Chevrolet Volt Electric Concept

[Ccssgm]

The Chevrolet Volt concept electric vehicle is a four-passenger, battery-powered car that features GM's first use of the new E-flex electric propulsion system designed to provide flexibility in the choice of fuel sources for electric vehicles of the future.

 

 

 

"At GM we believe tomorrow's automobiles must be flexible enough to accommodate many different energy sources," explained Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO, General Motors Corporation. "And a key part of that flexibility will be enabled by the development of electrically driven cars."

 

 

 

Wagoner explained the E-flex is GM's next-generation electric propulsion system that will always use an electric motor to power the wheels but can be configured to use electricity produced by a fuel cell, a generator powered by an engine, or from a battery that is charged from the power grid.

 

 

 

The lithium-ion battery in the Volt can be fully charged by plugging it into a 110-volt outlet for approximately six hours per day. When it is fully charged, the Volt offers a driving range of 40 miles. To increase the useful range of the Volt, it includes a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that operates at a constant speed to create electricity and charge the battery. The engine is designed to run on E85 fuel, which is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The engine does not power the vehicle, it is only used to produce electricity to recharge the battery and only the electric motor powers the vehicle.

 

 

 

Robert A. Lutz, GM vice chairman explained that in addition to showcasing the E-flex propulsion system, the Volt was designed to show that environmentally conscious vehicles can also look good. While it features cutting edge technology, the Volt is also a design study.

 

 

 

While the Volt is a four-door, four-passenger sedan it really looks more like a sleek sports car with classic Chevrolet design elements reminiscent of both Camaro and Corvette. Inside the Volt combines innovative materials and ambient light for a light and airy feel.

 

 

 

"First and foremost, this is an advanced technology vehicle that uses little to no fuel at all. But we didn't see any reason why that should compromise its design," said Anne Asensio, executive director, GM Design. Asensio led the design team that created the Volt concept, with designs solicited from GM's studios around the world.

[Trex101]

You forget to state that this car can go 150mpg or 63.4km/l of petrol for 96km daily commute. This is the type of car we Sporean should in our city driving.