Volt webchat with Chelsea Sexton

2:02

Phil Colley: Hey everyone. Glad you could joins us. We have Chelsea Sexton here who can answer any questions you have about her experiences with the Chevrolet Volt, EV1, Who Killed the Electric Car? and what she thinks we have learned from all these experiences.
2:02

chelsea: Hey all, thanks for joining! Definitely lots going on these days...whatcha wanna talk about?
2:02
[Comment From patrick ]
has final pricing been announced?
2:02

chelsea: No final pricing yet...I'm as eager as you guys to find out.
2:03
[Comment From patrick ]
how would you say the experience compares to a BMW 1-Series?
2:03

chelsea: Unfortunately, I've not driven the 1-series yet. But I can say that it's a heck of a lot of fun to drive....better than I expected, honestly.
2:03
[Comment From Michael ]
Are you aware of any effort by GM to make the Volt available for pre-order and have the price set at MSRP to reduce the initial expected price gouging by dealers?
2:04

chelsea: Nope, not yet...certainly it's something we're all waiting on. How do you think they should best handle the process?
2:04
[Comment From Marc ]
How did you find the experience of the transition when the engine came on? Was it disconcertingly disconnected to accelerator action?
2:05

chelsea: I describe the engine coming on as underwhelming in the best of ways. It's remarkably quiet, esp at city speeds. If you use the radio at all, you'll probably miss it altogether. Otherwise, the car performs just fine- no loss of power, etc.
2:05
[Comment From steve ]
Chelsea -- have you driven the Nissan Leaf? How does the Volt compare?
2:06

chelsea: I have driven the Leaf. It's a good, capable EV. Fairly quick, handles well. The Volt to me is a sportier drive, more robust. Different cars for different purposes.
2:06
[Comment From nasaman ]
Bob Lutz of GM said that a US West Coast study showed 83% of those surveyed preferred the Volt design approach to either “pure” EVs with a 100 mile range OR to battery swapping in pure EVs -- your thoughts?
2:08

chelsea: I haven't seen the study, but I think there are folks who want and will love a pure EV, and some that will want the safety net. If Bob thinks it's 83% in the latter camp, then it sounds like GM better be prepared to build a lot of cars. Think he'll pick up a wrench? ;o)
2:08
[Comment From Earl ]
Chelsea, do you have any idea what kind of battery life is expected on the Volt?
2:09

chelsea: I haven't seen announced estimates from GM, but the state of CA requires a 10-yr /150k warranty so I'm expecting that's the target.
2:09

[Comment From brammofan ]
Hiya chelsea! no question yet, just a big thank you for being an EV advocate and leading the charge. (no pun intended).
2:09

chelsea: Thanks, Harry- and I hope you get that blue Enertia. Biggest fan ever!
2:09
[Comment From Fluke ]
What is your general impression of the volt vs the EV1?
2:11

chelsea: They're obviously very different. The EV1 was hand-built, and had more "character"- distinctive sound, and every one of them behaved a bit differently. Also a bit faster off the line, though Tony P says they've dialed down the prototypes so folks like me don't burn through tires too quick!

Volt is more a real, ready for mass production car. Certainly nicer fit and finish, and interior. Plus, the features have come a long way in 15 years. I love the EV1 still, but this is a real effort of its own merit.
2:11
[Comment From Michael ]
Is there sufficient rear seat room for someone that's taller than 6 ft?
2:12

chelsea: Based on the 6' test drivers I've seen, you should be just fine!
2:12
[Comment From Fluke ]
My son was just born (future EV driver), wondering how well adapted the volt is for a family? Also do you think a child seat would fit in he back seat?
2:13

chelsea: The Volt is a 4-seater, and the back seat is a real one. You could easily put a child seat (and another child) back there, no problem. Easily suits a family- and large musical instruments, if you've seen the video!
2:13
[Comment From Greg ]
What is your opinion on alternate fuel generators for the Volt?
2:14

chelsea: I'd love to see alt fuels used for the liquid fuel portion...my main interest is seeing the car get out there in the first place, but seems to me that anything could happen from there.
2:14
[Comment From EV1 vs. Volt ]
How is the Volt a step forward from the EV1?
2:15

chelsea: I think it's a step different, not forward. Even back during EV1, we wanted to do a serial PHEV as the next car, so GM's been thinking about it since then. I'd like to see them do a pure EV again someday, but this is a step back into those waters, and with a vehicle that GM thinks will be appealing to the masses, which is what they need right now.
2:15
[Comment From nasaman ]
Could you tell us roughly when “Revenge…” is targeting a nation-wide release to theaters? ….to DVD?
2:16

chelsea: We're aiming for ROTEC to be released next Spring. Distribution still needs working out, so no word yet if in theaters, let alone when dv might come. I'm as eager as you are!
2:16
[Comment From Bill Robbins ]
Chelsea: Do you plan to buy a Volt? I do, I have deposits down at 2 dealerships in Michigan.
2:17

chelsea: Like everyone, I'm waiting to see pricing and other details, but yes, I'm thinking about it... put in a good word for me? ;o)
2:18
[Comment From Ron ]
Chelsea-Do you feel this is a well built car and that GM will commit to keeping it that way, if it is
2:18

chelsea: I do think it's a well built car, and I dearly hope GM keeps it that way. I have no intention of making "Who Killed the Electric Car, part II"
2:19
[Comment From lettcco ]
in L.A., there are many paddle chargers designed for EV1 left around the city collecting dust. Do you know if they were funded by gov.? Will GM or other entity "pony up" and upgrade those to SAE J1772 standard?
2:20

chelsea: The existing chargers were originally funded in part w gov $ and in part by automakers (mainly GM, actually). Most of them will be retrofitted w J1772, hopefully by the time cars launch.
2:20
[Comment From Scott ]
What would you like to see for future E-REV platforms?
2:21

chelsea: I'd like to see other body styles and performance levels. Personally, I want a "sport" version as I was spoiled by the EV1, but different EV-range versions would be good too.
2:21
[Comment From altfuels (Mark Looper) ]
You attest that GM _engineers_ and folks on the ground are sincerely committed to the Volt; however, GM _management_ is still claiming the EV1 was a failure, which you (of all people!) know isn't true. Does this make you concerned about the possibility that GM _management_ might quickly turn against the Volt if, say, a change of administrations causes tax credits and other government support to dry up, as California's support of EVs did a decade ago?
2:23

chelsea: Well, I'm always concerned about automaker management as well as political leadership. But I do think there's a certain amount of momentum that will be very difficult to stop, and frankly I think GM is acutely aware that they won't be forgiven again. They need the Volt to work, so I hope they put everything into that that it needs.
2:23
[Comment From Vivien ]
Chelsea, what is GM doing to repair the trust and faith that EV consumers had in them? Why should we believe them this time? What's so different? They've had a great marketing PR campaign but that's not enough.
2:24

chelsea: Repairing faith will be a long journey, I think- and it will really come from putting the Volt in showrooms and getting behind it in ways that never happened on EV1. But doing these test drive events and restarting conversations with past drivers, learning from the knees we've already skinned, etc. is a good start. Ultimately, it'll come from what they do, not what they say.
2:24
[Comment From mathew_d ]
Is ROTEC partially sponsored by GM? The movie and GM seem to be connected by more than the destruction of the EV1 at this point?
2:25

chelsea: Nope, the movie is not at all sponsored by GM. I think the end result will show that. ;o)
2:25
[Comment From nasaman ]
You stay in touch with carmakers more than most people -- I really believe many of the major global carmakers are secretly working hard on an EV design incorporating something similar to the Volt's extended range feature -- your thoughts?
2:26

chelsea: I do see a few more EREV type vehicles in the works, but also a lot of pure EVs. I'd be surprised if, in a decade or so, each major automaker doesn't try to have at least one EV and one PHEV/EREV.
2:26
[Comment From Dan Frederiksen ]
does GM understand that all their vehicles will need eletric drive immediately in preparation for the impending oil shortage? even the US military has now put out a report that there will be substantial shortage already in 2012
2:27

chelsea: I can't speak for what GM understands on that front, but I think it's safe to say the Volt won't be the only EV in GM's portfolio. How fast that happens will be as much up to all of us to demonstrate demand though, as it is to the automakers.
2:28
[Comment From Earl ]
Is there any chance that GM will get serious about EVs and put them somewhere that they can make money ('vette, Cadillac)? Or are they determined to stick with the low-margin economy car market? I'
2:29

chelsea: I'm not sure that the only place to make $ is in the higher end, but the MPV5 just unveiled seems like a step in the "bigger vehicle" direction. I'd also like to see the Converg come back.
2:30
[Comment From nasaman ]
Do you have any thoughts about how the EPA should require the mileage/efficiency/fuel cost of EVs including the Chevy Volt be shown on window stickers and/or advertised?
2:31

chelsea: It's a sticky issue, but my main concern is coming up with a metric that can be used to easily compare against gas cars too. Historically we've seen that consumers aren't just comparing EV to EV, but also (more so, often) EV to gas cars. So we need something that is easily understood and translates across fuels. But we also need consumer education to temper the expectation that everyone will get the mileage shown on the sticker. Doesn't happen on gas cars today, but EVs really get nailed for it.
2:32
[Comment From Nick ]
Chelsea, do you think the low price of the Nissan LEAF will have an effect how well the Volt does in terms of sales and appeal? Even though we don't know the final price of the Volt, it's safe to assume that it will cost more, a lot more, than the LEAF.
2:33

chelsea: How the Leaf affects Volt sales will be more up to how the Volt is marketed and frankly, the experience of the early drivers, I think. They're different cars, so I'd hope GM doesn't try to compete on price alone. Vehicles are an emotional purchase, and the Volt appeals to different ones than the Leaf. Both good, just different.
2:33
[Comment From Jackson ]
Having driven the Volt, and knowing GM's modest production expectation, do you think that GM really understands what they have in the Volt?
2:34

chelsea: I'm not sure they do, actually- but then, they never understood what they had in EV1. ;o) It's fair for automakers to be skittish- they have no way to guarantee demand, but the important thing will be that they're able to flexibly ramp up production as needed. Still goes back to that experience piece. No insult to the engineers, but building a good EV is never where they've struggled.
2:35
[Comment From David G. ]
Hi Chelsea. What are your thoughts about the Fisker Karma vs the Chevrolet Volt? I realize the projected cost of the Karma is nearly double that of the Volt. Aside from cost, how do they compare?
2:36

chelsea: I'd love to be able to compare the two, but the only person I know of outside the company that's driven the Karma is the Crown Prince of Denmark. So I'm thinking it's gonna be a wait for me....

That said, the Fisker's a pretty car, but it is indeed double the price. Would be sorta like comparing a Tesla and Leaf. But I'm still curious to see Fisker actually do something...
2:37
[Comment From Earl ]
From what I read on the blogs, the GM folks may have been a bit surprised at the aggressiveness with which the former EV1 drivers tested the Volt. Has GM started to respect EV activists as being regular people, including car-people AND tree huggers or do they still stereotype us as being slow drivers who would prefer to be on the bus?
2:38

chelsea: I think that automakers in general misunderstand the early adopter market. But I think that the GM folks have gotten a bit more exposure and have come to understand the passion a bit better than they used to. And yes, some of us are definitely known for our right foot, me among them!
2:38
[Comment From mathew_d ]
While it's obvious GM has invested a lot of time and $$ into the volt and ampera, how much do you feel EV leadership has permeated the new company?
2:39

chelsea: I think that to some degree or another, most of the leadership has gotten some religion. For some it's cause-related, others it's market share, but they seem to see it all is inevitable in my observation. Still, they need to have a good experience with these programs to keep it on the forefront, so I hope they do.
2:39
[Comment From Scott ]
Do you prefer the Volt's E-REV design to the EV-1's pure electric?
2:40

chelsea: hey, that's like asking which child I like better! No, I don't prefer the EREV to the EV1, but I think it's as good a car in a different way. 40 miles is about my minimum on EV range expectation, but with that I wouldn't use gas most weeks.
2:40
[Comment From Pascal Tourangeau ]
Wath is the "Lightning Rod Foundation"
2:41

chelsea: LR is a small advocacy org I created through which I do the various things I do...speaking, consumer ed, advising automakers, policy folks, etc. And you know, raising cane and causing trouble.
2:41
[Comment From George ]
I realize this is a Volt discussion on a GM forum, but in broad strokes, what do you think we, as consumers, can do to help bring these cars to the mainstream (aside from buying, we can't buy what isn't made)?
2:43

chelsea: Talk. Spread the word. Buy these cars (from whichever automaker) when they're available, but otherwise raise awareness in your circles any way you can. Margaret Mead school of thought about small groups of committed citizens is how this all started, and how it will keep going.
2:43
[Comment From Earl ]
Does your son like the Volt?
2:43

chelsea: He does! Proudly came home with a Volt transformer for me not long ago.
2:44

[Comment From Becky Anderson ]
I own a Prius and would very much like to buy a Volt. Can it sustain highway speeds and do mountain driving with the engine providing the electric
2:44

chelsea: Yes, it can do both of those in either EV mode or extended-range. Haven't done much mountain driving in one, but I've done the highway speed thing and it keeps up just fine!
2:45
[Comment From mathew_d ]
Do you know if GM is planning to bring electric motor manufacturing and/or battery manufacturing in-house?
2:45

chelsea: GM has already brought motors in house for the Volt. Battery cells are still being manufactured by LG, but packs by GM.
2:45
[Comment From Greg ]
Do you believe that the EV1 could have become a production vehicle? Was GM completely in the wrong to scrap it? Or is the anger (by some) mostly that GM didn't follow-up with better EVs?
2:47

chelsea: The EV1 was a good niche vehicle. In its then form, I don't think it was a mass-market car, but neither was the Prius in its initial form. I think it was short-sighted to scrap the program because it would have led to refined versions and a bigger market over time- but it's more important that they're coming back now. At some point we've gotta move on if they're willing to do the right thing.
2:47
[Comment From Tall Pete ]
How important is it for GM to carefully select the first drivers of the Volt in order to make sure word of mouth is positive from the get go ?
2:48

chelsea: I think it's most important for the drivers to select themselves, but for GM to put in place the appropriate processes that will ensure they have a good experience. That said, I think the EV1 drivers should get first dibs. ;o)
2:48
[Comment From Tom Moloughney ]
Chelsea, How instrumental do you thing small upstarts like Tesla, Fisker, Aptera etc. were in influencing the big auto makers to develop EV's? Do you think they willingly did this or were just afraid that they would lose market share to these small companies if they too didn't develop EV's.
2:50

chelsea: I don't think any of the big manufacturers fear losing market share to the small ones, but no question that companies like Tesla have raised a lot of awareness and inspire with innovation. I actually think there's a lot of opportunity in partnering between some of these companies, as Daimler and Tesla have done.
2:50
[Comment From mathew_d ]
Do you have a favorite EV? If so, which one?
2:50

chelsea: Of course. EV1 ;o)
2:50
[Comment From Fluke ]
How do you see the future of our charging infrastructure, will automakers be responsible for making charging stations? Will we see parking lots filled with charging stations?
2:52

chelsea: I don't think automakers will be responsible for making charging stations, third parties will- Clipper Creak, GE, Eaton, etc. We'll definitely see some public charging stations, but we don't need them on every street corner to get started.
2:52

Phil Colley: Quick clarification on the electric motor question at the 2:45 mark - we are designing and validating the Volt's electric motor in-house, but ultimately, they will be manufactured by a supplier. We will manufacture electric motors for our 2-Mode hybrid technology.
2:52
[Comment From Women4ChevyVolt ]
We hear from experts like @AndreaLearned that when it comes to sustainability, women are "first movers". With that in mind, do you think women will make up a larger share of the early adoptor market than normal? (normally males)
2:53

chelsea: Well, my experience is that the EV early adopters are primarily men, but not entirely. Certainly there are more geeky women out there these days, and women influence household purchasing decisions, etc. Given the environmental aspect of EVs, women may end becoming more vocal on this issue than other types of technology.
2:54
[Comment From mathew_d ]
I personally feel that we're entering a new golden age in automobiles. If you feel that's the case, do you think GM has the right management in place to be a leader in the new electric car market?
2:55

chelsea: I think it's too soon to say, frankly. I do think they have the right engineers.
2:55

[Comment From yanquetino ]
Hi, chels! GM estimates producing only 10,000 Volts the first year, yet Nissan estimates 50,000 Leafs. Shouldn’t GM shift more resources to the Volt to compete more effectively --lest the 83% of consumers that Lutz claims realize that Nissan’s supply better meets their demand?
2:56

chelsea: All of these early numbers are a guess, I think. Hopefully both will be flexible enough to meet true demand, whatever that is. But yes, I think GM may need more than 10k vehicles. I'm sure it's a problem they'd like to have.
2:57
[Comment From paulwesterberg ]
Are you working for GM? Has GM contributed to your foundation?
2:57

chelsea: Nope to both.
2:57
[Comment From Nelson ]
Does your husband still work for GM?
2:58

chelsea: No, Bob has been working for Tesla for two years now actually. Every once in a while, I get a drive to get my EV1 fix...
2:58
[Comment From CaptJackSparrow ]
Did you try and do donut holes like Andrew Farah does? Was it easier to do it in the Volt or EV1? :oP
2:58

chelsea: No donuts yet...gimme time though!
2:58
[Comment From Earl ]
I trust you use the word "geeky" with affection and respect? :-)
2:59

chelsea: absolutely. Term of endearment, actually.
2:59
[Comment From altfuels (Mark Looper) ]
Just for the record -- you have commended GM's openness during Volt development, and (before I dropped out of the fight for awhile) GM's blog administrators went out of their way to help me get some fiercely critical posts online after they got stuck in the spam filters because I included too many URLs. While I remain disappointed that GM's management has never owned up to their spin against the EV1 (past and present), I have to commend them on enabling even highly critical voices to be heard on their forums, and for giving somebody like you who's given them some well-deserved heat to take the lead on something like this webchat!
2:59

chelsea: Thanks, Mark, I have to as well. Brave of them to let me come on, with no filters as to questions or my comments- though I'm pretty sure they know it wouldn't have worked anyway!
3:00

chelsea: I'm told we're out of time, but I thank you all for joining- happy to answer these in another forum. I'm easy to find!
3:01

chelsea: twitter: @evchels, evchels.wordpress.com, and just started at autobloggreen.com, if anyone hasn't already found me elsewhere. And yes, Lightning Rod will get an actual website soon!

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