Green Impressions From The 2007 NY International Auto Show
About a month ago, I was invited by GM to attend the 2007 NY International Auto Show, meet with executives, and witness first-hand the automaker's commitment to a more sustainable transportation future. Having just returned, I thought I would share with GO readers a brief synopsis of my time there and the impressions received.
First of all, GM allowing a writer such as myself the opportunity to interview executives and ask hard questions is simply unprecedented in recent journalism history. GM's been pursuing this program only since early 2006. They are being extraordinarily open in their efforts to change the company's image and having dinner with their harshest critics is one way to turn things around. Of course, actions have to follow discussions over seared tuna, but it's a start. Based on what I saw at the Auto Show, it's also just the beginning.
I finally had the opportunity to check out the Chevy Volt, and it's a pretty intriguing design. For extra effect, GM also had a little AC plug coming out the side. Based on my interviews with executives, I'm pretty much convinced that this vehicle will in fact see the light of day. I'll even wager that much of what you see today will make it into the final design. Right now, the battery technology is what's lagging behind – but most of those issues should be resolved in the coming years. For more info, please check out autobloggreen's fantastic in-depth journey with GM's battery development team.
Beyond the Volt, GM also released three concept mini-cars. Yes, these vehicles still use gasoline engines, but their presence in the United States (and not Europe) signals a shift from "think big" to "think small". GM's commitment to the small car is passionate; with an intense drive to make them as appealing design-wise as they are economically. In the spirit of democracy, you can log onto Vote4Chevrolet to pick you favorite concept mini-car. The vehicle with the most votes will tell GM what design will resonate best with the American public.
The most important impression I had from the NY Auto Show is that green is now a part of business-as-usual and not just some buzzword. Almost every major manufacturer had some eco-friendly car to show off. Even the über-luxurious Maybach stood out as the only car with solar panels imbedded in its roof. Hydrogen made its presence known with vehicles from BMW and GM, but I think it's safe to say that we're many years away from a functional infrastructure. Not too mention the costs associated with the technology.
I'll have plenty more videos, interviews, and other topics to share shortly. For the time being, you can read my latest piece on Groovy Green titled "When An Environmentalist Has Dinner With A Hummer Executive" detailing my time with Executive Director of Hummer, Ross Hendrix.
Tags: Automobiles, chevy volt, fuel-efficiency, hybrid, hydrogen, mini-car
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April 7th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
For all the Blarney about unaffordable now (and forever?) Tesla electrics and others, which manage to package old timey battery technology and sacrifice practicality for gee-whiz performance (aren’t these “forward thinking” folks aware of Altair batteries?), it’s easy to see that Tesla is all hype and little substance - their vehicles won’t make the slightest of dents in foreign oil dependencies, or reduced emisssions, irregardless of the absurd claims of the George Gooneys of this world.
The Chevy VOLT right now is the only technology
that’s imminent and has the capability to make a difference. A big difference. Of course, Chevy won’t be out there alone - every other automaker has noticed buyer sentiment, as evidenced by the unheard of response to the Chevy VOLT. The number of articles and hits on their website has been astounding. Here we are more than a month after the initial showing and their are still articles
that reference the VOLT. GM made the correct design this time (unlike the crappy EV-1) and is in position to roll with the punches. The E flex architecture is one that none of the self appointed auto greenies even thought of. For non-computer types, this is an excellent example of modular design : from the battery forward, the vehicle is all-electric and virtually independent of anything going on on the other side of the battery. This means that once the forward module has been tested and deemed ready for production, that’s about it. One can alter the mechanicals on the other side of the battery any way one finds most profitable : fuel cell, battery, diesel or gasoline generator motor, or anything else that might come along and be a good provider of electrons. Thus, should battery technology go beyond what is expected, the VOLT can immediately morph into a battery powered all-electric. Or possibly still retain the gen engine
until recharging infrastructures are in place.
Now you can see the beauty of this design - it doesn’t require GM to commit to any particular
power supply technology.
April 9th, 2007 at 10:55 am
I hope that your optimism is correct. We would all be better off with an aggressive move toward more energy efficient and more environmentally sound (recycling, for example) vehicles by all automakers. And, I want to see PHEVs ASAP into the market space.
However, there are reasons to temper your optimism and buy-in for this marketing. Reasons that should make it into this post:
* What are the cars actually being shown that are actually going on sale? Are they not ever bigger, ever fancier, ever more gas guzzling in terms of SUVs? The VOLT / et al have not driven the Hummer or Expedition or Tundra or … off the show floor.
* In essence, it seems, Chevy is stating that ‘oh, if it weren’t for batteries, the VOLT would be on the market now.’ There is, if desired, an interim step which is to put a car on the market that has a limited (5-10 mile???) range on the batteries. Help drive the market space by putting something out there that early adopters can get their hands on.
April 9th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
::Right now, the battery technology is what’s lagging behind – but most of those issues should be resolved in the coming years.
Oh, for chrissake. Would you people do your research first, before parroting what speaking heads feed you ?
Battery technology isnt lagging anywhere, and its been there for viable, economical electric cars for quite a while. The proofs, of course, are there if you know where to look.
There was EV1 ( also in four-seat, series hybrid configuration with around 400 miles range. demoed in .. 1998 ), there is RAV4 EV merrily running on NiMH batteries, NiMH has been very workable battery for electrics for a long long time. And there are various other options to choose from, including lithium, which is being shaken out in the KillaCycle, Tesla Roadster, and heck, even the tiny G-Wiz is following up with a lithium version. There are countles lithium-powered e-bikes on streets, mostly in Asia though.
If there is anything lagging, its GM’s willingness to deliver a product that would wean people away from oil addiction.
GM has _always_ said that the battery is a few years away, and they keep saying that, no matter how many PHEV-converted Priuses are rolling around.
April 9th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
::still articles that reference the VOLT. GM made the correct design this time (unlike the crappy EV-1)
Look up the EV1 Series Hybrid. anno 1998. Four seats , range 400 miles. that was nine years ago. Apart from exterior styling, and from changing to more inefficient piston ICE from turbine, Volt proposal is practically identical. Except, that its not even a working prototype ( it has a small golf-cart DC motor under the hood, capable of around 5mph, and a regular lead-acid battery to roll it off the showroom )
In contrast, EV1 Series Hybrid was a working car
so, come again ?