Chevy
Volt takes another baby step towards reality
Wednesday, December 04, 2007
Enough
batteries for 2 Volts
GM, in theory, now has the ability to develop two fully
operational Chevy
Volt prototypes, as that is now how many batteries GM
currently has in its possession. Recently, Compact Power
delivered its 2nd battery to GM. A123Systems should soon
be delivering its first battery to GM as well.
At the LA Auto Show, Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director
for the Volt and the E Flex Drive, told me that GM would
have a few fully functional Volts by the end of the first
quarter of 2008. However, in a separate interview, Denise
Gray, director of battery technology, confirmed that such
a date would be difficult to achieve, but that her team
was committed to making it happen.
So, what's it all mean?
The technology to achieve the Volt, most importantly the
batteries, is not yet fully baked. GM is using two
different types of batteries in order to see if one works
better for the Volt, or if neither work. It might turn it
out that the current chemistry's of each battery pack have
to be tweaked over and over again. It might turn out that
they just don't work.
Nonetheless, despite numerous engineering challenges, GM
is fast-tracking the Volt project, refusing to accept
anything but success. Surprisingly, one of the main forces
behind the 'no excuses' Volt push is Bob Lutz - electric
car killer according to some.
After a brilliant career in the auto industry, it will be
the Chevy Volt that will define Mr. Lutz, and it is for
that reason that I would not bet against the Chevy Volt,
nor Lutz. The Volt and E Flex will electrify the auto
industry.
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