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.

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.   Through the combination of electric-only, coupled with the recharging capabilities of the gas engine, the Volt will have a range of about 600 miles before it needs a refill.

Ultimately, battery technology looks to be the key factor in this, and other, electric and plug-in hybrid cars from now on.  GM expects the Volt to be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, batteries now used in laptop computers and cell phones.  The company feels that in a few years time, the batteries will be effecient, and safe, enough to power its new Volt plug-in hybrid.