GM's Alternative Energy Drive On A Charge With The Volt

The Financial Times today reports that General Motors aims to launch its Chevy Volt electric car by 2010. The challenge is both to perfect the performance of the lithium-ion battery based on a nano phosphate technology, and produce a production model of the Volt which "needs to be affordable to the buyer of a normal-sized car,"says Frank Weber, the carmaker's chief engineer.

low emission cars reported previously on the development of the Volt concept car (January 8,2007) . At the time, it was said that "with the proposed Chevy (or Vauxhall) ,GM have a sporty car with power and promise.This one won't stall on a hill. It has a 1-litre , 3 cylinder petrol engine on board ,but only to recharge the battery."

If the technological challenge with the special battery is solved as expected - GM plan to start testing batteries in October- a solution on cost,in order to price the car within the reach of its target market, being considered by GM is to allow buyers to rent the vehicle's battery.

The FT says that Mr Weber estimates an average Volt owner would,with battery rental,pay similar monthly running costs to that for a traditional petrol-driven family saloon i.e the Chevy Malibu.

Bob Lutz, GM's Vice-President, is reported to have said that a second design of the concept saloon model ( to that shown in January) would be unveiled at the Frankfurt car show next month. We'll keep an eye out for this one,and bring you details as soon as we have them.

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