Drove the Chevy Volt yesterday and a couple people asked what I thought of it so here you go (originally a reply to my status):
Size and general niceness seemed like a higher tier Civic. The touch screen interface was a nice touch (although I would expect nothing less from a $41,000 car.) The only interior gripe would be that the back seat is a little small and the seats are quite high (you sit on top of the back of the battery pack) so not a ton of headroom for me. It only seats two in the back so at least you have enough room laterally. It is quick off the line, feels planted and decently nimble in the corners. Nothing like the jumpy and floaty feeling you sometimes get in the Prius. That's probably because of the considerably larger battery and heavier car. The silence when driving around town is fantastic and again the cabin is nice and insulated and well appointed especially for a smallish Chevy.
All in I think they have done a good job making compromises addressing the concerns about the range of electric cars (real or perceived) with the serial hybrid system. This is a car that could be used as your only car in super efficient and quiet electric mode in daily use (if you drive like most of us do less than 40 miles a day) and then you can fill it up and drive to Tahoe/Maine/New York/Yosemite/Canada, whatever constitutes a road trip for you.
Only time and sales figures will tell what the rest of the country thinks about it and if anyone not already in the market for a hybrid will even consider it. I think it is very interesting and dare I say it cool from a technology standpoint. That's a pretty impressive thing to say about a car made by GM.
That went on longer than I thought but there are my thoughts.
11.25.2010
8.28.2010
flag.in.need
After breakfast this morning Rob and I noticed just how sad the flag in our front yard looks. Probably should replace it.
Now to look up flag disposal protocol.
I am also quite fond of the fake flowers planted at the base.
1.20.2010
7.22.2008
4.21.2008
tickets.purchased
I'm heading down to NYC on Wednesday and I have my tickets! It's been too long and I am taking the train, which will be a first. I am hoping to get to do some grading on the train and avoid the whole tense drive from Boston to NY.
4.20.2008
spring.fever
The high today is only in the 60's and with the breeze you can't exactly call this warm. Being the adopted New Englander that I am and a certified "white person" I am maximizing my opportunity to be outside on this spring day. To be fair I also really enjoyed wearing my shorts to work on Friday with highs in the 70's! My Dad, of course, still calls to remind me that it is, "76 and sunny at Calafia Beach and the carne asada burrito is delicious". At least I got to call him for once and remind him that I was outside enjoying spring while he was still at work (one of the benefits to the time zone thing). The warmth and sunlight has brought me out of doors and I am about to take my first vacation since Christmas. Ahh, the power of the change of seasons.
7.17.2007
middle.of.july
The idea that the fourth is long gone and the start of school at the end of August is fast approaching is almost paralyzing some moments. Still onward I press. I am working nights this week and I can only describe the experience as confusing. As I look at the clock now shortly after 4pm it is impossible to really understand that I will be awake 12 hours from now heading into the last hour of an 8 hour worknight. At least I have the work I say to myself when I pull up into the driveway after the sun is up and wave to my roommate just heading out to work. OK, so I didn't actually wave and he was actually already on his way to work but this is a more poetic image. I suppose I should figure out a way to sleep all day and work all night but is no way to spend a summer. Is it?
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