GM has set 2010 as their goal for the release of a production version of the Chevrolet Volt electric concept car. The concept car has a range of 640 miles on a single tank of gas. The main difference between this car and the Toyota Prius or Honda Civic hybrids is that the gas motor in the Volt does not directly drive the wheels. Instead, the gas motor simply powers the electric motors. GM's main goal is to make the car run for 40 miles on pure electric power. This means that most commuters can go a whole day without using a single gallon of gas. The car also has plug in capabilities, so the batteries can be charged at night. A running prototype of the car is expected by the end of this year.
Comments (12)
EV1?
Posted by Matt Rutherford | August 26, 2007 8:25 PM
Posted on August 26, 2007 20:25
This car could change everything.... if .... ehhh 7 just off the top of my head.
1. Does it really go 640 miles before needing to stop? always?
2. Does it go fast? always? It looks like it should. Electrics have all power available from 0. w00t. Mega selling point here.
3. Its not too expensive. OMG how much is it? If it costs 40K when a similar gas car costs 30K, you've got to save 10K in gas money to make up for that. Assume saving $1000 a year (thats unlikely unless you travel a hellava lot) it would still take 10 years to get ur money back.
4. Its Reliable. Geez will it last 10 years?
5. Its Durable. Does the electric system overheat ever?
6. Its Safe. Is it going to get blown around on the freeway? if its too light this could be a problem.
7. Service could be expensive (high tech battery replacement FTL)
Posted by A | August 31, 2007 3:18 PM
Posted on August 31, 2007 15:18
Cool and green is not a combo one sees very often. It is a layout similar to what diesel electric trains use; the diesel powering the electric motors. It is very economical.
I hope it is not too expensive (relative to when it is sold in 2010). It would be neat to drive and not have a guilt trip over what the exhaust is putting out. :)
Posted by TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy | September 24, 2007 10:25 AM
Posted on September 24, 2007 10:25
Finily GM has made a big impact on my eyes.
Posted by Ruslan Hernandez | October 16, 2007 7:25 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 19:25
Will a VOLT have heat and AC? That has to knock hell out of its mileage range if it is going to operate a heat pump. It gets pretty cold in Minnesota without a good heat system.
Posted by Harv Havir / Penguin | October 17, 2007 12:41 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 00:41
One does not have to be a gas guzzler to be a muslce car. This is so green and so cool; at the same time. :) It definitely improves my view of GM and Chevrolet.
Posted by TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy | October 23, 2007 8:57 AM
Posted on October 23, 2007 08:57
Hopefully GM will put the car no more than 30K because i am really looking forward to buying this car its green it cool and i drive alot evryday.
Posted by Delvy | February 21, 2008 5:53 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 17:53
Hopefully GM will put the car no more than 30K because i am really looking forward to buying this car its green it cool and i drive alot evryday.
Posted by Delvy | February 21, 2008 5:54 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 17:54
Hopefully GM will put the car no more than 30K because i am really looking forward to buying this car its green it cool and i drive alot evryday.
Posted by Delvy | February 21, 2008 5:54 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 17:54
Hopefully Gm's decision on the starting price will be no more than 25k-30k because i am really looking forward to buying this car because i drive aloooootttt daily..
Posted by Delvy | February 21, 2008 5:56 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 17:56
Initially, this car will be expensive because GM has to recoup development costs.
Don't expect a bargain anytime soon. :-)
Posted by Josh_b | June 6, 2008 6:51 AM
Posted on June 6, 2008 06:51
its a great step in gaining energy independence. As with everything technologically new, I'd imagine the price tag will be large at first, but over the next 5 years it should go down. Regardless, I think they'll sell well especially for the green with cash crowd.
Posted by Michael | June 18, 2008 11:31 AM
Posted on June 18, 2008 11:31