The EV1 was a technological masterpiece in reduced rolling friction, aerodynamics, battery and internal controls, but it failed commercially because its range (initially 70-80 miles, never above 110) was too short, charging took 8-10 hours, and GM lost money on every handmade unit it produced.

causalpending

Speaker

Jonathan Rauch

Evidence Quote

this car was a technological masterpiece in terms of its reduced rolling friction its aerodynamics the battery the internal controls it was an astonishing piece of work

Source

Jonathan Rauch on the Volt, Risk, and Corporate Culture 09/01/2008EconTalk
Created: 6/16/2026, 2:36:26 PM

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