If you read my previous blog regarding the misleading and incredibly slanderous rumors about the Volt's battery and the untrue dangers thereof, you probably know that both GM and I are up in arms about the unfair treatment of their flagship EV's safety (well, maybe I am more than they are).  Personally I just can't begin to understand why the various media outlets are so eager to discredit the Volt - is it Big Oil fighting back, or is it pure, unadulterated and simple human fear?  Either way, the Volt isn't giving up without a fight.

Though the fires that ensued from improper storage of Chevy Volt's that had been in an accident as well as vehicle lot owners not disabling the battery of a car with a damaged battery coolant system have been proven not to be a defect of the battery or car itself, General Motors is promising to make sure that Volt owners and potential owners are both satisfied with their purchase.

Since current owners are the big concern at the present time, General Motors has issued a statement that allows Chevy Volt owners to return their Volt for a full refund if they so desire.  This is a huge and incredibly impressive response to all the rumors that have spread, but I think it really speaks volumes about the new GM:  the old, pre-bankruptcy GM didn't listen to its lifeblood, e.g. the customers, and failed accordingly; today's GM is all about the customer, and if you aren't happy with your Chevy Volt due to the fear of fire, you can get a refund.

As for the other half of the crowd, that being the large group of customers that haven't yet purchased a Chevy Volt, Chevrolet and General Motors are now enhancing the Volt's structure, battery casing, and battery coolant systems to ensure that, regardless of the reason for the fire, it doesn't happen again.  As General Motors senior vice president of Global Product Development Mary Barra puts it:  "the Volt has always been safe to drive.  Now we will go the extra mile to ensure our customers' peace of mine in the days and weeks following a severe crash."

For the moment, GM is planning on adding the following enhancements to the Volt's battery casing and the structure thereof as well as the battery's coolant system:

• Strengthen existing portions of the Volt's vehicle safety structure to further protect the battery pack in a severe side impact or collision
• Adding a sensor to the reservoir of the battery coolant system will better monitor coolant levels
• The additional tamper-resistant bracket topping the battery coolant reservoir will help prevent potential coolant overfill

These enhancements were thoroughly tested in four separate crash tests from December 9th through December 21, performing exactly as expected by the design and engineering teams.  Chevrolet and GM will follow the addition of this structure enhancement with a full Customer Satisfaction Program, during which they will ask real Volt drivers what other concerns they have.

What are your concerns with the/your Volt?  Do you feel safe as things sit?  Is there something you want to see improved, reduced, or otherwise changed?  Let us know in the comment section below and we'll get your requests to our account representative.

Chris Dugan
Handy Chevrolet
St. Albans, VT  05478