Chevy Volt production photos released to mixed reviews
GM has finally released photos of the long-awaited Chevy Volt series hybrid electric vehicle to mixed reviews. The production version of the Volt has a much less dramatic form than the concept car, and reminds viewers much more of the Toyota Prius parallel hybrid than the high-end sports car that it was originally intended to be, as suggested by the sleek profile of the concept and a price tag north of $40,000 before tax incentives.
Designers had little choice in the matter of looks, however, with the smoothed lines and abrupt rear end necessary to reduce drag and wring as much range as possible out of the lithium-ion battery pack powering the car. GM has announced that the T-shaped battery pack has met their 40 mile range requirement, though the company is still deciding between Continental and CPI as suppliers of the batteries.
The Chevy Volt operates very differently than the Toyota Prius. The Volt is a series hybrid, meaning that its gasoline engine is used only to charge the battery pack, and is not connected to the drivetrain mechanically. The battery pack can provide 40 miles of driving as a pure electric vehicle, and for longer trips the gas engine kicks in to charge the battery pack and provide range extending capabilities of 400 miles or more.
The Prius, on the other hand, is a parallel hybrid, meaning that both the gasoline engine and the electric motor work in parallel to drive the wheels. Another difference is that the Volt is a plug-in hybrid, meaning that the driver can plug in the car once they return home at night. If their daily commute is less than 40 miles round trip, it is possible that the Volt can be driven entirely on electricity from the grid, without ever needing to refill the tank.
Both Honda and Toyota are working on plug-in hybrids of their own, and there are systems available to convert a Toyota Prius into a 100-mpg plug-in hybrid. However, because the hybrids from Honda and Toyota are all parallel hybrids, relying on the gas engine for a significant amount of power when accelerating, they are much less effective as plug-in hybrids than a series hybrid such as the Volt. While it is disappointing that GM had to make such drastic changes to the styling of the Volt, it is still exciting to have the world's largest automaker back on track supporting alternative transportation technologies. Electric Vehicle Authority looks forward to providing our readers with continuing coverage as we learn more about the new Chevy Volt plug-in series hybrid slated to begin production in 2010 for the 2011 model year.
AAA Greenlight Initiative
Triple A auto insurance is promoting green transportation through it's new Greenlight Initiative program which provides information on alternative fuels and sustainable transportation. You can see a list of upcoming events in your area related to electric vehicles and hybrids by visiting the website www.aaa.com/greenlight and entering your zip code. Currently the Northern California AAA Greenlight events page is promoting the upcoming San Francisco International Auto show and Triple A is offering a 2 for 1 discount to its members.We found out about the AAA Greenlight Initiative a week ago when we saw a Toyota Prius (not quite an EV)...Headlines:
EV Resources
Leave a comment