Chevy Volt

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handofdave H
handofdave Sep 20, 2008 01:26:22

This actually is quite a story, as GM has been at the forefront of the gas hog establishment for years. It seems they've woken up to the new demands of our strained energy resources and are actually dedicated to manufacturing this vehicle.
http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/
They promise it will go 40 miles on batteries, which are charged at home at pennies per the equivalent of gasoline, and then, unlike many electric vehicles now available, switch on a gas powered generator to provide another 200 miles of travel.
Quite intelligent for the US market, where many commuters are bleeding over that usual 25-40 mile range that purely electric vehicles are limited to.

Tho the claims of GM regarding the potential reduction in gas use amongst US commuters ( a whopping 75% if this new car were widely adopted) is probably forced, even a 40 percent reduction would be monumental.

I really hope they get this right! I could see my next buggy being one if they do.

L laresident
laresident Sep 20, 2008 03:23:46
Replying to handofdave

Its not cheap, $40k I heard somewhere. Using the A/C or heating will reduce the electric range as will hard accelerating. It is a great step forward nevertheless. I would get a plug in Prius tomorrow if it existed and at a good price. I wonder if they will be built in the US.

G grufty jim
grufty jim Sep 20, 2008 11:03:57
Replying to handofdave

I think this is dreadful news to be honest, handofdave. The sooner we wake up to the fact that the age of the private automobile needs to come to an end, the better we'll be.

Announcements like this merely serve to delay that realisation.