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BAR[_2_]

In article ,
says...

On 10/1/09 10:12 AM, wrote:
On Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:25:38 -0400, H the K
wrote:

It's the new all-electric vehicle coming from GM. Runs 40 miles per
battery charge, then a gasoline generator kicks in to recharge the
battery and keep you running.

Seems like a perfect commuter car.

I am still having problems getting the money to work out. When you
amortize the cost of the batteries across 40,000 miles or so and then
add in the electric bill you could be driving a real car. These
glorified golf carts cost more than my wife's Lincoln.

My assumption is that we're only enjoying a temporary lull in the price
and supply of gasoline, and that its price will once again climb to more
than $4.00 a gallon, and it will be in short supply and rationed.

Thus, a plug-in car that would cover *my* commuting needs would be
invaluable. My farthest client is exactly 45 miles away.

Electricity isn't free. How much does it cost to charge the batteries?
And, how is this electricity being produced? Coal, oil? Is there an
outlet at your client's office 45 miles away?

What is the carbon footprint to produce the batteries that are in the
Volt? A 2.0 litre engine has a longer service life than a pack of
batteries and a smaller carbon footprint than the pack of batteries in
your Volt and then you have to add on the cost of the "generator".

The technology is interesting and holds promise. However, you have to
break it down to its component systems and evaluate it at that level to
determine how eco-friendly it really is.

Who wants to buy a used Prius that needs a new battery pack?