Chevy Volt

Chevy Abandons the Internal Combustion Engine for Cars as We Know It.

The Chevy Bolt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, powered by an electric motor, using lithium ion battery cells. Chevrolet calls this the E flex drive-system. It's estimated range on a full charge is 40 miles. After 40 miles it would leave the batteries with a 30% charge and this is when the gas-powered generator is activated. The gas engine is not connected to the car's drive train, it's only available to recharge the Volt's batteries. This is what is know as a series hybrid, which differs from the hybrids on the road today like the Toyota Prius.

The specs:

• Top speed: 120 mph
• 0-60mph: 8.5 sec
• Range: 40 miles (battery power only) - 640 miles (combined with gas powered generator)
• Weight: 3200 lbs
• Recharge Time:
• 0.5 hrs (using gas-powered generator)
  
• 6.5 hrs (using 120 V household current)
  
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion
• Electric Motor: 120 kW (160 hp)
  
• Gas Powered Generator: 3 Cylinders, 53 kW
• Estimated MPG:
• 100 mpg (40 mi range)
• 50 mpg (while recharging)
• Estimated Annual Fuel Savings compared to a 30 mpg car:
• 500 gal. (15,000 mi/yr)
• Estimated production date: 2009

The only part that concerns me is the 3200 lb weight of the Volt. If Chevrolet can control the fat on this car they will have a lot of success. I think the E-flex system will succeed better when used with their compact car platform. A good start for the E-flex would be the Chevy Aveo which weighs 2343 lb, but the Chevy Volt is a bit more appealing to the eye.

source NY T imes.