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First pre-production Chevrolet Volt prototypes hit the road

 
5 2,167 views Jun 25, 2009

2010 chevrolet volt live paris 010

The Volt isn't the only high-efficiency car in the works at GM

The Volt isn't the only high-efficiency car in the works at GM

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You may think you've already seen the 2011 Chevrolet Volt inside and out (online at least) but in truth you've only seen mock-ups. The first real, complete pre-production Volts are currently testing on the streets around GM’s Warren test center in Michigan and these are the first images of the prototype vehicles.

The vehicles have been fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack, which features more than 200 lithium-ion cells, sophisticated computer controls, liquid cooling system and other components. About 80 of these pre-production Volts will be assembled and continue testing until the car’s eventual sales release late next year.

Because these are the first vehicles to integrate both the Volt platform and the Volt powertrain, they are being referred to as 'integration vehicles'.
“The purpose for the integration vehicle builds is two-fold,” said GM's Rob Peterson. “First, they validate our production design, vehicle safety and performance capabilities. Just as important, the build activity provides valuable insight into the final vehicle assembly process to ensure a high-level of build quality and manufacturing efficiency when full scale production begins in November 2010.”

With GM still in bankruptcy, however, the Volt's production milestones seem at once more relevant and completely fanciful, and with a $32,500 base price (after rebate) it's going to have a tough fight ahead of it even if production goes smoothly.

GM has previously stated that its financial issues won't affect development of the Volt, however, so don't count the car out yet.
2011 Chevrolet Volt Production model
2011 Chevrolet Volt pre-production prototype

Chevrolet Volt Integration Prototype hits the road


HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 chevrolet volt live paris 010

HI-RES GALLERY: first pre production chevrolet volt prototype 004




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Comments (5)

  1. ma_gazzed avatar gazzed Posted: 5/28/2009 3:26pm PDT

    In regards to safety, I would like to know what would be the serious causes if these batteries were to ever explode ( varied impact/collision, leakage, faulty upon purchase of vehicle etc... )
     
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  2. ma_JSH avatar JSH Posted: 5/29/2009 5:43am PDT

    Batteries don't explode, they burn if they overheat.

    I find it odd that people have now problem carrying around 10 to 20 gallons of highly flammable liquid (gasoline) but get freaked out about batteries.
     
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  3. ma_Elmo187 avatar Elmo187 Posted: 6/25/2009 10:10am PDT

    Batteries don't explode, they burn if they overheat.

    I find it odd that people have now problem carrying around 10 to 20 gallons of highly flammable liquid (gasoline) but get freaked out about batteries.

    actually, batteries do explode. in my experience being a technician for Ford, GM, and Toyota, i have seen my share of exploding batteries. i have seen fellow technicians goto the hospital for 2nd degree burns to their face from hot battery acid after a battery has exploded in their face.
     
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  4. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 6/25/2009 6:08pm PDT

    Looks better then I thought it would with GM's tendency to bland its production cars over the concept (yes there are some exceptions), too bad it will be expensive and so on.
     
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  5. By  starflower oil Posted: 12/22/2009 10:39pm PST

    It is almost certain that when you are going to to get the best of the technology in a single unit the price will be high.
     
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