volt

GM’s plug-in hybrid electric car, the Chevy Volt, will have its lithium-ion batteries road-tested by end of the month. Engineers have already been testing the Volt’s electrical hybrid system, the so-called E-Flex architecture, but only with nickel-metal hydride hybrid batteries in place.

An interview with the new general director of GM

Dubbed as the next generation electric car, the all new Chevrolet Volt was the talk of this year"s Detroit Auto Show. Capable of running 40 miles on its initial charge, the Volt re-charges itself as it moves down the road, saving consumers time and money.

General Motors Corp. and A123Systems, Inc. will co-develop cells with A123System's nanophosphate battery chemistry for a long-lasting, safe and powerful battery for use in GM’s electric drive E-Flex system. The agreement is expected to expedite the development of the batteries for both electric plug-in vehicles and fuel cell variants of the E-Flex architecture.

Insiders say the electric car is now in a "formal product program." That means they are actually trying to build it. They have also awarded two battery development contracts. The Volt is energizing engineers and has support from the highest levels of the company.