2007 Chevrolet Volt Concept

Could it be GM's ''next step''

"Where do you plug it in?" is an all time favorite question posed to many a hybrid owner. Those who make the transition to hybrid electric vehicles often find themselves educating those who haven't. Hybrids don't need to be plugged in.

Having an on-board generator attached to the cars engine will recharge the batteries just as well as the trusty orange extension cord, no sacrifices required. After all, the more change a new technology presents from the norm, the harder it is to sell.


That's unless you're referring to the Chevrolet Volt. It's not on sale yet, and its status as an upcoming production vehicle has yet to be confirmed- but the GM team is proudly taking the step up from gas-electric hybrids to a plug-in vehicle which could serve the masses.

Looking for a second car to help save fuel while commuting to and from work? It could be just the ticket. If you drive under 64 kilometres per day, you might just wish your favorite gas-station attendant adieu, as you may well never visit them again.

You see, unlike a hybrid the Volt concept runs entirely on electricity. You'd drive it to and from work and to do your errands, and then plug it in before bed- not a hard ritual to get used to if you already own a cell phone, laptop and digital camera.

In about 6 hours, the Volt will have stored a full charge on board, ready to greet you in the morning with up to 64 kilometres of zero-emissions, zero-gasoline driving.

Of course, you can drive it more than 64 kilometers- as the Volt carries on board a range-extending power generator which recharges the batteries as needed. It can be made to run on gasoline, diesel or ethanol, and fires up to revive the cells when they run low on juice.

The combustion-driven generator isn't hooked directly up to the drivetrain- so it's not like a Prius or Escape. The sole purpose of the engine aboard the Volt is to recharge the battery pack- that's it.

So if you need to make an out-of-town trip, go ahead. GM claims while running on fuel, the Volt would consume a measly 4.7 L / 100km. With a 45 litre fuel tank, that's good for a range of over 1000 km.