"Oil exporters should watch these technologies closely," Lolu said. "It's going to reduce them to bit players in the economic arena."
Bolaji, great feed back. Technologies like the Chevy Volt proves we can rely less on oil consumptions and reduce environmental pollution. It's clear further innovative works are still required, i.e battery limitations, seamless sound etc.
"My worry was aptly described in your observation of a pedestrian walking into the path of the Volt totally unaware of the car"
That is a genuine concern. Most of the responsibility lies on the shoulders of the driver who should be more cautious when driving. But there are Electric vehicle warning sounds designed "to alert pedestrians to the presence of electric drive vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and all-electric vehicles (EVs) travelling at low speeds." (see Electric vehicle warning sounds)
Great post! the post truly summarized all I felt and saw when I test drove the Volt. My worry was aptly described in your observation of a pedestrian walking into the path of the Volt totally unaware of the car. We are all used to the noisy cue of a running car. Thanks for taking the task of enumerating the elctronic opportunites available to the supply chain.
"what needs to improve? Batteries? or is it because it can't generate much more energy?":
For sure the battery needs improvement. But we will need to wait a while to see electric cars that would match the mileage of conventional oil-powered cars.
Of cource the price matters a lot. But as RobertinHouston said: "one does not buy this car for cost savings. You buy it because you like the car and like the fact that you can drive - like we do - 70% of the time on pollution free electricity and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."
"Would you buy a Chevy Volt ? "Itdependsfromtheprice,for instance,ifIhadtochoosebetweentwocars,acompatibleoneandaCheryVolt,Iwouldchoosethesecondifthepricewouldbenearthepricethatthecompatiblehas. Because the price it is the key factor among other criteria that the acquirer have.
If I still lived in Southern California, I think the Volt might be perfect for me: I had a short commute (maybe 5 miles each way? Tops?) and if I kept the car long enough, I might be able to cancel out the additional cost of the vehicle with the money I saved from not buying gas. I'd really have to sit down and do the math, though.
Now that being said, there is that whole rule about how you should never buy the first generation of anything because they're always buggy and kinks need to work out. So maybe I would wait until next model year. Given the expected demand for the Volt, maybe I wouldn't even have a choice and would HAVE to wait, anyhow.
Anyhow, thanks Bolaji for your coverage of the Volt and the Drive for Innovation project... it was all enjoyable reading! I very dearly hope that the Chevy Volt is a smashing success and a harbinger of things to come.
I wondered about the pedestrian safety with these ultra quiet cars, but then, that represents an opportunity for other component developers including those in the audible devices or imaging sectors. Hey, you could even modify those stick on warning whistles used to alert deer on country highways so that they can be heard by humans. Point is, any criticism or issue on these cars represents a solution waiting to be delivered. And yes, let's see some images from this road trip!
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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