Chevy Volt Concept Car

Posted by JD 09/19/2008 at 07:29

So, we are finally shown the new Chevy Volt last week. The key differences between it and all the prior cars are:

  • electric drive train
  • charging is performed by
    • power outlet in your home
    • on-board gasoline engine (1.6L turbo)

Why is this smart?

  • The on-board charging method can be swapped out later with different technologies like solar, hydrogen, CNG, whatever.
  • Electric motors have extremely long timetimes; basically, they don’t break and don’t require any maintenance
  • Short trips are 100% electric
  • The look of the Volt is nice, unlike other competitors. The Opal/Saturn version is interesting too. Opal uses a turbo diesel engine for charging.

I’ve written previously on car, home and hydrogen power solutions … a few times: