Re: OEM GM S-10 electrics

[Mason Convey <opossum@asu.edu>]

Well, I guess I better respond to this thread. I see these things on a
daily basis, so something says I'm obligated to help give a review of
the trucks. Here's some of what I know on them...

My parents, my boss, and another co-worker all own GM S-10
EVs. Overall, they have been "fairly" good. Reliability (IMHO) has
been a problem. But to their defense, GM had been extremely willing to
repair the trucks, warranty or no warranty. Out-of-service time was
very lengthy, but we were more than rewarded for the wait. We saw many
a new battery pack placed in those trucks at no cost. This is quite
something considering that we owned the trucks, not leased them.

Now that the recall has taken effect, the number of S-10s I see is
gradually diminishing. One, owned by a local utility (APS) went back
right away. The people who drove it despised it, despite the fact that
their particular truck was very reliable and got great range. My
parents' truck just hit the shop. It looks like the problem may be
charge port related. If so, they likely won't even give us the truck
back. That happened with another S-10 from work (the one Clayton
alluded to on the list). After it was determined that the truck had
charge port issues, we never heard anything further from GM. Before we
could go down to take the truck back, it mysteriously 'vanished.'
Legal implications are being explored against GM as we speak...

My boss' stuck is still running like a champ. Several thousand miles
on it, with very few problems, if any. The same can be said for my
other co-worker's truck.

The truck in general...

+ three battery configurations.  The early trucks were 
+ shipped with batteries that gave less than desirable 
+ range.  Later vehicles and vehicles with the 
+ replacement Panasonic batteries are much prefered!  

Indeed! The Delphi junk was just that... junk. We went through
replacement modules in those packs like I go through Arby's sandwiches
at lunchtime!  :)  But the "P-packs" (Panasonics) have been
wonderful. Over two years since the first P-packs went in those
trucks, and I cannot think of a SINGLE module failure anywhere! I'm
sure there have been a few somewhere, but I haven't seen one with any
of the several S-10s I have dealt with.

+ The only complaint I have ever had with these trucks 
+ has been the tendacy for the windows to fog up when 
+ running the defroster under certain circumstances.

In Arizona, we have a different issue... give us some damn air
conditioning! To keep the batteries from frying like eggs on an
Arizona sidewalk, much of the cabin's cooling was sacrificed for the
batteries. An unfortunate decision on GM's part. The consensus from
S-10 and EV1 drivers here in AZ is that they would GLADLY give up a
cup of electrons to the air conditioning. Range was LESS of an issue
in most cases. But the A/C is still "reasonable." It won't cool you
down. But it will make you "less hot."

+ The vehicles have been easy for drivers who are new to electric 
+ vehicles to drive.

I second that. Although it is still difficult to convey to the
non-English-speaking car wash attendants that the truck IS on... just
drive it! Other than that, put it in "D" and drive on! A no-brainer.

+ make the truck better suited for impressive tire smoke 
+ than for competitive times!  Spectators love it!

Indeed! Screeching the tires on asphalt is also possible. And
acceleration is enough to impress even the stubbornest
gas-burners. The electric can win hands-down against our '94 gas S-10.

Oh, and just to get a few S-10 and EV1 drivers furious... word through
the grapevine is that GM ALREADY HAS REPLACEMENT CHARGE PORTS
MADE. They're sitting on them until *all* of them are made. Then they
will begin installing/replacing them. What a crock!...


opossum.

     "If you define cowardice as running away at the first sign of
     danger, screaming and tripping and begging for mercy, then yes,
     Mr. Brave man, I guess I'm a coward." --- Jack Handey (SNL)

     ----- mason s. convey -----
     * electrical engineering student
     * Phoenix Coyotes fan
     * electric vehicle nut
     http://www.public.asu.edu/~opossum