Chrysler's Volt Envy

I thought it was ridiculous when GM was advertising the Volt two years before scheduled production. But now Chrysler is advertising the Volt, and they're not even GM (yet.)

So, I'm checking my email...I've just received a message from Lyle over at GM-Volt saying that GM has decided who will be supplying the Volt's battery (LG Chem, if you're curious.) And what do I see, but an ad for the "Volt"... from Chrysler.

I mean, yeah, I agree, Chrysler should have had the foresight to start planning an extended range EV three years ago...but they didn't. And now they're obviously regretting that. The full ad reads "Volt - Learn More About ENVI & the New Chrysler Fuel-less Vehicles Today." The ad links to a page discussing Chrysler's recent commitment to produce one of three electric vehicles by 2010. From there, you can explore Chrysler's green program, including a blog for their ENVI environmental program with exactly one post.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[alvdh1]

I will be shocked if the Volt meets its production deadline. Current demand for transportation electrons is high, but none of the automakers seem juiced up enough to deliver on the promise of plugin hybrids. With gas prices falling dramatically, the complacency in the industry will re-emerge bringing charges that the demand for amps has disappated.

[KillTheMessenger]

Well, for one thing real engineer do not like to promise what they don't think they can deliver, for another the demand for plugin-hybrids won't be that large. While everybody has hyped the technology through the roof, the real world advantage of a plug-in hybrid over a conventional hybrid is small and will only attract the serious nerds. Just look at the Prius sales curve since 2000 and you will see that a new technology needs ten years to sales maturity. Plugins will play their role... in 2020.

[KillTheMessenger]

It's called "vapor ware". Get used to seeing more like that from the US automobile industry.

[JScott]

And to confuse even more GM has a (badge engineered?) same concept car in the UK called the Vauxhall Volt.

[bitmapped]

The "Volt" is just a keyword from Google AdWords. Chrysler isn't actively trying to advertise the Chevy Volt or a Chrysler Volt.