to be surprised because on two separate occasions Bob Lutz has already renegged on the 30k promise and said that the Volt will be between 35-40k. For now.
DOWNSHIFTER
The cost cutting reference was in regards to getting an all electric car to fulfill the requirements we've all come to expect from automobiles. T'ain't gonna happen. All electric will serve a niche, but it will be a very small, select application.
Mena
Scratch, you and I won't be surprised but look at the comments on this car. Most people really think it will really cost $30k.
Mena
But here and in tons of other forums say otherwise. It is said that once the car makers offer electric cars then people will dump their SUV's and trucks and buy these instead. Cause you and I both know that it's the car makers not making enough fuel efficient vehicles NOT our choices in cars that's at fault here.
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don849195
All those problems mention are not problems GM didn't know before hand. I know because I'm indirectly involved in the project. You make it sound like GM doesn't know what they are doing. Why not write a story worthwhile writing.
George
The will be GM's Tesla roadster, lots of press with no production models.
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