Chevrolet Volt To Launch In California Q4 2010, Australia In 2012

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Dec 3, 2009
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GENERAL MOTORS has confirmed today that the upcoming Chevrolet Volt will launch in California late next year. It is then expected to begin deliveries to other markets from 2011.

Earlier this year at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show, Mark Reuss - at the time Holden's Chairman and Managing Director - announced that the Volt will arrive in Australia in 2012.

 

“We think Volt has the potential to change the game in Australian motoring,” Mr Reuss said.

“There is no doubt that Volt’s advanced propulsion systems represent some of the most exciting alternative fuel developments in motoring.

“At Holden, we believe Volt will play an incredibly important role in our efforts to make motoring better for the environment,” he said.

 

Brent Dewar, GM Vice President for the Global Chevrolet Brand said that California is the ideal launch market for the Volt.

The carmaker has joined with three California power companies and the Electric Power Research Institute for testing and research during the hybrid's initial rollout.

 

"It is natural that California is the lead market for Volt. Not only is it the largest automotive market, Californians are known to be leaders in adopting groundbreaking new technologies," Mr Dewar said.

 

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The Volt draws power from a lithium-ion battery pack - rather than the less-powerful nickel metal hydride batteries of most hybrid vehicles.

The Volt’s battery pack contains over 200 individual lithium-ion cells and is matched with a series of advanced computer controls and a liquid cooling system.

With this system, it can travel up to 65km before a small conventional petrol engine kicks in to power the car and recharge the battery.

According to a new ratings methodology drafted by the US Environmental Protection Agency, GM claims its the Volt will achieve 230 miles per gallon (around 1.2 l/100km) in regular city driving.


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Comments

  • Will [reply]
    8 months ago 0 points
    There is an assumption that GM will exist in 2012 (and pigs might fly).
  • Matt [reply]
    8 months ago 0 points
    Claiming 230 MPG is a joke. Until they come up with a better way to compare electric vehicles with petrol, its meaningless.

    Will Holden claim they developed this too? Like they claimed they developed direct injection for the Commodore? lol

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