The car industry is not doing well in the market now. Cars are expensive and the continuous rise in gas prices make the consumer think twice about purchasing a car. Car manufacturers are now thinking of options in making a car that won’t need gas. GM Motors is already doing tests for electric operated cars.
The Chevrolet Volt is an improved version of EV1 which was introduced by General Motors in 1990. The EV1 had a tremendous achievement. General Motors conceptualized Chevy Volt from EV1. With the Chevrolet Volt, there is a significant change in design. The range problems, as well as the room for passengers, are addressed. Consumers are having doubts of getting an electric operated vehicle because of limited range and inability to climb hills. Users also fear of running the air conditioning of the car since it will drain the battery. These issues are addressed and solved by General Motors with Chevrolet Volt.
A lithium-ion battery pack is where the car will get its energy. The battery pack can be fully charged in six hours to eight hours by simply plugging the car into a 110-volt outlet. When the batteries are fully charged, the Volt can cover up to 64km of pure electric vehicle range. That means that when a person uses the Volt in going to work and the distance will just cover 30km, there won’t be any gas consumption going to and from work if the car is fully charged.
The volt makes use of a small 1.0 liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. If the battery is drained, the turbocharged engine spins at a constant speed and produces electricity. This also replenishes the battery which is drained. The Chevy engine converts gasoline into electricity.
The GM Chevrolet Volt is expected to be launched in 2011. It has a four door rear lift gate and capable of carrying four passengers. The concept of this unique hybrid electric vehicle is to use electricity as its main power source. Gasoline will just be a secondary source of power. The target of this car is to reduce emissions, reduce oil consumption and energy diversification.
