Lutz commits Volt to 2010 launch
Lutz commits Volt to 2010 launch
Automotive News | January 8, 2008 - 4:09 pm EST
DETROIT — Tests of lithium-ion batteries are going well, and General Motors hopes to soon begin driving the first running versions of the Chevrolet Volt.
Writing Monday on the company’s Fastlane Website, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said the company remains firmly committed to bringing the Volt out sometime in 2010.
“This program remains a top commitment to the company, and we are holding tight to our 2010 deadline,” he wrote.
It was one year ago this week that GM unveiled the Volt at the Detroit auto show. The sleek hybrid created a buzz for GM’s green vehicle technologies.
All year GM has stoked enthusiasm for the Volt by promoting the car in billboards and in TV commercials and on the Internet. There are fan-based Web sites devoted to the car, and debates raging on how efficient the production version will be.
“We felt the Volt was something special, but I have to admit, even I was surprised at the overwhelming response,” Lutz wrote.
Unlike a normal hybrid, such as a Toyota Prius, the Volt is primarily an electric vehicle. Its batteries are charged by a gasoline engine connected to a generator. The engine does not drive the wheels — only the electric motor does that.
GM engineers believe that the Volt should be able to travel around 40 miles per day at regular highway speeds using only battery power. When the batteries run down, the gasoline engine turns on and charges them up. At night, the Volt can be plugged into a regular wall socket to charge the batteries.
GM also says it can use the Volt’s E-Flex powertrain with a fuel cell or a diesel engine.
Writes Lutz: “And while 2007 was a big year for the Volt, we expect 2008 to be even bigger. As each day passes, our confidence and understanding of the battery technology necessary for the Volt to go into production grows.”
You can read his comments at: http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/bob_lutz/
| GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz |
