Electric Chevy Volt debuts with lofty ambitions

The Chevy Volt was the centerpiece of General Motors' centennial celebration on Tuesday with executives heralding the electric car as the first step in the reinvention of the automobile.

GM Chairman Rick Wagoner introduced the plug-in hybrid car in Detroit, showing a production version with a different look than the concept car rolled out in January 2007.

A front view of the production electric Chevy Volt shown publicly on Tuesday. Click image to enlarge.

(Credit: GM)

The company also released photos and a number of technical details, including a projected top speed of 100 mph and two in-car touch-screen controls. The five-door sedan, which GM calls an extended-range electric vehicle, is scheduled to be available for purchase in the U.S. in late 2010.

"The Volt symbolizes General Motors' commitment to the future, just the kind of technical innovation our industry needs to respond to tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges," Wagoner said in a speech to a gathering of partners, customers, journalists, and employees.

The car will be able to drive 40 miles on its lithium-ion batteries. An internal combustion engine--able to run on gasoline or E85, a blend of ethanol and gas--will extend the car's driving range to hundreds of miles.

Wagoner said that the auto industry is in the early days of a transition from mechanically-driven to electrically-driven vehicles, a trend that financially ailing GM intends to lead.

High-profile design guru and vice chairman Robert Lutz drove the Volt onto the stage before journalists swarmed to get a closer look at the car.

Another image of the Chevy Volt released by GM at its debut. Click on image to enlarge.

(Credit: GM)

In the GM FastLane blog, Lutz said the Volt's introduction on Tuesday should quiet naysayers who said the Volt program was "vaporware" or GM "green-washing" meant to improve its public image.

Lutz also addressed the design changes, which were meant to make the car more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient.

When photos of the production Volt were captured and circulated last week, many commenters seemed disappointed, complaining that the Volt resembled existing fuel-efficient sedans.

"I submit that while it's typically design that makes an emotional connection with buyers, in this case, the Volt is going to be bought for emotional reasons, but it will be for the emotion tied to the technology contained therein," Lutz wrote.

He said the Volt will help reverse GM's fortunes and, if accepted by consumers, make an impact on society's concerns over energy security and the environment.

Tech specs
Most Americans will be able to drive their daily commutes entirely on the batteries, charging them at night for about 80 cents with electricity priced at 10 cents a kilowatt-hour, according to GM. It takes about eight hours to charge via a household 120 volt outlet and three hours on a 240 volt outlet.

A look at the interior controls of the Chevy Volt. Click image to enlarge.

(Credit: GM)

GM estimates that it will cost about 2 cents per mile to drive while under battery power. By contrast, it calculates that people pay 12 cents per mile for gasoline at $3.60 a gallon.

Overall, GM figures that a Volt will cost one-sixth what it cost to operate a gasoline car. Charging the car daily will consume less annually than running a home's refrigerator and freezer units, the company said.

GM has also sought to make the interior fit with the car's high-tech image.

There will be two touch-sensitive screens, as well as a configurable liquid crystal instrument display.

A 7-inch touch-sensitive liquid crystal display provides navigation, and a touch screen controls in-car climate and "infotainment." There is an optional navigation system with an on-board hard drive for maps and music.

The Volt's 220 lithium-on batteries can store 16 kilowatt-hours of electricity and deliver the equivalent of 150 horsepower and a quiet ride.

Update at 2:45 p.m. PT with additional technical details: The projected acceleration is zero to 60 miles per hour in 9 seconds, according to GM representatives. The battery life--a significant question facing all new lithium-ion battery vehicles--will be 150,000 miles or ten years. The Volt will come in a variety of colors.

[Xtoo]

I am opposed to buy American cars but if GM really pulls this off this may be the second coming of the great American auto industry.

[AlanHub]

why would you be opposed to buying cars made by your own country? and please dont tell me you also complain about outsourcing. Its laughable

[sterling789]

GM,

if you want my business and want to expand your bsuiness quit doing the same money-losing things...

the engine might be a good thing and the technology might be a good thng but the wrapper is like a KIA...

keep this up and you are gong down... the concept was exciting and this is production model is one of your worst designs ever... it makes an Impala look cool... try again.

[twenty1st]

Like a Kia? Which Kia are you referring to? Although it's not as wild as the concept, it's still a looker. The front is somewhat conventional, but the rear is definitely futuristic. Compared to the current butt ugly Camry and plain jane Accord, the Volt is a super model.

And what is it that you drive that's so off the charts.

[zhakidd532]

are you serious.................................

[compudoc318]

just dont tell me by foreign youre saying you like the prius design.....lol.....

[chaunceyo]

The design was toned down to make it more aerodynamic............ so they could pump as many miles out of the electric batteries before turning to the gas engine. Thats why the new Honda Insight has a similar shape to a Prius - they are all trying to get the most miles.

[oby_c6]

Where do you see Kia in the Volt? I don't think GM wants your business; this car is more of a combination say of the Acura TL, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Prius, and kick @ss GM designers. GM's got my business and i'm already on the line to get my Volt. 40k is kinda tough but there will be a way around it. seems like the second coming of the great American auto industry (thnx Xtoo).

[dbmrn]

The car might look like a KIA from the rear but the front looks more like the new Malibu. I think it looks sharp!!

[disp507]

I for one am very happy to see GM and for that mater Chevrolet working so hard to make a consumer grade all electric car that meets today's needs and looks to the future for its inspiration. The Volts stylish lines and high tech finishes are very appealing. Lets just hope that the mechanical systems meet the demands of today's snobbish high tech market.

[ckurowic]

This is NOT an all electric car! It has a gasoline engine too. Study up.

[Oleg Simkin]

This day and age anyone who buys a car that gets 20/mpg because it looks cool is directly contributing to terrorism and death of American soldiers and civilians.

[FinalJenemba]

Mr. Simkin, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

[Someone-else]

the driving cost seems good, but how about battery replacing, once i saw a calculation for the Tesla Roadster saying that including battery replacement, it costs about the same to drive as a Hummer H2.

[razor.rodriguez]

I understand why some people are disappointed by the change in exterior design; I am too. However, I got over it rather quickly by looking at the big picture. I, personally, have only owned one American car (I love my F-150) because I always thought that the styling for most of them is tired and lackluster. Also, the quality of construction left much to be desired; until recently. But the big picture is this; GM is taking a GIANT leap into the true future of transportation. Let's face it, the internal combustion engine needs to be retired. It's inefficient, polluting, complicated and just downright dirty. I'm not a hater by any means. I put my grease-monkey skills against the next guy any time and the engineering of it all is still amazing to me but it shouldn't be. We need to move on to the next thing and GM is leading the way. Because of them, Toyota, Mazda, Honda and others are getting into the race. They are all pledging that they will have an PEH by 2010. That tells us one thing; everyone understands that is the way to go. Give it time and more sporty models will come; battery-powered rages will increase and eventually, we'll be driving electrics. It's just a matter of time... I'm just glad GM kick-started the whole thing.

[static83]

I actually like the design.. I'm sick of these futre/concept cars looking like ridiculous spaceship style cars. This design is nice and simple. Sign me up for mine!!!

[cb3431]

Didn't GM produce the Hummer? Doesn't GM produce a handful of other obnoxiously large vehicles? Doesn't GM produce Cadillac with a gas guzzler tax? If GM cares about helping the energy problem then maybe they should stop being a big part of the problem.

I will wait for Honda to offer wider distribution of their hydrogen car.

[t26l]

GM doesn't force anyone to buy fuel-inefficient cars, and Honda and Toyota produce SUVs also.

[open-mind]

Yeah, GM makes the Hummer.

GM also makes the 13 MPG Tundra, the 13MPG Sequoia, the 13MPG LandCruiser, the 13MPG Titan, and the 13MPG Armada.

Wait ... no, I was wrong... Toyota and Nissan make all those gas guzzlers.

[richiesuarez]

I agree with you guys. he's just a hater and dis-likes anything american. Honda sucks... Remember their Honda Accord Hybrid. 19MPG for $30,000... Piece of crap!!! go wait for your next honda electric vehicle. At least the Camry hybrid gets 35MPG. And if the vold comes out and get 40Miles with a single battery charge, which one do you think is better?

[An Old Fart]

While hydrogen power is "green", the energy needed to create the hydrogen negates any of the benefits.
Hydrogen cars will never become popularbecause of the safety issues with hydrogen storage and distribution.

[ODell77]

You'll have a long, long wait

[samkass]

Chevy is not going to sell many of these on economic virtues of cents-per-mile to drive with a sticker price of $40K. If you factor in the sticker price to the cost per mile this car doesn't look nearly as attractive. And if you factor in the manufacturing cost to the "carbon footprint" it doesn't look all that environmental. So folks who care about the environment will continue to buy 60mpg used Geo Metros and folks who don't will continue to buy the 18mpg performance car. I want the Volt to succeed but I don't see how it can happen.

[open-mind]

You can say the same about the Prius, but that's not why people buy them. I predict GM will sell every Volt they can make for at least the first two years.

[richiesuarez]

It's a step to at least start saving our environment. I don't see what your doing to save the environment. Oh yeah, why don't your start and buy your self a bicycle and use that to go to work. Or better yet, pay $40K for an electric vehicle like the RAV-4 Used and get lesser miles. Stop complaining about stuff and start doing what is right. At least GM made their move.

[pat111280]

What a piece of Crap ... is it that hard to follow through on the design cues of a concept car?!?!?

It's like a bad Acura ... It's one more style-less car produced by a company that has no passion for design. I don't care how much money this car saves me ... I'd never buy this thing.

What a dissapointment from the original concept car!

[open-mind]

The concept was a complete failure in the wind tunnel, so GM had to modify the shape. I think they did a great job with it. I'm in.

[richiesuarez]

Remember the PRIUS? They all said it's ugly but last time I checked, they sell more PRIUS than the Honda Civic Hybrids. 25,000 cars a month at one point compared to 500 honda's in 1 freaking month.

[megustansalchichas]

The problem is not in the cars, it's in the way that you use them. Move closer to work or start to telecommute and see how much money you'll save on gas. It blows my mind how everyone keeps looking for better matches when the forest is burning down.

[richiesuarez]

Ah, try living in Los angeles or Southern California for that matter and tell me again if you can try and move closer to work where rent is doubled near your work. What about your family and kids. Would you uproot them and move them in the City with all the violence and turmoil. Also, how are you going to get groceries? Do you know that they only allow you to use the cart until the parking lot only and then they lock up automatically so that you can 't use the carts to take your groceries home?... Good luck.

[vbp1]

I try this once..

nowdays when there is 2 people in the family who work how exactly are you gonig to accomplish that?
I workd in NY my wife worked in NJ where do you sugest we leave?

[wilsongj]

I sure liked the design of the prototype better than this...looks like "just another Chevy"...ugh.

[benjaminstraight]

A good start.

[ckurowic]

Hahaha....a good start if it was 10 years ago when Toyota introduced its first hybrid....

[mbwhite]

Keep waiting for that hydrogen powered Honda--and the hydrogen filling station infrastructure needed to make it usable. Hydrogen power is not a short term solution, plug-in hybrids are--either that or the above-mentioned existing 60-mpg cars.

[richiesuarez]

I saw the Hydrogen powered Honda. I wish they have more infrastructures to support hydrogen fuel. that's the deal breaker for me. There's only 3 stations near Santa Monica, CA. No where else in LA.

[sigloiv]

How does an electric car save the environment? Until we have a vast expansion of Nuclear power plants in the US, your coal burning plants only move the pollution to another city. We need offshore drilling, and we need Nuclear Power Plants NOW

[Mystigo]

Solar energy from our deserts combined with electric cars would be the ideal way to save the environment. Senate Republicans have used procedural tricks to block the investment tax credit and other incentives to develop this technology on at least a dozen occasions. http://dpc.senate.gov/dpc-new.cfm?doc_name=fs-110-2-129

Why are they doing this? Could it be that they are being bribed by oil industry executives that love money and hate America? Nah -that couldn't be it.

Obama '08

[open-mind]

Saving the environment is only a secondary goal. The primary goal is to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil as a transportation fuel. I agree we need nuclear and other renewable sources of electricity. But it's much easier to clean up the emissions of a few hundred coal plants than a few million cars.

[petermarreck]

Actually, mr. mccain supporter, electric power is much less polluting per unit of energy used than gas consumption is, so although the pollution would be moved to some degree, it would ALSO be less. It would also make it easier to introduce improvements in pollution controls, all in one place... or plug in a new power source, like a fusion plant instead of a coal plant. "Offshore drilling" (which is far easier to chant than to implement) would (if it resulted in any more oil to begin with... remember, we're talking about a finite resource here that is being depleted orders of magnitude faster than it is being remade) only have a noticeable effect on gas prices YEARS from now.

You like the power of gas? Did I mention that an electric motor has a far higher potential torque than any gas motor? Just depends on the power storage and delivery capacity (read: put more money into fundamental research instead of oil platforms)

Basically, going electric is win-win and the only reason why you haven't heard otherwise is probably due to politics.

[BenFlavoredCandy]

@petermarreck

While you are correct in saying electric power is less polluting per unit energy, you have to remember that a gasoline engine only loses energy in one state conversion [burning gas] where an electric car will have losses from burning coal, heating water, spinning turbines, electrical transmission and battery storage. As it stands with the AVERAGE current electric grid in the US, a PHEV emits more carbon over its lifetime than a standard hybrid. Of course with a transition to a low-carbon energy grid, it is win-win.

[rnaoncfixd]

I'm pretty sure everyone who replied just got trolled.

[purcell429]

@ petermarreck: Seriously Dude? A FUSION power plant? Why not a magical fairy powered car too? Holy crap, take a 1st grade science class, or maybe read a newspaper so you can be aware that Fusion power plants do not exist...

[richiesuarez]

I agree we need nuclear power plants now. But I don't agree that we need to drill oil Off shore. I believe that it's the people in power that got the oil prices this high. Why is it all of a sudden comes near election time, prices have gone down. Also, I want to preserve our natural resources so if the russians, iranians, and all other oil producting countries eat up all their oil, the USA can still survive up to 20 years without depending on other countries. let us eat up their oil and when they are out of it,. they can buy it from us much more than what they used to sell to us.

[kaydee29918]

This car could look like a camel for all I care - if it does what they say it will----however, the $40K price will stop a lot of consumers (including myself - and I've got a 40 mile commute, each way). Hopefully, the other manufacturers will get into it soon enough to provide some decent competition.

[open-mind]

There's been talk of $5K tax incentive for electric drive vehicles. That should help.

[cjohn126]

exactly, this is pretty much what I said in the comment I just posted.

[softwarepro]

Yes if they can pull this I will buy first american made car. I am from Asia and never even look at American made car since Japan made cars are way ahead in all department. Let see if GM can get this right. Lot of things ride on this car and yes it will be second coming for American made and car revolution...something close to that... Yes Like the shape of the car..

Current Owner of CR-V & Maxima..

[traveltech007]

Oh my God! GM is betting the farm on the new Volt and they pulled a bait and switch on us? Who at Gm lost the nerve to deliver on the concept design??? What we have here is.... new wine in an old wineskin. What and unbelievable blunder, what a hugely missed oppurtunity what a disappointment!! Here's to you Mr. play it safe, while the company loses billions.... another job well done!

[ashwinkn]

The original concept design was slightly more aerodynamic than a brick, so it was obvious that the design had to change. Besides, the Volt looks a million times better than a Prius.

[purcell429]

Actually, it looks exactly like a prius with fancy headlights on it.

[potterave]

This whining about the design is unbelievable. It costs me $60 to fill my minivan that I use for local errands, a 8-mile drive to work and a 10-mile weekly trip to church. If I must "suffer" in a somewhat bland looking car and pay $5.60 a week to drive it, then I will suffer gladly.