This concept car was launched at the Detriot motor show last week. Its Chevrolets answer to the increase in petrol prices that have shocked the states. But in true US style this car may not be the green machine that it seems. OK it seems that you can go 565 miles per gallon - now that sounds cool, but read the small print and you will find that the batteries can be charged by running the petrol engine while stationary. Er... I thought we were trying to save fuel - not just convert it.
However the concepts do sound similar to those of the Toyota Prius, so why do we have to wait until 2010 to see this car on the road and why is its design so vile. Can a car not be green and beautiful?
However one little problem for people like me who park their cars on the street - no electrical sockets around!
The car uses something vcalled the E-Flex Drive System this is what GM say about it.
Concept Volt utilizes the GM-patented E-Flex Propulsion System to bring you an electric drive vehicle that can run on various sources of energy. It consists of:
- Electric drive system
- Range extender: 53 kW direct engine-mounted generator and 3-cylinder 1.0L Turbocharged, intercooled internal combustion engine
- Dual (left- and right-side) charge ports
- Onboard battery pack
- 12-gallon fuel saddle tank
Running Gas-Free
Concept Volt uses an E-Flex Propulsion System to run gasoline-free. A 16 kW hour lithium ion battery connects to a 53 kW direct engine-mounted generator. This powers the electric Traction System which in turn drives the wheels.
Recharging
There are two charge ports: one on each side between the front door and front wheel. To recharge, simply plug Volt into a 110-volt, 15-amp outlet — the same kind you have in your home. It takes about six to six-and-a-half hours to fully recharge. Then you can drive up to 40-miles on pure electricity.
Charging As You Go
If your battery needs to be charged while driving, the generator will automatically work with the 1.0L Turbocharged gas engine to begin recharging the battery pack when depleted. It all happens seamlessly while you're concentrating on getting to your destination.
Quick Charge
If you don't have the time to leave Concept Volt plugged in to fully recharge or don't have access to an outlet, the vehicle can also begin to charge itself while in PARK with the engine running. The range-extending engine and generator will do all the work.
Using Fuel
An onboard 3-cylinder 1.0L Turbocharged, intercooled internal combustion engine allows you to keep driving when your electric battery needs to be recharged. This range extender can be configured to run on gasoline, E85 or biodiesel. The model shown will use gasoline or E85 interchangeably and can hold up to 12 gallons of fuel.
Additional Benefits
- 120-kW electric motor is equivalent to a 160-hp engine
- Instantaneous torque in electric mode means acceleration faster than traditional torque curve in certain gasoline-powered engines
- 0–60 in 8 to 8.5 seconds
- Battery life is about 10 years
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