VOLT ALMOST READY TO ROLL

Volt battery development nears final phase, GM says
Robert Snell, March 18, 2009 (Detroit News)

"General Motors Corp. will reach the final engineering phase of its Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle this summer, when prototype vehicles hit the road, an official said...And though GM may run out of cash next month unless it receives $2.6 billion in additional federal aid, the automaker continues to work on second and third generation electric versions that will cost less than the Volt, which is scheduled to debut in November 2010...

"As part of the $13.4 billion federal loan package GM received late last year, the automaker is required to develop vehicles that rely on advanced technology. GM must show progress on becoming a viable company by March 31 or the U.S. Department of Treasury could demand repayment -- a move that would force the automaker into bankruptcy."

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"GM is working with companies that produce battery cells and electronic and thermal systems to find innovations that will drop the cost of subsequent generations of electric vehicles...The first-generation Volt could cost as much as $40,000 because of its expensive lithium-ion batteries, and Congress is considering tax breaks that would defray the purchase cost.

"GM has about 30 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles on the road right now that utilize the Volt's lithium-ion battery packs and the automaker will start testing about 80 prototype vehicles this summer that functionally represent the electric car..."

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"The Volt will rely on a lithium-ion battery pack that will let commuters travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone. The Volt's engine kicks in after its battery is drained by about 70 percent to sustain the battery's remaining charge to keep the car running for several hundred miles...

"GM said it is boosting its Volt investment to more than $1 billion by establishing a plant in Michigan...that will produce lithium-ion battery packs...GM initially will rely on foreign-made batteries for the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle...GM is partnering with South Korea-based battery maker LG Chem...GM plans to select the battery plant site by the end of June with production starting in early 2010..."