got a voltmeter handy?

On the news the other morning, a report of GM's new addition to the auto stable. An electric car pictured here, named the Volt (how clever), is the machine that they are pinning their hopes on. A representative touted the amazing benefits of this little machine to the newscaster, telling him the outstanding benefits of owning a Volt- both for the pocketbook and for the environment. It all sounded pretty good- that is, if you only need to go 40 miles between charges (although there is a gas engine good for 300 miles when your battery dies...so at that point you're back to the original combustible engine issue, but that's another story).

Then the two big questions. First the newscaster asked when the Volt would be available to the public. The answer? Probably not until 2011, although it will be in the hands of product testers by 2010! Hmmm, three more years? A lot can change in that time, so it seems that we are still a ways off from real help. The second question (and the one I was waiting for)- what will the cost be? The rep look sincerely at the camera said that GM wants to keep this car in the realm of affordability since it will be an valuable option for the public, so they are looking at a cost of something less than $40,000.

$40,000?! Are you freakin' kidding me? This is GM's affordable answer to our energy problems? Two (printable) thoughts raced to the front of my thinking. Number one, if I had the money to purchase a $40K car, it sure wouldn't be something like this from GM. I could- and would- find more desirable alternatives in a heartbeat. Number two, the people who need help the most in dealing with energy issues will be the ones least able to afford what American manufacturers like GM are trying to push. Once again, those with the greatest need will continue to struggle the most, with the fewest options available to them.

What are we thinking? And who are we kidding? I know affordability is a relative thing, but come on. It's insulting that corporate America tries to (once again) convince us that this kind of thinking is actually reality. Maybe for some, but not for most, and certainly not with the America I interact with on a regular basis. I say, drag 'em back to the drawing board until they come up with something that really works for a bigger percentage of the American public.

One thing for sure: it'll take more than the Volt to get me charged up for a GM car.