General Motors (GM) is scheduled to begin testing its electric car, the Chevrolet Volt, in the spring of 2008, prior to it being available to consumers. The Volt can run up to 40 miles on its initial charge, and re-charges itself when in motion. The vehicle, initially introduced at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, uses GM’s “E-Flex" architecture, running on electricity and an alternative power source – a small internal ethanol powered engine that regenerates enough power to restore the battery. GM has partnered with A123Systems, Inc. to develop the lithium-ion battery to be used in the vehicle. GM CEO Rick Wagoner says the Volt differs from hybrid vehicles in that it is always driven by electricity rather than switching between alternative and regular fuel sources. See our
Home Page for the video.
