Li-Ion Batteries helps extend range of Chevrolet Volt to 40 miles

May 16th, 2008 by Peter

General Motors have been working hard on their lithium-ion battery technology, and the automaker are making great progress as they have now managed to achieve a range of 40 miles on their Chevrolet Volt test vehicle, this is a great achievement and will help the company in their effort to getting the production vehicle made by 2010. Bob Lutz who is the company Vice Chairman has said that this new gas-electric hybrid drivetrain which is being tested on the Chevrolet Volt is reliable and is meeting its objectives, this is key to the development process for improving the range of these batteries.

It seems that the company is very confidant about the new Li-Ion Battery as Lutz has said that the development of the battery is the least of their problems. GM now have a tough challenge ahead, as the automaker needs to be able to integrate the battery drivetrain as well as the gasoline engine smoothly. The new Volt will be different to other Hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius as the wheels will be driven entirely by electricity, the gasoline engine will help to power the generator which will help to charge the batteries.

The team behind the development of the Volt still has a lot of questions that they need to address first, like how will the car deal with cold conditions, or when will the engine cut out. GM are hoping to be able to achieve a range of at least 640 miles, the company are very confidant that this can be achieved by 2010.

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