Hi Rob, After reading your comment, you make a gr...

2010-02-12T08:50:27.210-08:00

Hi Rob,

After reading your comment, you make a great point that I forgot to mention.

The Chevrolet Volt is indeed built to exist on the current infrastructure with gasoline stations. As a BC resident, I was looking at the senseability of driving an all electric car with the current infrastructure that is already in our communities.

From my perspective, BC has always been known for building infrastructure when its needed rather than planning for it. For example, the expansion of the Port Mann Bridge has been needed for years with the urban sprawl into the Fraser Valley. Although the major metropolitan cities in the United States have significant traffic congestion, they are often seen to have much better infrastructure. States like California and Arizona plan for urban sprawl years in advance, and are now focusing their energy on sustainable infrastructure. As was mentioned, California has introduced a law for 10 year warranties. I believe this is on all hybrid and electric cars.

As a company, Chevrolet and GM are doing great things in the development of sustainable infrastructure along working with the various groups you mentioned. Your proactive approach to the infrastructure problems I outlined should be commended on. I was not aware of the work you are doing with the National Federation of the Blind, but I am glad to see Chevy working hard at addressing this issue.

As a driver, the silent operation is something I admire indeed. If I am still driving my Mazda in a few years, you can be sure I will be making a significant consideration of purchasing the Chevrolet Volt. With the silent operation and the weight distribution factors, my drive to work would become a lot more comfortable.

In general, the recession that we have been going through is really a reaction to our habits over the past 5 to 10 years. As a society, we need to reset and rethink the way we live to become more sustainable. This includes bringing attention to infrastructure problems that people might not think of. Having said that, the strides that Chevrolet has made in the innovative processes of the electric car and fuel cell technology are something that should be commended on. What we are about to witness on the road in the coming years is an amazing car developed through years of hard work by Chevrolet.

Thanks,

Jason

Jason, My name is Rob Peterson and I work for Che...

2010-02-11T04:32:07.655-08:00

Jason,

My name is Rob Peterson and I work for Chevrolet.

There seems to be one important omission in your report - the range-extending capability of the Chevy Volt. Once the Volt's battery is depleted, a 1.4 l gas-powered engine-generator seamlessly kicks in to create electricity on-board and power the vehicle for several hundred additional miles. Extending the trip further simply requires a trip to the gas station.

Infrastructure is a "nice to have" for vehicles like the Volt - charging both at home and work could possibly double a drivers all electric range, but the Volt's range-extender in essence is a built in "infrastructure" that if necessary can leverage the exisitng network of gasoline stations.

However, to your point, infrastructure is a MUST for the adoption of pure battery electric vehicles - those completely dependent on grid energy.

As for the silent operation, Chevrolet is working with groups such as the National Federation of the Blind to address low-speed pedestrian safety issues. However, for most people, the quiet operations of an electric vehicle is something to be admired (especially compared to your 20-year old Mazda).

Thanks
Rob

Comments on new tools: social technology education: The Chevrolet Volt with Jason Baker

Hi Rob, After reading your comment, you make a gr...

Jason, My name is Rob Peterson and I work for Che...