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More "Mali-mules" to road test components. (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/FREE/744895812/1023/CARNEWS)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/VOLT_Rear.jpgGreg Migliore - Autoweek - July 24, 2008

Volt concept

Given this is GM’s make or break and the $’s have been allocated, 2010 is going to be one heck of a year :) -- Ed.

Spy shooters, get ready: The next round of mules for Chevrolet Volt testing will start running around later this year.

Micky Bly, director of General Motors hybrid vehicle integration, confirmed that the Volt remains on target for launch in late 2010. Bly said the next generation of Volt test mules will be hitting the roads soon.

He wouldn't specify exactly what the cars will be, but they will have significantly more subsystems than the current mules, which are older-model Chevrolet Malibus outfitted with GM's E-Flex technology.

More chassis, brakes, batteries and other components that affect ride and handling will be assembled together for the first time on the new test cars… http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/FREE/744895812/1023/CARNEWS

The production car is expected to be revealed this fall.
...
The automaker is also very close to selecting a battery supplier--a key milestone in maintaining the car's development process--and expects to announce the choice in the next few months.

Hm. Those comments are encouraging!

Now if they will just quit the silly "We have to turn a profit immediately!" attitude and sell it for $29999... :p

$40,000 is cheap compared to what the Tesla Roadster costs. Hopefully the next generation of GM's electric cars will exhibit a much lower sticker price when the company can use its experience with the Volt to cut the expenses of the manufacturing process and there is more demand for electric vehicles. On a side note, I would like to see employers building solar canopies over their employee parking spots and offering a charge during the workday as a job benefit. :flag:

One more thought on solar charging: I keep hearing that nanotechnology is on the horizon that would allow the creation of "solar paint" that generates power. Using this technology to paint an electric car would allow it to charge itself anytime it is parked or being driven in the sun, not just when it is near an electrical outlet. How cool would this be? :)

One more thought on solar charging: I keep hearing that nanotechnology is on the horizon that would allow the creation of "solar paint" that generates power. Using this technology to paint an electric car would allow it to charge itself anytime it is parked or being driven in the sun, not just when it is near an electrical outlet. How cool would this be? :)
I read that too over at physorg.com. I believe its a long way off and very inefficient to boot. Of course, it is a step in the right direction and long overdue.

ollie