The Volt uses an internal combustion engine to solely recharge lithium-ion batteries, which then power an electric motor to spin the wheels. Toyota’s plug-in works in a similar fashion to the current Prius, with both the engine and motor connected to the drivetrain.
Speaking with The Detroit News, Lutz said Toyota's plug-in will have a much shorter electric range than the Volt. However, keeping the technology simple will allow Toyota to launch is vehicle as early as next year, as revealed by the company’s president Katsuaki Watanabe yesterday.
Despite almost admitting defeat in the plug-in race, Lutz reassured reporters that development work for the Volt is fully on track, revealing that a decision has been made on which company would supply the advanced lithium-ion battery technology for the car. GM has been working closely with Continental and LG Chem and will reveal the supplier at the end of the year, likely to coincide with the rumored reveal of the production Volt at this October’s Paris Motor Show.
Original: Earlier this week General Motors released new photographic teasers of its upcoming Volt plug-in hybrid, and now more details of the worst-kept secret in Detroit have emerged from the company itself, detailing the battery pack and describing custom vehicles for specific markets.
The most detailed information yet on the battery pack that will form the electric heart of the Volt reveals that it will be a 16kWh unit, weighing 400lb (181kg) and configured in an elongated T-shape for easier implementation into many different designs, reports Automotive News. And there lies another core aspect of the Volt powertrain's development. GM will be putting the battery pack and its related componentry into a number of "unique vehicles for different markets and tastes," according to Denise Gray, GM's director of hybrid energy storage systems.
By 'different markets', GM almost certainly is eying Europe, and noting its taste for hatchbacks, wagons and other types of cars not favored in the U.S. That means the likelihood for a number of Volt-like vehicles, possibly spanning different body styles and almost certainly spanning several of GM's core brands, will be available shortly after the Volt's release, which is still scheduled to occur in 2010. Exactly what those Volt-like vehicles will be, however, remains one of the few aspects of the program shrouded in mystery.
Reader Comments
Sat Aug 16 2008 4:59 AM
Lisa V. says
The 400lb GM 16 kWh battery pack is already humbled by the 35 Kwh AltairNano battery pack in the Phoenix SUT/SUV out of Ontario, California. At least GM is putting them between the frame rails.
I'm wincing looking at the design. I would suggest better to offer a commanding view of the road like in a Range Rover or Mustang. The low sitting bunker cockpits recently in vogue are intimidating to shorter drivers and Women really like fuel economy.
Tue Aug 19 2008 11:50 AM
Chris says
lisa, this battery pack is designed more for volume production.. and cheapness than anything else... half the guys working on this car never thought that they would have to design a car with a $10k gas tank. also... "commanding" view from a mustang? you're damned well near sitting on the floor in a mustang.. I'm 6'2" and i can't see the front of the car over the hood bulge..
Sun Aug 24 2008 1:51 AM
Lisa V. says
A 16 Kwh power plant is very respectable, and I’m sure half the power capacity of competitors will be sufficient for a GM. I understand that battery production is an issue. But really, who could have foreseen ten years ago the need to repackage laptop batteries for the auto industry? Here’s my 2 cents. Ask yourself, how well would this vehicle sell with an Ecotech engine. SSR, - Solstice coupe big?
This concept design is too radical. Median adult height is 5’3â€
Thu Aug 28 2008 7:17 PM
Gus says
My wife is 5'3" and she likes the Mustang, since the electric seats can be raised quite a bit (not just slid back and forth). A while ago I bought a Mustang over a Camaro because the Camaro had such a leaned back, low seating position; Your legs were almost straight out in front of you.
That said, I think Toyota will win this game based solely on price, and the Volt will die away, especially if the Prius can be made to run a decent distance on just batteries.
Thu Aug 28 2008 11:06 PM
chris says
yeah but gus.. toyota has stated that you're probably only looking at 2 to 3 miles on batery power alone for a plug in prius.. they wont be changing the electrics much.. and today's prius can go that far on electric power alone given a full charge.. its just a question of where the charge is coming from.. the engine or the outlet.
I'm sorry but even in today's economy, this car is going to sellout no matter the price. Gm would be smart to set the standard now in the auto industry with this car.. similar to the electronics industry.. you put a bunch of research into a new technology.. you suck out a quick return from those who NEED the latest and greatest. sell the first 10,000 units at $50,000.. the next 100,000 units at 45... etc
Fri Aug 29 2008 10:33 AM
archony says
In the long term, it makes sense for GM to build a system that is an electric car with a gas engine solely for generating power. The power generating unit can be swapped for something else very easily, like hydrogen fuel cells or more efficient engines that can be optimized to run at the most efficient speed to charge batteries. I suspect that in order to get the car to market sooner they may have spent less research time on making the engine the most efficient possible.
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