GM has finally revealed the production model of its famed Chevrolet Volt. Although not has aggressive as the original, concept Chevy Volt, the production model clearly maintains some of the same distinctive features.
As noted in their Chevy Volt press release, "Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created an aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle. Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more. The Volt's rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag."
GM recently released their new plug-in hybrid, concept car, the Chevrolet Volt. Unlike other hyrid vehicles, the Volt will be pushed along exclusively via an electric motor powered by a next-generation battery pack that is recharged by a small, gasoline powered onboard motor--or plugged into any standard, electricity socket.
There's only one catch to this exciting car, the technology isn't available to make production feasible--and may not be for several more years. "We have a thoroughly studied concept, but further battery development will define the critical path to start of production," said Jon Lauckner, a GM vice president for product development.
That said, the fact that GM is willing to put it's name behind such a product is worth mention. GM has recently been criticized for its abandonment of the EV1 electric car which it produced from 1996 to 2003. GM claims that it learned a lot about electric vehicles from that product and that technology helped in the creation of the Volt. The biggest changes in this new generation of electric/hybrid car will feature small, more powerful batteries that recharge faster, more room for passengers and faster maximum highway speeds.
The Chevy Volt is projected to fun for about 40 miles on electric-only power before the motor kicks in the start recharging, though the gas motor will never actually power the car itself.
A hybrid vehicle or gas-electric hybrid powered vehicle uses a mixture of technologies such as internal combustion engines (ICEs), electric motors, gassoline, and batteries.Today's hybrid cars are driven by electric motors powered by both batteries and an ICE. Please see Gas-Electric Hybrid for further clarification of what the word hybrid is describing with regards to these vehicles.
Written by Gregg Hall
Hybrids are one of the most popular options in transportation today. Consumers are flocking to these vehicles for many reasons. One of the most popular reasons consumers love hybrids is because they save them hundreds of dollars a year in gasoline purchases.
Prof. Andrew Alfonso Frank, Director of Hybrid Vehicle Research at the University of California-Davis, has recently written an interesting article on the need to move towards using plug-in hybrids vehicles (PHEV). He claims: "In contrast, to the much touted hydrogen economy, there is no need for massive infrastructure development and construction. The PHEV allows us to immediately transition from our dependence on oil for transportation to one where we can begin to transition to cleaner and more efficient electricity without a need for new infrastructure.
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