Topic: Chevy Volt

The economics and privacy implications of electric vehicle charging networks like ChargePoint are examined. Users are often forced to share personal data through apps to access power, and charging costs in cities like Austin can reach $16 per day, rivaling traditional car lease payments. While the Chevy Volt is noted as a more practical alternative due to its backup motor, the overall EV ecosystem is criticized for its lack of anonymity and potential for centralized control.

A series of donations from Canadian listeners in Toronto and Ontario included requests for the "service goat" jingle and birthday wishes. Producer Jared Zaifman praised the hosts' insights on the Chevy Volt, while others expressed support for the show's value-for-value model.

Attorney Jason Lewis from Macon, Georgia, sent a donation and a note detailing how the show influenced his purchase of a Chevy Volt in 2012. He also requested "douchebag call outs" for several of his law partners. The hosts discuss the financial loss General Motors reportedly took on every Volt sold.

Tech investor Jason Calacanis is criticized for his "elitist" shilling of the new Tesla Model 3 on CNBC, comparing it to the iPhone. The hosts discuss the practical limitations of electric cars, such as "white-knuckle" range anxiety and the lack of charging infrastructure. A comparison is made to the Chevy Volt, which the hosts prefer due to its backup gasoline engine.

A host recounts a weekend experience driving a Tesla Model S 90 borrowed from a former New York banker for a trip to New Braunfels, Texas. While praising the impressive autopilot technology and acceleration, the host criticizes the vehicle's long wheelbase, poor visibility, and the "white knuckle" anxiety caused by limited battery range. The discussion concludes that the Chevy Volt is a superior practical choice compared to the Tesla, which is described as a "jerk-off toy for rich people."

Testing of the Ford Focus Electric and other EVs has revealed significant "white knuckle" range anxiety due to wildly fluctuating battery gauges. The estimated mileage often drops or rises unpredictably based on driving conditions, making long trips stressful. A proposal is made to patent a more accurate battery measurement system that integrates mapping software and altitude data to provide reliable range estimates.

The ongoing debate regarding Adam Curry's potential lease of a Chevy Volt is revisited. Despite listener warnings about parts availability and reliability, the low lease price of $166 per month is discussed as a potential "value" for a short-term vehicle.

The hosts discuss a $10,000 price reduction and attractive lease deals for the Chevy Volt as General Motors attempts to clear inventory. They debate the merits of the electric vehicle, its manufacturing costs, and the social stigma of driving a "subsidized" car. The segment also features a note from a nuclear reactor designer who supports the show.

Sir Andrew Gardner provides an update on the No Agenda racing team's performance at the Virginia International Raceway. The conversation shifts back to the technical specifications of the Chevy Volt, including its 220V charging requirements, the transition between battery and gas engine, and a strange aerodynamic thumping sound caused by opening the rear windows at high speeds.

The "green economy" is criticized following the low sales of the Chevrolet Volt and the failure of Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD, which is backed by Warren Buffett. Despite heavy subsidies, there is little consumer demand for electric vehicles. The hosts compare the current hype for the Prius to the historical dorkiness of the AMC Pacer.

The Obama administration is promoting advanced battery manufacturing as a path to energy independence and job creation. Despite government subsidies and tax rebates of up to $7,500, sales for electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt remain low, with only a few hundred units sold monthly. Critics argue the vehicles are overpriced for the average consumer even with state and federal incentives.

General Motors reported selling only 125 Chevy Volts in July, despite heavy promotion of the vehicle as a success for the auto industry bailout. Meanwhile, Rahm Emanuel hosted a high-priced birthday fundraiser for President Obama in Chicago. Monsanto also announced plans to sell GE sweet corn for human consumption.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the broadcast from the Hilltop Watchtower, discussing CIA databases and tracking systems. Dvorak critiques the Chevrolet Volt, labeling it a "PR shill" vehicle and a "chick mobile" while comparing its design to a mix between a Pontiac Aztek and a Toyota Prius. The hosts establish the "Gitmo Nation" theme and greet the live chatroom audience.

Listeners donate various domain names to the show, including journalismlicense.com and monscamp-to.com. A story is shared regarding a 75-year-old grandmother who was allegedly told by a TSA agent that she needed a "better supporting bra" during an airport screening, leading to the creation of the forward americaorbust.com.