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There's mounting evidence that GM will meet its goal of launching a Volt that can drive at least 40 miles on a full electric charge. (http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080816/BUSINESS01/808160385/1014/BUSINESS01)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Production_Volt_Front_Corner.jpgKatie Merx - Detroit Free Press - Aug 16, 2008

Chevrolet Volt – Production versions front corner.

Expect GM’s Volt to rewrite automobile history once supply/demand are in balance and an affordable version arrives. -- Ed.

TRAVERSE CITY -- The Chevrolet Volt is expected to be the first of many electric vehicles General Motors Corp. will launch in the next few years, executives said this week.

Top executives on the Volt and its E-flex electric propulsion system said they are working on the design and engineering of the next vehicles the automaker will launch with the range-extended lithium-ion battery propulsion system.

"The significance of the project has increased," Frank Weber, the engineer and executive in charge of the Volt and E-flex system, said at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars…

In addition, Weber said his team expects major improvements to the Volt -- due in November 2010 -- to occur on a yearly basis early on. That is different from most vehicle lines, which typically offer major updates every three to five years … http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080816/BUSINESS01/808160385/1014/BUSINESS01

I understand that an electric car is more efficient, etc. But, I can't even get TO work, let alone home FROM work on a 40mi charge...

Hi Chilimac02:

___You can start doing the math at 50 to 80 mpg after 40 + miles. The first 40 is covered on about $0.75. If gasoline goes to $8.00 + in 2012, you will be doing a lot more math while comparing the Accord to a Volt or PHEV Prius-II/III.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Math huh... Yep, I would be out a lot more money. You were correct. :)

I'm really excited about this platform -- it has a lot of potential (pun intended ;)) and would work very well for my commute.

I have to admit, I've been going nuts with checking out current EV offerings as well (Hybrid Technologies, for example) -- too bad everything is so danged expensive!! I'd love to put my wife straight into an EV when the lease on her '08 Escape 4x4 guzzler is up in 2010...

Go GM, but rushing it to production scares me. I can just imagine the problems this car is going to have its first year.

Go GM, but rushing it to production scares me. I can just imagine the problems this car is going to have its first year.

I agree. I would not be at all surprised to see a smoldering Volt on the the evening news the first year...count on at least one mass recall.

I understand that an electric car is more efficient, etc. But, I can't even get TO work, let alone home FROM work on a 40mi charge...

You get 40 miles of electric-only travel. After that, the conventional motor kicks in and acts as a generator. You could drive from coast-to-coast in a Volt.

Harry

Weber said the automaker has already identified nine areas on the Volt where it expects to make major improvements or greatly reduce costs in the second year of production. It can't make those improvements in the first year, or it would delay the quick timeline the automaker is on for the launch of the car.

I'd let someone else try out the first production run, and wait on those nine improvements.

Harry

Don't forget also that the 40-mi range is kinda like an MPG rating. Meaning, folks like US can BEAT IT with our SUPERIOR WUSHU!

It'd be different, and possibly with more limited hypermiling options than ICE driving, but I bet we could eek 50-60 miles from a Volt!

Being the pesimist that I am, I only have three words "Remember the EV1". I think it would be great if the Volt took-off but I'll believe it when I see it.

To give me the 60km/40mil range that I need for my communte in my Prius, I will be turning to the Hymotion 5kwh pack that is a reality...now...well sort of...shipping in December.

Being the pesimist that I am, I only have three words "Remember the EV1". I think it would be great if the Volt took-off but I'll believe it when I see it.

I guess as long as Exxon and OPEC don't get in between like they did before we might have a chance of getting an EV vehicle, but yeah like you I'll believe it when I see it.