GM plans 2 new electric vehicles based on Chevy Volt



General Motors Corp. plans to bring two additional models based on the Chevrolet Volt’s electric drive technology to market, according to its restructuring plan filed late Tuesday with the U.S. Treasury.


The Volt, which has become a symbol of GM’s powertrain strategy of the future, is slated to hit the market late next year. GM has said it planned to use the extended range electric vehicle technology in other vehicles.


GM declined to provide further details. “We're not prepared to provide any specifics on the other vehicles at this time,” Robert Peterson said in an e-mail today.


The company’s plan said it is investing “significantly in hybrid and plug-in vehicles” and will increase the number from six in 2008 to 14 in 2012 and 26 in 2014.


“The Chevrolet Volt is included in this count, as are two additional models sharing the Volt‘s extended range electric vehicle (EREV) technology,” the company said.


In January, GM announced that it would reveal the Opel Ampera, which is based on the Volt technology, at the Geneva Motor Show in March.


The company told the government that while the development costs of the technology in the Volt are high, the long-term benefits are increased energy efficiency and independence.


“With a majority of Americans driving their vehicles less than 40 miles per day, the Chevrolet Volt — providing up to 40 miles on a single electrical charge — should be attractive to those seeking to use little if any gasoline,” the company said in its plan.


The company noted that it is increasing its engineers and technicians directly involved with electric battery development by more than 1,000 people.



Contact TIM HIGGINS at 313-222-8784 or thiggins@freepress.com.

http://www.freep.com/article/20090218/BUSINESS01/90218061/Chevy+Volt