Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions in 2010
Chevrolet VOLT 2010
The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that is redefining the automotive world is no longer just a rumor. In fact, its propulsion system is so revolutionary, it’s unlike any other vehicle or electric car that’s ever been introduced. And we’re making this remarkable vision a reality, so that one day you’ll have the freedom to drive gas-free.
Chevy Volt is designed to move more than 75 percent of America’s daily commuters without a single drop of gas. That means for someone who drives less than 40 miles a day, Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions.
Unlike traditional electric cars, Chevy Volt has a revolutionary propulsion system that takes you beyond the power of the battery. It will use a lithium-ion battery with a gasoline-powered, range-extending engine that drives a generator to provide electric power when you drive beyond the 40-mile battery range.
Why is the production version of Volt so different from the concept?
When the Volt first appeared as a concept car, it featured a more square, aggressive design. But to fulfill the promise of going up to 40 miles without using a drop of gas in the production car, our engineers and designers worked hand in hand to reduce aerodynamic drag while keeping the striking look of the Volt. This produced a rounder, smoother appearance that resulted in a coefficient of drag (a measure of how well a moving vehicle resists friction caused by air) that is a 30 percent improvement over the concept car. This improvement is vital to Volt’s efficiency. Since the Volt relies on electricity as its primary fuel source, preserving the power stored in its battery is most important. Making the Volt more aerodynamic means the battery doesn’t have to work as hard and will last longer, which benefits the owner by helping to extend its gas-free range.
Volt is one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM history. The production Volt has design surfaces that maximize airflow. It has a rounded, flushed fascia; a closed grille; aerodynamically shaped side mirrors; sharp rear edges; and a purpose-designed rear spoiler that allows air to attach and then detach quickly at the rear to reduce drag. To make sure the Volt was indeed slippery from front to back, hundreds of hours were spent in the wind tunnel examining and adjusting things like the front and rear corner panels, the rear spoiler, the rocker panels, and the side mirrors to make sure Volt sliced though the air as easily as possible.
The Benefits Of Electricity
Will plug-in vehicles lead us to improved energy independence and energy security?
Yes. Every mile powered by the grid electricity is one less mile driven on petroleum. The U.S. Is currently 96% dependent on petroleum for our cars and trucks - more than half of it is imported. Electricity is almost completely domestically produced - and from a variety of feedstocks (nuclear, natural gas, coal, wind solar, etc.) There’s no surer way to improve our energy independence than to move off of petroleum as soon as we can.
How will vehicles like the Volt affect the environment?
For up to 40 miles, the drive - no matter if city or highway - will have essentially zero tailpipe emissions. This is really important for improved air quality in the areas where we drive. Upstream, electricity today is generated by a wide variety of different methods - from zero-emission wind, solar, hydropower and nuclear, to coal and natural gas - which have varying degrees of emissions. Taken as a system, vehicles powered by electricity have the potential to produce lower overall emissions than vehicles powered by gasoline. And electricity production is getting cleaner every year as older coal plants are being replaced with newer, cleaner technologies and as more renewables, such as wind are added to the system. [www.chevrolet.com]
Chevrolet VOLT 2010