GM Releases Details On New 150MPG Prototype Vehicle :: The Chevy Volt |
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| By Michael d'Estries in Hybrids | January 7, 2007 | |
Groovy Green was recently invited, along with other like-minded groups, to a private presentation by the General Motors Corporation (GM) in NYC to hear about the company’s latest eco-friendly initiatives.
The purpose of the meeting was clearly to develop interest in GM’s newest creation, the Chevrolet Volt, a “battery-powered electric vehicle.” According to representatives, this new car will greatly reduce gasoline consumption without inconveniencing drivers with long charge times.
The Volt is part of what GM has called the “E-Flex System,” its family of electric propulsion systems.
The company seeks to create its own niche in a market increasingly concerned with both the environment and rising gasoline prices. GM claims that under certain conditions, Volt owners can expect to drive up to one hundred and fifty miles per gallon.
A non-working prototype will be presented later this month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Steve will be on the scene tomorrow!)
The meeting featured presentations by several executives, including those from marketing and engineering divisions. Although the information seemed solid and convincing, the speakers admitted that much research still needed to be done before the Volt would be available for purchase. For example, GM had not as yet contracted with anyone to produce the necessary batteries.
The afternoon closed with a question and answer session with an audience that might best be described as skeptical. One gentleman remembered meetings many years ago in which GM had spoken of its plans to develop a car that ran on steam. Since that never came to pass, he asked, why should the community have faith that the Volt will succeed? Another asked how GM planned to compete with other manufacturers, such as Toyota, whose Prius has succeeded in recent years. As one would expect, the speakers remained cordial and encouraged the audience to keep a watchful eye for further developments.
(Article Credit: Joseph O’Keefe) Thanks, Joe!
michael said,
I’m interested to hear what Steve discovers at Detroit. Personally, I find GM to be acting desperate by announcing a vehicle that will not be available for many years. Since they shot off their own foot by giving away their very promising battery division to an oil company, who are they going to turn to now? I hope I’m wrong, but the 2010 Prius will probably get better mileage than this thing.
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Beo said,
I hope your right about the 2010 Prius and it forces the market to up to either a 200+mpg plug in diesel hybrid or a truly viable zero emissions vehicle.
I share the frustration with GM basically giving us a cardboard car with a marketing program, but hopefully that fact alone shows a change is in the wind.