GM Releases Chevy Volt Concept

After much talk, GM has decided to go ahead with development and production of the Chevy Volt.  Expected to appear in 2010, the Volt will be an electric powered car with a longer range than any previous electric car.  Through the E-Flex system, the Volt will be powered by Lithium Ion batteries that can be charged each night by plugging into a standard 110 V outlet at your home.

Saying, however, that the car is powered by Lithium Ion batteries is a bit misleading.  While the batteries will be the main source of power for the vehicle, a small 1.0 L 3 cylinder engine will also be used to recharge the batteries.  Instead of an electric car, the Volt is more like a series hybrid (what’s that?).  The gasoline engine will never actually turn the wheels; it simply turns a generator that recharges the Lithium Ion batteries.  To increase the alternate energy appeal, the engine will also be made to run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol.

In optimum conditions, the Chevy Volt will never even have to use the combustion engine.  It can travel around 40 miles without ever turning on the engine.  So for those who only travel a short distance to work and to run errands, this car might be ideal.

Say you’re worried about range?  With a full charge and a full tank of gas, the Volt will be able to travel a whopping 640 miles.  The revolutionary design will provide not only range, but also power.  Under normal circumstances, the volt will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.5 seconds.

While many factors are still undecided, both the size and price of the Chevy Volt are projected to be similar to the Cobalt.  If prices come out as projected, the Volt could save you thousands on gas each year.