Articles

The NAIAS 2007 sees the launch of the Chevrolet Volt, a concept from GM showcasing its latest "E-Flex" technology. This features electric motors to propel the vehicle, with an internal combustion engine to provide recharging, as well as provision for ordinary plug-in charging. The Volt has a 3 cylinder turbocharged 1-litre powerplant to provide the recharging capability. This engine has a fuel tank of 54.5 litres capacity and is also able to run off E85 ethanol. The system can be adapted to suit various markets, and diesel, petrol, hydrogen and ethanol are mentioned as examples of the fuels that could be used by the recharger motor.

Actual propulsion for the Volt is via a 160 bhp (120 kW) electric motor which provides a respectable 8 second sprint time to 60 mph, and a top speed of around 190 km/h (120 mph). The range is claimed to be 640 miles, including on-the-go recharging from the petrol engine, and a mere 40 miles without. The lithium-ion batteries can be recharged in about 6.5 hours using the plugin charger.

The body is an attractive 4 seater with 4 doors and a lift-up tailgate. It is a small car overall, with a length of just 4318 mm, a width of 1791 mm and height of 1336 mm. The wheels are very large, at 21 inches, but are narrow to reduce rolling resistance. 195/55 R 21 tyres are fitted.