Vrooming on voltage

by Kris   ⋅   January 8, 2007   ⋅   Comment now   ⋅    RSS

If the idea of a mass produced electric car is in fact “dead” (according to the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car? referring to the discontinued GM EV1), GM is busting out the defibrillator, adrenaline push and administering CPR. “Clear!” *bzzzap!*

A couple of months ago, GM announced that they plan to be the first to manufacture an electric hybrid that is easily recharged through a standard electric outlet, and yesterday they unveiled the concept model. The World’s largest auto maker (projected to be dethroned soon by Toyota and feeling some pressure there) wants to set a good example by introducing their Chevrolet (aptly named) Volt model, that will be powered through a revolutionary lithium-ion battery pack (hybrids currently run on nickel hydride batteries) that may or may not be ready by the 2-3 year deadline. The Volt will run on sole electricity (the 3-cyl gas engine is only used to recharge the batteries) for 40 miles/day or 15,000 mile/year, which proves to be a decent commuter vehicle. Not surprisingly, it will boast 161hp and 236 ft lbs of torque. Electric cars usually have a ton of torque.

Now what you’re really wondering about the electric car.. what does it look like? Well, if you automatically skipped to the pictures, you already know. If not, here you are: