Chevrolet Commits to Bolt EV Production

Game-changing, long-range EV to be built at Orion Assembly facility in Michigan

CHICAGO (GM) – Chevrolet this morning confirmedproduction of its next-generation pure electric vehicle, based on the Bolt EV concept. It will be built at General Motors’ Orion Assembly facility near Detroit. 

Chevy Bolt EV Concept at 2015 North

American International Auto Show in

Detroit. (Photo: GM)

GM North America President Alan Batey made the announcement ahead of the Chicago Auto Show. The Bolt EV concept was introduced last month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. 

“The message from consumers about the Bolt EV concept was clear and unequivocal: Build it,” said Batey. “We are moving quickly because of its potential to completely shake up the status quo for electric vehicles.”

Leveraging the industry-leading battery technology found in the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept was developed as a game-changing, long-range pure electric for all 50 states, designed to offer more than a GM-estimated 200 miles of range at a target price of around $30,000. 

The progressively styled concept vehicle features selectable driving modes for preferred driving styles, such as daily commuting, and it was designed to support DC fast charging. 

NAIAS 2015: Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept Signals Brand’s EV Strategy

Affordable, long-range concept builds on brand’s electrification leadership

DETROIT (GM) – Chevrolet today made a significant statement on its commitment to electrification with the introduction of the Bolt EV concept – a vision for an affordable, long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting around $30,000.

“The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. “Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers.”

Leveraging the electrification prowess established by Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept is designed to offer long-range performance in all 50 states and many global markets.

Drivers will be able to select operating modes designed around preferred driving styles such as daily commuting and spirited weekend cruising, for uncompromising electric driving. The modes adjust accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt EV concept is also designed to support DC fast charging.

“We have made tremendous strides in technologies that make it easier and more affordable for Chevrolet customers to integrate an all-electric vehicle in their daily lives,” said Barra. “The Bolt EV concept demonstrates General Motors’ commitment to electrification and the capabilities of our advanced EV technology.”

Chevrolet Bolt Concept unveiled at 2015
North American International Auto Show
in Detroit. (Photo: GM)

The Bolt EV concept also pushes the envelope for crossover aesthetics. Its unique proportion, with practically no front or rear overhang, makes the most of interior space and was designed to create a roomy environment for four that feels expansive. Lightweight materials, including aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and even woven mesh, complement the design, while driving down the curb weight to help maximize range. Aero-optimizing features such as vented rear fenders also help contribute to range.

NAIAS 2015: Chevrolet Introduces All-New 2016 Volt

New model features expressive, sleek design and delivers 50 miles of EV range

DETROIT (GM) – Chevrolet today unveiled the all-new 2016 Volt electric car with extended range, showcasing a sleeker, sportier design that offers 50 miles of EV range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration.

The Volt’s new, efficient propulsion system will offer a General Motors’-estimated total driving range of more than 400 miles and with regular charging, owners are expected to travel more than 1,000 miles on average between gas fill-ups.

“The 2016 Chevrolet Volt provides our owners with a no-compromise electric driving experience,” said Alan Batey, president of GM North America. “We believe our engineering prowess combined with data from thousands of customers allows us to deliver the most capable plug-in vehicle in the industry.”

2016 Chevrolet Volt unveiled at 2015

North American International Auto Show

in Detroit. (Photo: GM)

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt’s technology and range advancements are complemented by a design that blends sculpted, muscular proportions with aerodynamic efficiency, and an all-new interior with seating for five and improved functionality.

Everything from charging the battery and checking the charge status, to the intuitiveness of instrument panel controls were designed for easier use.

“According to independent surveyors, Volt owners are the most satisfied in the industry and they were our compass for developing the next-generation model,” said Batey.

GM says next-gen Chevy Volt can handle snow and ice

Cadillac ELR delivers shock in more ways than one!

Before you read further, go to your liquor cabinet and pour yourself a shot of vodka, bourbon, tequila or whatever you prefer.  You'll need it momentarily.

Got the drink?  OK.  Proceed.

I patiently waited for General Motors to announce pricing for the soon-to-be released Cadillac ELR luxury electric car.  That announcement finally came last week.

2014 Cadillac ELR
Photo: GM

According to the information GM released on October 10, 2013, the ELR will go on sale in January in all major American metropolitan markets with a shockingly high starting price of-- take a deep, deep breath-- $75,995.

Exhale and take the shot, now! (Pour yourself another, if necessary.)

Talk about sticker shock!

2014 Cadillac ELR interior.
Photo: GM

Now, I'm no dummy.  I realize that Cadillac is GM's premier line.  You're supposed to pay a bit more for a CTS than you pay for a Chevy Malibu.  But, while I certainly expected the ELR to be more expensive than its corporate cousin, the Volt, I certainly did not expect it be $41,000+ more expensive!!!  2014 Volts carry a starting price of $34,185 and that's after a $5,000 price cut from the previous model year.

So, aside from the added pedigree of the Cadillac name, what do you get for all of those extra Benjamins?  Let's see.

Cadillac ready to debut ELR extended range electric car

Cadillac ELR going through testing in California. (Photo: GM)

The Cadillac ELR electric vehicle with extended range is wrapped in camouflage and driven through the mountains of southern California for key development tests including steep grade performance and higher altitude operation Tuesday, September 18, 2012. The Cadillac ELR, an upscale corporate cousin of the Chevrolet Volt, will make its official public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 15, 2013.  The car is expected to hit Cadillac showrooms later this year. Pricing has not been announced, but with the Volt starting at $31.645, expect a hefty up charge for the Caddy.

Lexus announces pricing for new CT 200h Hybrid

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Photo Credit: Lexus

Lexus has announced pricing for the all-new 2011 CT 200h hybrid, which arrives in dealer showrooms next spring, and the number comes in under $30,000.  The suggested retail price of the CT 200h will be  $29,995 including the delivery, processing and handling fee.

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Photo Credit: Lexus

Company officials say the CT 200h will boast the luxury car industry’s best overall combined fuel economy at 42 mpg and offer the most attractive price point in the Lexus lineup without compromising the level of refinement, quality and reliability that customers expect.

“For just $1,000 more than the cost of a non-luxury hybrid, buyers can indulge in a CT 200h with our proven Lexus Hybrid Drive technology,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Lexus hybrids currently make up 90 percent of all luxury hybrid sales in the U.S., so you can imagine how excited we are to continue our leadership in this market with the CT 200h.”

The CT 200h emits approximately 60 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, and has EPA-estimated ratings of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway running on regular unleaded gasoline.  The CT 200h also can be operated in a switchable EV mode which generates zero emissions.

The 2011 CT 200h arrives in early March when it will become the fifth hybrid in the Lexus lineup.

Test Drive: 2010 Lexus HS250h

One definition of the word hybrid is an offspring of two animals or plants of different races, breeds, varieties or species. Another definition of hybrid is something that has two different types of components performing essentially the same function.

In the automotive world, the two breeds that combine to form hybrids are performance cars and economy cars. The two types of components are gasoline-powered engines and electric motors.

Most Lexus models are known for luxury with a dose of powerful sportiness. Most hybrids—take the Toyota Prius for instance—are known for oddly unique looks and gas miserly performance. Enter the new HS250h. It works if you like and want typical hybrid performance. It does not work if you like and want a true Lexus.

Over the years, I have driven LS, GS, ES and IS models and found each to be cars that I would seriously consider owning. So, when Lexus sent the new HS250h Premium sedan for me to test, I was anxious to see if this hybrid would perform like a true Lexus while providing the fuel efficiency benefits of the gasoline-electric power plant. I was greatly disappointed.

Yes, the HS250h provides Lexus comfort and luxury. Leather seating, automatic dual-zone climate control, premium audio system and more are standard. There is ample rear seat comfort and a sizable trunk that can accommodate a standard set of golf clubs, bag and all. But I never got past feeling like I was in an overdressed Toyota Prius. The two models share the same basic platform but the HS250h is longer, wider and taller than the Prius.

The HS certainly has the Lexus look but also carries that distinctive hybrid look as well, possibly because the HS is a solely hybrid model. Unlike other Lexus hybrids—RX450h, GS450h and LS600h—there is no gasoline-only version of the HS. The appearance would not be a deal breaker for me, but it is not overly endearing.

The deal breaker would be the lackluster performance compared to other Lexus models. In every Lexus I have ever driven, step on the gas pedal and you get instant acceleration gratification from the V-6 and V-8 powertrains. Step on the gas pedal in the HS and the high-tech electric motors and four-cylinder gasoline engine provide acceleration that left me wondering if I was in a base model Toyota Corolla instead of a Lexus.

On the plus side, my HS250h test model achieved 34.9 miles per gallon, essentially matching the EPA estimate of 35 mpg. While alternative energy advocates will argue the impressive fuel economy is the goal, I would give up a few miles per gallon to have the electric motor mated to a V-6 gasoline engine and achieve the more spirited performance Lexus customers have come to expect. If the RX450h utility vehicle can produce 32 mpg in city driving, I would be willing to bet an HS350h could produce at least the same.

I did like the joystick controller for the multi-information display. It was comfortably situated on the center console and combined many features of a traditional joystick and a computer mouse allowing the driver to easily manipulate features with minimal distraction.

Features

Standard features on the 2010 Lexus HS250h test model included a power moonroof; Smart Access with push-button start/stop; XM Satellite Radio; Bluetooth technology; genuine wood trim; and 18-inch aluminum wheels with all season tires.

Optional features included wide view front monitor with backup camera; an upgraded Mark Levinson audio system with 15-speakers and 6-disc in-dash DVD changer; Navigation system; and the Tech Package including a head-up display, front & rear park assist, radar cruise control which helps maintain a designated distance from the vehicle in front of you; and a feature Lexus calls Lane Keep Assist which warns you if you drift out of your lane.

Summary

The Lexus HS250h is filled with features, comfortable to be in and fairly attractive on the eyes. Unfortunately, it is not much fun to drive. Fans of dedicated hybrid vehicles who want luxury eco-friendly transportation will like the HS250h. Those who prefer more spirited performance will likely steer clear. The HS250h starts at $34,650.

Editor’s Note: Since the noted review period, Toyota Motor Sales, USA announced a voluntary recall on 2010 Lexus HS250h models to update anti-lock brake (ABS) software after some owners reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces. Owners were to begin receiving recall notices in mid-February 2010.

2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h models among latest Toyota recall

Quality control issues continue at Toyota. The Japanese automaker has announced another major recall involving hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

Toyota is voluntarily recalling 437,000 hybrid models including the 2010 Prius and 2010 Lexus HS250. The automaker says both models need a software upgrade to the anti-lock brake system (ABS).

The ABS normally engages and disengages rapidly as it senses and reacts to tire slippage. According to Toyota, some 2010 Prius and HS250h owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during use on rough or slick roads while trying to maintain traction.

"We're committed to doing everything we can-- as fast as we can-- to restore consumer trust in Toyota, and these recalls are part of this effort," said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Motor Sales. "We regret the inconvenience this recall will cause to Prius and HS 250h owners, and will do our best with the support of our dealers to make sure that it is conducted in the most trouble-free manner possible."

Prius owners affected by this recall should begin receiving letters from Toyota next week instructing them to schedule an appointment with their dealership for the software upgrade. The automaker will begin contacting affected HS250h owners within the next few weeks.

This latest recall comes less than a month after Toyota recently recalled more than 4-million vehicles to fix a problem with sticking accelerator pedals. The automaker recalled more than 5-million vehicles in 2009 for floor mat pedal entrapment problems.

News: Ford to Build Next Generation Focus at Former SUV Plant

Ford Motor Company is making a major investment that will bring its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne back to life with a new mission.

Ford announced it is investing $550 million to transform Michigan Assembly into a "lean, green and flexible manufacturing complex" that will build Ford’s next-generation Focus global small car, including a new battery-electric version of the for the North American market.

The plant, formerly the production site for Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, is one of three light truck plants Ford is retooling to build fuel-efficient global small cars in the coming years. The new Focus will begin rolling off the line next year and the battery-electric version – Ford’s first all-electric passenger car – debuts in 2011.

“The transformation of Michigan Assembly Plant embodies the larger transformation under way at Ford,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “This is about investing in modern, efficient and flexible American manufacturing. It is about fuel economy and the electrification of vehicles. It is about leveraging our expertise and vehicle platforms around the world and partnering with the UAW to deliver best-in-class global small cars. It is about skilled and motivated teams working together in new ways to create the future of automobile manufacturing in the United States.”

As part of the retooling, Ford will consolidate its operations from Wayne Assembly Plant. When production launches in 2010, approximately 3,200 employees will be building the new Focus at Michigan Assembly Plant.

News: Certain Plug-In Electric Vehicles May Qualify For Tax Credit

WASHINGTON (IRS Newswire) — Plug-in electric vehicles using certain types of batteries may qualify for a new tax credit if purchased this year, the Internal Revenue Service said.  

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) created two new tax credits for various types of electric vehicles, which may include what are commonly referred to as neighborhood electric vehicles.

ARRA creates a tax credit for low-speed or two- or three-wheel electric vehicles, such as motor scooters, purchased after Feb. 17, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2012. The amount of the credit is 10 percent of the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum credit of $2,500. To qualify, a vehicle must be either a low-speed vehicle that is propelled to a significant extent by a rechargeable battery with a capacity of at least 4 kilowatt hours or be a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that is propelled to a significant extent by a rechargeable battery with a capacity of at least 2.5 kilowatt hours.

EESA created a tax credit for vehicles that have at least four wheels and draw propulsion using a rechargeable traction battery with at least four kilowatt hours of capacity. For 2009, the minimum credit is $2,500 and the credit tops out at $7,500 to $15,000, depending on the weight of the vehicle and the capacity of the battery.

During 2009, low-speed, four-wheeled vehicles manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and highways (neighborhood electric vehicles) may qualify both for the EESA credit and, if purchased after February 17, 2009, for the ARRA credit for low-speed electric vehicles. A taxpayer may not claim both credits for the same vehicle. Vehicles manufactured primarily for off-road use, such as for use on a golf course, do not qualify for either credit.

The Internal Revenue Service is working on guidance regarding certification procedures for both of these credits.