GM in cahoots with EPA makes up 230-mpg number

[Canuckistanian]

August 12, 2009
General Motors seems intent to focus on marketing hocus-pocus rather than trying to build and sell better cars. The latest is the outlandish claim that the Chevy Volt will get 230 mpg. According to the New York Times, "The rating number, based on methodology drafted by the Environmental Protection Agency, is somewhat abstract…” in which "abstract," I assume, is equivalent to "meaningless." I think the proper phrase would be "…based on a mythology drafted by the EPA…."

According to the Wall Street Journal, GM said the Volt will require 25 kW-hr per every 100 miles driven. Let's do the math: You can get about 39 kW-hr from a gallon of gas, but the efficiency of the internal combustion can’t be more than about 30%, and then you’ll lose a few percent in the electric generator. Let's be generous and say you might get about 15 kW-hr/gallon into the battery, which would only get you about 60 miles. Even if you consider as "free" the 40 miles you can drive the Volt on an overnight charge, you'll still be out a gallon of gas after 100 miles.

The GM/EPA mythology is based on expectations of how customers will drive the Volt. Eight of 10, GM suggests, will not drive more than 40 miles per day and therefore, I take it, will get infinite gas mileage. It seems to be the other two of 10 that degrade the rating down to 230 mpg.

Full Article:
http://www.tmworld.com/blog/640000064/post/340047634.html?nid=3373&rid=8725217

[BlooInBloo]

1. WOOT! Infinite gas mileage! USA! USA! USA! Take THAT Honda!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Kokonoe]

2. Nissan, said its all-electric vehicle, the Leaf,

scheduled for model year 2011, would get 367 m.p.g.

[Canuckistanian]

4. Yes, using those same EPA "criteria"

We need a whole new set of metrics for these hybrids.

[kristopher]

3. A reminder that Exxon is still alive and kicking...