Bob Lutz: Chevy Volt Could Start Testing In Spring
GM's Bob Lutz, that shrinking violet who never goes out on the ledge to make a daring statement, was quoted by The Detroit News this morning as saying the company's Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle could begin prototype testing this Spring. Lutz made the remarks during an announcement which revealed Watertown, MA-based A123 Systems Inc. as the vendor for the new lithium-ion battery technology.
Lutz also stated that "GM expects to have the battery packs ready this fall," suggesting that A123 and the other aforementioned suppliers for the battery contracts are already well on their way to developing a useful solution. This news comes, ironically, on the same day in which Toyota announced they'd push back the release of their own high-range electric vehicle. Who will win out? Whoever can bring a safe, high-range vehicle to market first and (and this is a big "and") market it to consumers effectively.
Click through for the Detroit News link and and more from Lutz in GM's press release.
+ The Detroit News: Lutz: Volt may be ready for testing by spring
+ WINDING ROAD: More coverage of the Chevrolet Volt
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – General Motors Corp. and A123Systems, Inc. will co-develop cells with A123System's nanophosphate battery chemistry for a long-lasting, safe and powerful battery for use in GM’s electric drive E-Flex system. The agreement is expected to expedite the development of the batteries for both electric plug-in vehicles and fuel cell variants of the E-Flex architecture."Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win. That’s what is so important about this deal,
Comments
Ducati Minor
I'm not reading Reilly's gray supplement, so correct me if I'm wrong. But doesn't GM's E-Flex fuel system use gasoline to directly generate more electric power? And doesn't Toyota's li-on HSD replacement use a hybrid powertrain that powers the vehicle with both electricity and petrol--but with higher electric input? Both are being called plug-in hybrids, and I was just wondering.
Reilly Brennan
DM,
GM's e-Flex system allows for many different types of "range extender," meaning that the electric motor can be helped along by a hydrogen fuel cell, gas engine, diesel engine, et cetera. That's why it's called a plug-in "hybrid." It's a hybrid of a pure electric vehicle and another powertrain type.
Chris
DM,
You're right about the systems, and yes they are both being called plug-in hybrids.
To my understanding, the plug-in nomenclature is used to denote that these vehicles are capable of traveling some nominal distance (40 miles for the volt) on battery power alone. What happens after that may vary.
Ducati Minor
Thanks for clearing that up, guys.
john damore
lets start getting them out now so we can receives good inputs and constructive inputs who's first who's wins john damore WHCA retired.
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