January 2012 edition of Wheels magazine has a progress report on the EV Engineering consortium project to develop an EV Commodore. The consortium consists of Bosch, Continental, Air International & GE. Holden is providing engineering support & use of its Lang Lang tesing facility. Funding has been provided, in part, by the Australian Federal Government in the sum of $A3.55 million.
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Similar performance to a 6 cylinder Commodore.
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Range 160 km. Real world 80-140 km.
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Battery in the space previously occupied by the engine, transmission & driveshaft. In the current fitting, it is bolted from below, although a Better Place compatible quick swap system is in development.
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Electronics replace the fuel tank.
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Motor is attached to a modified rear subframe. Standard mounting points are retained
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150 kg added mass, though little change in weight distribution.
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Heating is provided by the standard Commodore heater with the assistance of small, electric water heater.
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Quite a bit of room remains under the bonnet, although the fuel tank has been removed, so a range extender will be problematic.
Holden is "interested", although a commercial product marketed by them is highly unlikely with the Volt extended range EV planned for release late in 2012.
