Chevy Volt will be ready in 2010, probably
GM has been working on a consumer-ready electric vehicle for decades now, but so far, the fruit of their labor has only been the controversially scrapped EV1. Now in 2008, GM's is still trying to reassure us that the electric car is on the way. According to GM higher-ups, their latest electric vehicle -- the sporty looking Chevy Volt -- is on track to be released in 2010 -- but just barely. While critics and conspiracy theorists have slammed the automaker for its procrastination to adopt the electric car, GM's top dogs still seem less than confident in their latest eco-friendly technology.Aside from the criticism of skeptics who believe the technology is being held back by oil interests and other corporate pressures, the best evidence we have seems to be to the contrary: no other manufacturer is turning out a practical, affordable, full-range electric car. That will change. Toyota is reported to be working on a very similar technology, and may be in a dead heat with GM to see who can finish 1st.
For once Chevrolet, might actually have the edge -- the Volt looks really cool. It's main power source will be a 400lb Lithium-ion battery, which is where the bulk of the uncertainty lies. Execs want a battery that can last 10 years, drive at least 150,000 miles, and can accelerate to 60mph in 9 seconds are less. Their top two choices are batteries made by Korean-based LG and German-based Continental AG, but it seems that they've decided to play wait and see -- hoping that there will be some kind of breakthrough. Don't be surprised if they wait until the last minute to make their pick.
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