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GM is holding a technology briefing today that will
include updates on GM's new, fully operational battery
lab as well as more confirmation about a new fleet of
pre-production Chevy Volts. None of this news,
however, is really that new if you've been following
the Volt story.
In a nutshell, however, the Chevy
Volt is on track, even ahead of schedule. More
important, GM believes it can significantly reduce
costs, especially regarding the battery, by just the
second generation. Nonetheless, the Volt will still
cost a good bit more than both a conventional vehicle,
as well as a conventional hybrid vehicle like the Toyota
Prius.
So, can the Volt really be America's car?
Numerous studies indicate that most Americans are very
concerned about foreign oil dependency, and they
believe that hybrid
cars are a strategically important part of ending
this dependency. Yet, the majority of these Americans
are not willing to pay extra for these strategically
important vehicles.
Can a potentially revolutionary American hybrid, or
range extended electric vehicle, change this
complacent attitude? Or, are significantly higher gas
prices the Volt's only chance of serious market
penetration?
Labels: Chevy Volt electric vehicle concept, Foreign Oil Dependency, Hybrid Vehicles, toyota prius
