4G

This looks kinda interesting. A 4G data connection and apps in your Volt. I still think it's redundant to put all the electronics and radio/Internet into the car when you could just provide an interface to existing smart phones and tablets. (Customers who don't already have one could be offered one with the car.) But still kinda cool.

http://youtu.be/Fj_2CiysDFo

Brother Rick's Getting Free Electrons

Got this message from Bob's brother Rick, enjoying his new Volt:

Sitting at the Gee Creek rest stop fueling up with free electricity.

Broke the Four Figure Barrier

Today my odometer went past four figures and ended up at 10003. It seems like I don't drive the car all that much so it has taken awhile. I'm in no danger of exceeding my 12000 mile per year limit at least.

Brother Rick's New Volt!

I got a picture on Sept 10th:

And a movie today. I think he likes it! 

Also, notice his display shows KWH used where mine shows miles driven, per charge.

September OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics report

Updates to Charging Resources

SPX has updated their page. I don't know if this means they are no longer the preferred vendor for Volt home charging solutions or not. But the page and link changed so I've updated it.

https://homecharging.spx.com/portal/

https://homecharging.spx.com/volt/Home.aspx?l=1 

Also note the Nissan charger that is a modified factory unit so it will charge at 240 volts is still available here:

http://evseupgrade.com/styled/
You'll want to order the one at the bottom of the page, a brand new unit that they upgrade and send to you.

Heck, even Home Depot and Amazon have a selection of wall-mounted chargers these days, but I don't know if any rebates or programs apply to them.

I've also added a link to Clipper Creek and they make wall mounted and (semi) portable units. Note that the "portables" are manufactured with leads intended to be hard-wired but many people are adding an appropriate dryer plug to make them portable.

http://www.clippercreek.com/

And don't forget your Volt Adviser if you have questions on how to get home charging set up!

New Volt in the Family?

Looks like Bob's brother Rick has traded in his Malibu on a 2012 Volt! I haven't seen pictures yet but I hear it's red with black leather... a nice familiar color scheme. :-) Rumor is he took delivery yesterday and I'm waiting to hear all the details. We're both pretty excited that someone else in the family has gone electric!

Detail to follow... I hope!

Chevrolet Volt Drive Simulation

The Quintek Group created this animation and posted it on YouTube last year. I just came across it again so thought I'd share.

Marco Andretti Drives Chevy Volt, Declares “This Is The Future”

Check out the article at gmauthority.com

Google+ Discussion on ELR/Volt

I've been participating in some discussion regarding the possible engine/battery systems in the forthcoming Cadillac ELR.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/101473639512798006214/posts/2SrwRbUS3UG

My feeling is a smaller engine for the range extender will do, but there is a good case for a larger one.