GM & EPRI join forces to develop electric infrastructure

Posted Mon Jul 21 2008 2:23 PM by James Martinez

General Motors' roll-out of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid is set to have a large impact on the United States power industry. In a bid to anticipate this impact, General Motors will likely team up with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) - an institute that conducts research for several utilities that together power 90% of the United States.

While Ford already has a deal in place with EPRI, which was announced in March of this year, the Blue Oval does not have a plug-in hybrid on the table that is being watched as closely as Chevrolet's Volt.

The collaboration between GM and EPRI's major goal will be to promote the use of rechargeable vehicles such as GM's Chevy Volt, which is expected to cause a mass mobilization of consumers towards the plug-in hybrid car. While the Volt is planned for a 2010 release, preparing an infrastructure for the car early will be crucial to its success, reports Automotive News.

There have been previous proposals for electricity companies to set up recharging stations which allow parked cars to return power to the grid, although the viability of such an arrangement remains doubtful. Other programs such as battery recycling for electric cars are still being studied and in conjunction with EPRI the US auto industry should be able to plan an effective infrastructure capable of supporting a switch to electric cars.

Reader Comments

Mon Jul 21 2008 6:25 PM
SuperSkyline89 says

I have to admit, I think GM is on to a good thing here. Whereas Toyota is going after hybrids (and selling them in droves to suckers) that still use gas, GM is finding a real solution. The fact is that we need an energy source for our vehicles, one that doesn't involve burning gasoline. Hybrids are not a solution to this problem, this Chevy quite possibly could be.

I honestly hope this one works out well.
Mon Jul 21 2008 10:42 PM
Regina says

I would have to agree. The Prius is not the be-all and the end-all of the solution to less fuel consumption. It's only fair we have more options. would have to agree with that.
Tue Jul 22 2008 11:35 AM
Andrew says

I am part of a campaign aimed at General Motors to become Green Motors and become a hybrid/electric car manufacturer. Check it out here: Green motors Campaign

General Motors is falling apart, losing billions, and in jeopardy of going out of business. If we can convince them that there is a viable market for them taking drastic action to convert their cars and trucks to being the most environmentally efficient in the world, they have nothing to lose by unconditionally embracing the green movement.

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