GM says Chevy Volt can achieve 100 kpl
U.S. car manufacturer General Motors Corp. (GM), which has just come out of bankruptcy, claims its upcoming Chevy Volt will give up to 230 miles per gallon (close to 100 km per liter) in city driving, based on development testing using a draft EPA federal fuel economy methodology for labeling for plug-in electric vehicles. The assertion, made at a Detroit news conference by GM, has rocked the car world with auto executives and consumer advocates describing it as “eye-popping” and a “bombshell”. Describing the Volt as a “game-changer”, GM asserted that it would be the first mass produced vehicle to achieve triple digit fuel economy (in mpg). Current hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius give only around 60 mpg (or about 25 kilometers per liter), about a fourth of what Volt claims. But Volt efficiency will come with a steeper sticker price – around US$40,000 compared to around US$25,000 for a basic Prius. GM said the Volt, which is scheduled to start production in late 2010 as a 2011 model, is expected to travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered engine generator. (August 14, 2009)