Save up to 50% on HP ProductsChevy Volt takes a step toward reality
Chevy Volt: charging ahead?
(Credit: CNET Networks)When GM unveiled the Chevy Volt at this year's Detroit auto show, it admitted that the electric-powered required a technological breakthrough in battery development for the concept to become a reality. Skeptics suggested that the unveiling was little more than pie in the sky or PR hoopla intended to paint the General in more a more non-electric-car-killing light.
This week, however, GM has gone some way to dispelling that skepticism by awarding contracts to two firms with credentials in the lithium ion battery and automotive industries to come up with a solution to the Volt's power requirements. Compact Power, a subsidiary of LG Chem, and Continental Automotive Systems, a division of Continental A.G, have been tasked with providing lithium batteries for GM's E-Flex range-extender system, the drive train behind the Chevy Volt.
The E-Flex system works by using large lithium ion batteries (charged primarily via a 110-volt AC outlet) to store electricity, which powers the car's electric motor. When the batteries run down, a small onboard internal combustion engine is used to generate more electricity to extend the car's range. To date, however, lithium ion batteries have not been able to meet the power, weight, and durability requirements of such an application. The contracts are not a confirmation that the Volt will be put into production, rather "an opportunity to deeply understand the differing battery technologies before making a production decision," according the GM press release. Still, it's a sign that the Volt might avoid the same fate as GM's EV-1 in the electric-car graveyard.
there is a possibuility the VOLT will not get built, he hasn't been following the story very closely, if at all. There is also an ignorance here as to exactly what GM is doing by hiring these two companies. Both will integrate cells into batteries - one using A123 System nanophosphate cells and the other using LG Chem li ion cells. The two have different strategies
and GM thought it wise not to try to guess which , if not both, would succeed. This alleviates integration tasks from each battery developer and speeds development of the job as a whole. The recent statements from both Lutz and Wagoner leave no doubt that GM has given the VOLT carte blanche and consider it the most important
vehicle GM has ever developed. Word is that A123 System cells actually meet al of GM's specs, but not yet when integrated together into a battery pack. These moves are GM's doubling of the bet - they want to ensure both that a battery will be ready by 2010 and provide the opportunity to
get one earlier and allow an earlier laaunch.
Those that are expressing skepticism genrally are either not following the story, or are inveterate GM haters who are praying that GM will fail. That hope is getting pretty dim , I would say. As in extinguished. They've had a tough couple of weeks.