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Post by EVangelist on Apr 29, 2015 0:18:08 GMT 11
Maybe this is old news, but on ABC 2BL morning show yesterday, Linda Mottram talked to a motor journo about Holden not bringing the next model Volt to Oz. Basically, only a left hand drive version will be made for USA and continental Europe market.
The journo (can't remember who it was) basically said the problem with the Volt was that it was too expensive for what you got, and given the poor sales here, Holden couldn't justify the investment required to make a RHD version. Apart from the UK the only other big RHD market is Japan where the Leaf rules.
I couldn't resist but call up to rave about how great electric cars are. They put me on air, I was actually driving at the time, I should have mentioned the Leaf by name (kicking myself) even though the ABC doesn't like it when callers reference commercial brand names.
Linda Mottram seemed a bit fixated on charging infrastructure (or the lack thereof) although in my case it hasn't been an issue because the car is always back in my garage for charging overnight, I've never driven far enough in one go yet to require offsite charging.
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Post by petrolhead on Jul 7, 2015 9:25:48 GMT 11
Thank goodness, with only a 80km driving limit and the American ones all being recalled due to fires I'm happy to see it go
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Post by jake on Oct 26, 2015 11:41:27 GMT 11
I know this is an old thread but I couldn't resist comment. I very nearly bought a Volt. I loved the look of the car inside and out and most of the time I would have been within the electric range. I also loved the idea of being able to drive it anywhere I wanted. What changed my mind? The Leaf is also a great car inside and out but it doesn't have the complexity of having to deal with having an ICE. That means the car is going to be very reliable and need very little servicing or replacement parts. Also the Leaf finally got down to a price where I felt it was affordable. I must admit I wish there was better charging infrastructure so I could drive the car on holidays without having to do meticulous planning, but I can always drive my wife's car if I need long distance. I am sounding like an experienced Leaf driver but in fact I am still waiting for it to arrive. I have been reading every review of the Leaf I can find on the web. Everyone seems surprised about how good the car is to drive and I just can't wait. I am hoping that after I need another car in 10 years time that I will be able to drive an electric car as my only car. I do a lot of driving and I think I am going to really test the endurance of the battery so I hope it lasts. I will be forced to charge it to 100% often, but I am going in with my eyes open, so I won't complain if I suffer some battery degradation.
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Post by Cachexian (Gordon) on Oct 27, 2015 8:35:47 GMT 11
Good on you Jake. I don't think you will be unhappy with your purchase. I just love mine...(uh my wife's Leaf, that is) ?
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Post by jake on Oct 27, 2015 9:37:21 GMT 11
Thanks cachexian! I am so excited about getting it. Still got a couple of weeks to wait. It seems that time is standing still. I just can't wait. I hope your wife takes pity on you and lets you have a good drive now and then.
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Post by Cachexian (Gordon) on Oct 30, 2015 5:53:46 GMT 11
Quite often actually...as long as she doesn't need it.
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