GM Unveils Volt All-Electric Concept

UPDATE On the heel's of last Friday's release of an extensive worldwide scientific study that shows beyond a doubt that the burning of fossil fuels is causing global warming, watch the introduction of the new Chevrolet Volt and what it might mean to the earth's environment if this concept ends up being the car technology of the future.

01/07/07 At the 2007 North American International Auto Show today, General Motors’ head honcho Rick Wagoner unveiled the Chevrolet Volt concept sedan and announced that production work has begun on a new generation of electric vehicles that could eliminate gas stations for Americans who live close to their workplaces.

Built on a platform that GM calls the E-flex System, the Volt is a battery-powered electric car that has a range of 40 city miles after a six-hour charge from a household electrical outlet – which would make it a viable, gas-free daily driver for Americans whose one-way work commute is 20 miles or less. That’s 78 percent of all American workers, according to GM car czar Bob Lutz.

The car also has a flex-fuel gasoline engine that extends the range to up to 640 miles. The gas engine does not drive the wheels – instead, it creates electricity that powers the wheels.

The Volt’s sharp-angle body style evokes current Cadillacs. Lutz said the car proves that “environmentally conscious cars can actually look good, as well."