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Automaker to reveal it by the end of 2008. (http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080829/BUSINESS01/808290343/1014)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Production_Volt_Front_Corner.jpgKatie Merx - Detroit Free Press - Aug 29, 2008

With both LG Chem and A123Systems Li-Ion’s performing so well, could it be GM is playing one off the other for lower costs ;) -- Ed.

JOLIET, Ill. -- General Motors Corp. has decided on a battery maker for the Chevrolet Volt range-extended electric vehicle, but it's not saying who it is, yet, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said Thursday on the sidelines of a media event touting the automaker's 2009 vehicle line.

Lutz said GM plans to announce the battery supplier by the end of the year and will show the production version of the much-anticipated electric-drive vehicle "fairly soon."

GM is hoping to regain a solid reputation for technological leadership and return to profitability with the Volt and a growing lineup of more fuel efficient and alternative energy vehicles, some of which it showed to automotive journalists Thursday in Joliet, Il…

"I know you've been hearing a lot about it lately, but it bears repeating that the Volt is not a plug-in hybrid, even though you can plug it in," Lutz said. "It's not a hybrid, which is a vehicle that is usually powered by an internal combustion engine with vehicle assist. It is an extended-range electric vehicle. The power driving the wheels is electricity, and only electricity." … http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080829/BUSINESS01/808290343/1014

Drat, here I am in Joliet, IL, and I missed this.

In the manufacturing arena it is SOP to play one supplier against the other. The best move is, if technically possible, to have both as suppliers. Having multiple suppliers is also SOP.

It is exciting to see this project advancing. When can I have my proto unit to test in the WI winter?

Hi All,

I am not so sure about this "Its not a Hybrid" baloney. This is what GM was calling this very architecture, but with a smaller battery back in 1979. I guess the bigger battery makes a EERSH (Extended Electrical Range Series Hybrid).

Did anyone happen to notice the spy shots of the "production Volt" captured at the set of Transformers 2 ?

I just want to know, when its released will anybody here have one, and will they be willing to post numbers for a tank without using the plug in tech. I'm very curious what its MPG will be using just gas.

If the price is right I'd like to get one and yes, I'd be willing to test it.

Volt batteries could be the most important running mate decision in 2008 (sorry Joe, Sarah).

I love the concept of the Volt. One type of power to the wheels as opposed to more complicated ICE/Battery and transmission between the two such as in the Prius. I'm not knocking the Prius. I just wish Toyota would have thought about doing this. For anyone familiar with locomotives, which have electric motors attached to each wheel/axle which then get power from a big diesel engine/genorator, this technology has been around and proven for quite some time. The only difference is in Volt's case, the electric engine will always be powered by the battery. When the battery starts to run low, the engine will start to charge it. At least that is how I understand it. Why not make a car that mimics a locomotive....have electric motor that gets power directly from a small gas/diesel generator. Come on Toyota/Honda, you can do it too, and do it better!