>>>>>>>>GM expects 230 MPG for the Volt - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32370233/ns/business-autos/
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>...which is pretty cool. Question of course is how much is the lititle sucker gonna cost? And then how much is the car-dealer going to stick it to you since they're in demand. I can already see GM's suggested price being like $40,000 for the thing, and then the dealers screwing everyone and getting $65,000 for them.
>>>>>>>Anyway we'll see what happens. I really hope it works and the things are affordable to buy. The 300 mile range is nice, but I would like it to be closer to 600 - and how long does it take to charge the batteries from a 120 outlet? And lastly - in typical American car manufacturing style - the thing is dumb looking on the outside. Here they have this nice ground-breaking vehicle and it looks like every other ugly box that's been built the last 20 years. Geeeze - how about something a tad more sleek looking? I'm not saying that they gotta build a 4-door Tesla - but coooome one man! - at least get someone in the design department to make something with some more style to it!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I think the idea is this will open the door for all the major players to have to follow suit with primarily electric vehicles.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Americans are extremely stupid in general when buying vehicles (cash for clunkers has been the downpayment primarily for lots of new SUVs rather than intelligent/reasonable vehicles), but if they start seeing lots of shiny new electric vehicles, eventually they will catch on and it should become fashionable.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>For the moment - a Prius is the way to go if at all possible. We bought one for my wife a couple of months ago and the gas mileage is right on the money vs EPA estimates - She's driven about 3500 miles and has an overall average of 46.something MPG. I just barely fit due to lack of headroom, but I think we're going to trade in my Kia on another one anyway - the mileage is worth it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Once plug-in electrics come down into the $20k range (bet it will be within 3 years) we'll be into one of those.
>>>>>
>>>>>How long will the batteries last and how much to change those batteries? My cousin bought one and the surprise was that it costs several thousand dollars for new batteries. So in the end no real savings for them. Perhaps this changed.
>>>>
>>>>The price alone will keep the market to the 'well to do' which will have the effect of movie stars pulling up to the red carpet in one. The average person won't be able to afford the Prius (the case now) let alone a Volt!
>>>
>>>I think your data on Prius prices is out of date. They can be had for low to mid 20's now.
>>>
>>>I bought a Honda Insight last weekend. It was low 20's and in CT they are exempt from the 6% sales tax.
>>>
>>
>>My ex got an Insight a year ago and loves it. Not a speck of trouble.
>
>That's good to hear. I have to admit my purchase was a bit spontaneous but we are happy so far. Will put a couple thousand miles on it this weekend to attend a reunion of the 101st ABN at Fort Campbell.
>
>Ken

You rock!