Comments on: GM Photo of Chevy Volt Crash Test Shows Protected Battery Packs

By: Cuong Huynh

Cuong Huynh — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:36:52 +0000

Joel, one can’t change history so staying on the subject of what Chevron did won’t help me move forward. In the near future I think Chevron should be our least of worries. Singlehandedly I think OPEC can do major damage to the growing “clean” car industry. OPEC can cut down oil prices drastically just to protect their own livelihood. That’s your new battleground.

By: Joel

Joel — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:08:28 +0000

Thank you for your comments. I wish it was MY book. But not the case. I’m not sure I understand what you mean about the NiMH being around. My understanding is that Chevron will not allow the batteries to be produced in the size needed for electric cars. There are plenty of NiMH batteries out there (cell phones, small electronincs, and now even a rechargable AA) but Chevron has indeed surrounded the traction battery version with patents making it unusable. My main point with lithium is that it is far more expensive than the nickel and the traction versions of NiMH compared to lithium propel EVs 2-3 times as far.

By: Cuong Huynh

Cuong Huynh — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:59:47 +0000

Joel, There are lots of changes between now and when GM rolls out the Volt for sale at the end of next year. They may lease the battery, or they may not; but there’s nothing wrong with leasing batteries in my view. I think you need to get some of your facts straight regarding lithium shortage. There is no shortage of lithium as many experts in the field have explained. Plus don’t worry, NiMH is going to be around for a long time yet. So while it’s okay to try and sell your book (doesn’t bother me,) I think it’s important to have reliable information and tone down on the sensationalism.

By: Joel

Joel — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:04:14 +0000

The Volt uses the lithium-ion battery which gets 40 miles before kicking in the internal combustion engine and gas. last I heard, even if you purchase the Volt, you will have to LEASE the battery. Lithium is being heralded as the battery savior but lithium is in limited supply and 50% if the world’s reserves are in Bolivia. This is begging for a shortage in no time if manufacturers of hybrids change over to all lithium ion. The nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH) of the late 90s powered the Saturn EV-1s and the Toyota RAV4-EVs, both 100% electric vehicles. These vehicles got 100+ miler per charge and used no gas or internal combustion engine. The problem cam along when Chevron sued for the patent rights to the NiMH and proceeded to mothball the technology. We are supposed to get excited about paying 40K for a car that goes 40 miles on a charge? Twelve years ago we were doing 2.5x as well as that. Read more about the death of the NiMH and how we, the consumer, can get the technology back for mass use on twocentspermile.com