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With the information we have today about global-warming and the finite nature of gasoline supplies, we all want to become more environment-friendly and do away with the heavy need we have for gasoline. We need the energy security of having our own source of fuel. We know our vehicles and the emissions from them are not good for the environment and hybrid cars are one way we can help.
GM has now come up with a concept car that could help to do both: cut down on emissions and on gasoline. The magic name: the Chevrolet Volt, lovingly called the Plug-in Chevy Volt by automotive enthusiasts and green earth supporters alike. Chevy considers this car an electric vehicle (EV), not a hybrid. It is about the same size of the Chevy Cobalt, and is a 4-door sedan in C-Class size.
The concept Chevy Volt is an innovative electric vehicle; it runs on E85, biodiesel, gasoline fuels as well as electricity, giving it unprecedented flexibility in terms of fuels.
It has a super-efficient and technologically advanced rechargeable electric drive system, and an incredible range-extending power source. All this is brought together successfully with the much-touted E-Flex propulsion system by GM.
Because of this system, a gas engine is able to generate additional electricity, which dramatically increases the mileage of this vehicle. The 1.0L three-cylinder engine is turbocharged, and helps charge the lithium ion battery pack which in turn propels the 161hp electric motor that provides the main force for movement.
The battery is also chargeable at any 110V outlet, and takes about 6.5 hours to charge. This battery makes it possible for a Volt that is charged every night to radically reduce gasoline consumption: about 500 gallons a year for a 30 mpg car which drives about 15,000 miles a year. When its battery pack has been fully charged the Volt can go about 40 miles.
And the best part is, the car would still function if the owner forgets to charge it. The Chevy is able to get 100km on 4.7 liters because its engine can convert gasoline to electricity, with a range of up to 1030 km, which is incredible by modern gasoline vehicle standards.
Things get even better when you realize that all this does not require a sacrifice of air-conditioning, power or speed. The car also goes from 0-60mph in a respectable less than 8.5 seconds. Its design doesn't look half-bad either; its design giving it a longish, sporty look despite its short dimensions.
The only catch is what date the Chevy is going to reach showrooms, and at what price. The battery pack needs to be a 180-kg monster, which would carry on for 100,000 miles, with optimal performance, and such a Li-on battery is not in production at the moment. Much to the disappointment of car-lovers, this might make it difficult for the Chevy Volt to hit the roads before 2010