GM’s new electric car project – the Volt
GM had a successful electric car push a few years ago, but abandoned it after what appeared to be successful public trials, causing some to theorize that the car was “killed” for other-than-technical reasons. (See “Who Killed the Electric Car?” for more background.)
Today, GM announced that they are re-entering the electric car market with a novel electric design which uses the latest battery technology coupled with a small on-board recharging engine which is powered by gasoline.
This system of battery-drive with combustion engine re-charging is very similar to proven naval propulsion designs used most notibly in diesel-electric submarines from World War II thru present day. In similar systems, electric battery banks power electric motors while underwater with diesel engines recharging as needed while on the surface or at snorkle depth.
…The push to develop environmentally friendly cars is also an attempt by GM to distance itself from its close association with gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles, a reputation executives say has hampered its sales in some markets.
The Volt’s combustion engine is designed only as a supplement to keep its batteries charged, an innovation GM executives hope will help the automaker jump ahead of Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.T), which now dominates the hybrid market…
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