I can remember the first time I saw the Chevrolet Volt and, quite frankly, falling in love with it. It looked like a powerhouse, and although it went against every belief that I have, I wanted one. This was a vehicle that would wake the kids, the neighbors, and anything else trying to sleep as I left for work in the morning. However, as I looked beyond the "physical" aspect of the vehicle, I realized that not only did this car have the look I wanted, but it had the potential to keep my "green" conscience clear.

See, the Chevy Volt is almost as green as the Toyota Prius, at least the idea of it is. The difference between the two is that the Prius is a gas/electric hybrid and the Volt is a EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle). The Volt uses a 161 HP electric motor with a 40 mile range per charge that can be recharged overnight using a common 110 volt outlet. In addition, the Volt is equipped with a small combustion engine fueled by gas or E85. Now, I know you are thinking "hybrid" at this point, but don't because that's not the case. The small combustion engine will be used to charge the battery, which will in turn extend the range from 40 miles to approximately 600 miles, with a fuel economy of 50 MPG.

Over the past few months, there have been a number of rumors flying around about the fate of the Volt. One would have thought that this was nothing more than a concept, a prototype, a photo opportunity that would never make it past the auto show floor. There were potential problems with Lithium-ion battery (as opposed to the more typical Nickel-Metal Hydride). There were problems with the exterior design during wind tunnel testing, etc. Well, yesterday at the NY Auto Show, members of the design team and Senior Executive, Bob Lutz, all but swore that the Volt would be a reality. Lutz even went so far as to say that GM would be willing to lose money, much like Toyota did with the Prius, over the first couple of years in order to make this technology available and affordable to the public.

I don't know about you, but assuming this wasn't more corporate posturing, I'm clearing a space in the garage!

Stay Tuned.

Be Well and Stay Green.

Last update : 03-23-2008 03:16

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