Thomas Alva Edison and the Chevrolet Volt
Carlocate.com: Welcome again readers to this week’s edition of Past Figures, Present Rides. This week we have a special visitor with us a Mr. Thomas Edison. So Thomas our avid readers want to know, what is your favorite car?
Edison: Well this is going to kill my good friend Henry Ford but I’m currently driving a Chevrolet Volt. It’s a great car, I’d probably trade all 1,093 of my patents in to have thought of this car.
Carlocate.com: Ah yes, not much of a shocker here, the Wizard of Menlo Park and one of the main men responsible for the use and implementation of electric power across America choose an electric car. So Thomas any particular reason as to why you bought this electric car?
Edison: While I had invented an electric car battery, I must say I’m more shocked than Topsy the Elephant that someone pulled off an electric car in such an innovative way. Combining the electric motor with a petrol motor is genius for the long range extension while still utilizing great electric technology. Also the Bose Premium Speaker System is pretty nice too. Definitely a great deal better than my phonograph in regards to sound quality.
Carlocate.com: Technology certainly has gotten better, but was there anything that you thought could have been better?
Edison: I think the 35-mile electric range is pretty grim. Give me a bit of time and I could make a superior battery to that. When making the light-bulb we worked on countless prototypes until that thing worked and I think Chevy should have done the same with the Volt’s battery. As I always say, "If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward."
Carlocate.com: The battery life could use some work but most electrics have pretty limited range right now. It can charge in four hours though if you use a fast charger so it has a decent turnaround time though. Also GM was just bailed out by the Federal Government I don’t think Chevy could afford 10,000 “steps”.
Edison: Yes sir, it’s a good thing I helped install such a great power grid, despite my previous error with DC current. Otherwise it would be hard to install those fast chargers directly into your house. As for the loans well they paid them off and GM profits just rose by 89% so I’d say they have some room for quite a few steps. I managed General Electric and 13 other companies through some hard times and now GE is one of the largest companies in the world.
Carlocate.com: True, well thanks for being on Thomas, it’s been awhile since we’ve managed to make it through an interview here without something ridiculous happening, it’s shocking. Anyway turn in next week for another Past Figures, Present Rides.
Background Information:
Thomas Edison was an inventor and businessman during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He is most well known for his invention of the modern light bulb. He also invented the phonograph and motion picture camera. Edison overall had over 1,093 US patents along with some in the UK and rest of Europe. Edison is also famous for his work with electricity. During a campaign to promote the dangers of AC current electricity Edison famously electrocuted Topsy the Elephant after she killed three workers. Edison captured the event on film and this film has been used in various movies and videos. Edison also created the company General Electric which is still one of the largest companies in the world. After his death Ronald Reagan designated February 11, Edison’s birthday, as National Inventors Day.
*Disclaimer: These interviews are for entertainment purposes only and are not based on actual opinions of the interviewees.