GM, SAIC to develop electric vehicles in China

General Motors Co and its Chinese partner SAIC Motor Corp signed an agreement on Tuesday to develop and build electric vehicles in the world's largest auto market.

The deal will allow GM and SAIC to eventually offer electric vehicles (EVs) that qualify for expected Chinese "green" subsidies, something GM's Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid electric car does not qualify for since it is not built in China, GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky said.

The subsidies would provide buyers with a discount, either before or after purchase.

The Volt will go on sale in China later this year, but without the subsidies that can cut prices roughly 30 percent. Girsky said GM hopes China eventually extends the green subsidies to all vehicles.

Industry observers and U.S. lawmakers have said that by limiting the subsidies to locally built models, the Chinese government is pressuring companies like GM to share advanced technology with its Chinese partners.

"The basic, unpublished rules look like this: If you want approvals to build more Buicks and Chevys in China ... you should first agree to transfer EV technology," said independent China auto analyst Michael Dunne.

"The price of access to the world's No. 1 car market just went up a few notches," added Dunne, who wrote "American Wheels Chinese Roads: the Story of General Motors in China."

GM officials deny facing any pressure.

"We've had no requests for intellectual property around Volt from our partner, SAIC, or the Chinese government," Girsky said on a conference call. GM currently has no plans to build Volt in China. "This is not a political decision. This is a business decision."

China has set an ambitious target to have 1 million green vehicles on the road by 2020, up from a few thousand at best currently. J.D. Power and Associates estimates the EV market in China will not reach 200,000 sales until 2015 at the earliest.

"We're making guesses here, but we do not want to be left out," Girsky said, when asked how big China's EV market could get.

Girsky compared the SAIC deal to one announced last month with South Korea's LG Corp to design a range of EVs to be sold around the world. He said the SAIC deal would make EVs for China, and the LG deal would serve the rest of the world.

Last year, the Chinese government unveiled a pilot program to hand out subsidies to buyers of fuel-efficient cars in five Chinese cities as it moves to cut emissions in the world's most populous country, which is also the world's largest producer of greenhouse gases. It is still finalizing those regulations.

But those subsidies, which favor electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, may only cover locally made green models, reflecting Beijing's resolve to promote domestic brands and locally built products.

That potentially could put GM's Volt and Nissan Motor Co Ltd's Leaf at a significant disadvantage by making the vehicles too expensive for many Chinese buyers.

Nissan, which will begin selling the Leaf in China later this year, previously said it would build an electric vehicle with its Chinese partner in that market by 2015.

GM and SAIC said their Chinese joint venture's engineering and design operations will develop the new architecture as well as key parts. Girsky said it will be a dedicated electric vehicle platform and not based on current models.

The companies, which are making equal, undisclosed investments in the project, said product details and timing will be announced at a later date. J.D. Power analyst Mike Omotoso said the SAIC venture could develop its EV within two three years.

The Shanghai GM joint venture introduced the Chevy Sail electric concept vehicle late last year. Vehicles developed under the partnership will be sold in China under Shanghai GM and SAIC brands, and GM will use the platform to build electric vehicles globally.

The agreement finalizes a nonbinding memorandum on cooperation for green-vehicle development SAIC and GM signed last November. At the time, SAIC agreed to buy a 1 percent stake in GM through an initial public offering held to make GM a public company again and cut the U.S. Treasury's holding in the company.

The Shanghai GM joint venture builds Chevy, Buick and Cadillac vehicles in China, and dates back almost 15 years.

GM's board of directors met China this week -- the first time ever outside the United States.

Opel RAK e could sell for $10,000 [video]

Opel today formally introduced the RAK e experimental vehicle – an all-new battery-powered electric vehicle that can travel 100 kilometers (61 miles) for one euro ($1.36), weighs a third of a modern small car and can reach 120 km/h (75 mph) in less than 13 seconds.

"We want to develop electric vehicles that everyone can afford," said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Opel CEO, at the world premiere in Frankfurt. "The RAK e experimental vehicle aims to deliver pricing that even younger customers can afford. The RAK e has cool looks and production-potential."

Opel's RAK e electric tandem two-seater "is a very serious concept," says General Motors Europe boss Nick Reilly, adding that the company is investigating production feasibility and believes the car could go on sale for around $10,000.

The lightweight concept of the RAK e is based on a steel space-frame structure beneath a skin of conventional synthetic material. This allows a high level of safety as well as affordable pricing. Opel deliberately avoided the use of expensive composite materials in its lightweight-design philosophy, in order to make electric mobility affordable for as many people as possible.

The name "RAK e" recalls the pioneering spirit inspired by Fritz von Opel and his revolutionary rocket-powered car in the last century. In 1928 RAK 2 catapulted the grandson of company-founder Adam Opel to a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph). The "e" not only stands for electric, but also takes up again the idea of ground-breaking experimental vehicles.

"The RAK e is inspired by our wealth of experience in the area of electro-mobility, above all by the Ampera"; explains Mark Adams, vice president Design. "This progressive concept is creating a new class of electric vehicle; this is what future mobility with 'my first e-Opel' could look like. We are eager to see the reaction of visitors to the show."

The potential of the experimental vehicle is reflected in its design. The bodywork is made of fully recyclable synthetic material; the tandem two-seat passenger compartment is reminiscent of glider. The large cockpit canopy creates a feeling of spaciousness and all-around visibility. The front seat, steering column and armrests automatically tip forward to enable easy-entry; remote control via smart phone enhances the optical effect of this action. The pedals and the steering wheel adjust to the size of the driver.

The two-seater features visible chassis components, such as the wheel-integrated front disk brakes and the motorbike-derived rear swing-arm. The rear wheels enhance agility with a tread width of only 600 mm.

Around three meters long and 119 cm (46.9 inches) high, the aerodynamic RAK e offers zero-emission driving. After charging the battery for three hours, the experimental vehicle can travel up to 100 km (61 miles). Due to the combination of low weight, minimal frontal area, low rolling resistance, and highly efficient electric propulsion. The cockpit features displays showing battery state-of-charge or the nearest charging station, infotainment equipment, and heating and cooling

Weighing only 380 kg (838 lbs.) the RAK e is about one third the weight of a modern small car. Peak power output is 36.5 kW/49 hp; 10.5 kW/14 hp is continuously available. The useable battery capacity of 5 kWh enables a range of 100 km (61 miles), which corresponds to fuel consumption of just 0.6 liters (0.16 gallons) of gasoline. Over an annual 10,000 km (6,214 miles) the RAK e's energy consumption would be 525 kWh. This could be supplied by a five square-meter, 500-Watt solar panel mounted on the roof of the garage.

Opel/Vauxhall to unveil 2-seat EV concept @ Frankfurt

Vauxhall/Opel is to reveal a striking concept with ‘production potential' at this month's Frankfurt show that could revolutionise urban transport, especially for younger drivers and those on a very tight budget.

A battery-powered electric vehicle, the low, rakish concept will be highly affordable, have a 60-mile range and be capable of 75mph, making even the odd motorway trip feasible.

Yet despite its aesthetic appeal, the concept will be practical, affording two seats in a tandem layout, and its light weight - around a third of a small modern car's - would allow it to be agile and fun to drive.

Inspired by the Ampera, the concept has the potential to create a new class of light-weight, zero-emissions electric vehicles in the UK and Europe.

More details will be revealed at the Vauxhall/Opel press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13.

Old Top Gear EV1 Electric [video]

Old Top Gear from 1997 Quentin Willson roadtests the EV1 Electric

This clip was extracted from the episode that was first broadcast on the 24th April 1997

NASCAR Champions on their Volts [video]

Five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and four-time champ Jeff Gordon are both proud owners of Chevrolet Volts.

They talk about what they like about their newest cars and how other people respond when they see them driving the extended-range electric vehicle.

GM and LG to Jointly Develop Electric Vehicles

General Motors and LG Group will jointly design and engineer future electric vehicles, expanding a relationship built on LG’s work as the battery cell supplier for the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera extended-range EVs.

The definitive agreement signed Wednesday will help GM expand the number and types of electric vehicles it makes and sells by using LG’s proven expertise in batteries and other systems. For LG, the arrangement represents a widening of its portfolio as an automotive solution provider.

“Many solutions for tomorrow’s transportation needs may be available more quickly by building on our partnership strategy,” said GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky. ”Consumers benefit by getting the latest fuel-saving technology faster if we work with the best suppliers and we save time and money in the development process.”

The success of the extended-range propulsion system in the Volt and Ampera led to exploring other collaborations in the electrification of the automobile. Teams of LG and GM engineers will work on key components, as well as vehicle structures and architectures. Vehicles resulting from the partnership will be sold in many countries.

The GM-LG relationship that began with LG delivering the cells for the battery pack of the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera expanded last year with work on a demonstration fleet of Chevrolet Cruze electric vehicles. These vehicles were used as official vehicles of the G20 summit in Seoul are now in the phase of market-testing to learn more about capabilities and requirements.

“This is a strategic development for LG and we fully support GM’s goal to lead the industry in the electrification of the automobile,” said Juno Cho, president and chief operating officer of LG Corp.

Accelerating the pace of roadworthy technology is more important than ever with the announcement of a number of more stringent emission and fuel consumption regulations around the world, including the recent agreement calling for a U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) of 54.5 mpg (23.2km/l) by the end of the 2025 model year. Electric vehicles, which have no tailpipe emissions and require no gasoline, are expected to play a major role in reaching the CAFE goal.

Timing of the launch of the first vehicles resulting from the partnership will be announced closer to market readiness. The agreement does not involve an exchange of equity between the companies.

GM and LG have been running a Chevy Cruz EV demo fleet in Korea for at least the last year!

Cadillac announce ELR Extended Range Electric Vehicle [video]

Cadillac has officially announced plans to build a production version of the Converj concept.

Development of the ELR is just underway, so details on performance, price and timing will be announced later.

The Cadillac ELR will feature an electric propulsion system made up of a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the battery’s energy is low, the ELR seamlessly switches to extended-range mode to enable driving for hundreds of additional miles.

“The concept generated instant enthusiasm,” said Don Butler, vice president-Cadillac Marketing. “Like other milestone Cadillac models of the past, the ELR will offer something not otherwise present – the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving.”

Cadillac selected the name ELR to indicate the car’s electric propulsion technology, in keeping with the brand’s 3-letter international model naming convention.

The Converj Concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification, said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design.

“There’s no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2,” Welburn said.

Cadillac will reveal another new concept car on Thursday, Aug. 18, at a special event prior to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Cadillac also recently announced it will add two new vehicles to its product lineup in 2012, the XTS large luxury sedan and an all-new luxury compact sedan codenamed ATS.

GM Does Deal With A123 – Will Launch 1st Pure Battery-EV in 2014

General Motors has inked a deal with U.S. battery supplier A123 – a deal that well-placed sources say confirms the maker’s plans to put at least one battery-electric vehicle into production by 2014.

The maker has a separate deal with LG Chem to produce lithium-ion batteries for its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. The Korean maker beat out A123 for that contract and is now in the process of setting up a new factory to produce Volt batteries near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Production of the Volt is now ramping up and, along with the similar Opel Ampera, GM hopes to produce as many as 60,000 plug-ins next year.

The new alliance will focus on an entirely different range of vehicles, GM spokesman Kevin Kelly hinted. “It is not for the Volt or the next-generation Volt. This is for a different application, but we can’t get into what this is for or the timing.”

While Kelly declined to comment, GM sources noted that the maker now hopes to expand into a broad range of “electrified” vehicles, from conventional hybrids to plug-ins and pure battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs. The A123 batteries will be utilized for the latter group.
Precisely what is in store is unclear, though there could be battery-electric models sold through “multiple brands,” according to sources. The first of the BEVs is expected to reach market by 2014.

While a variety of different platforms, large and small, have been under study, it appears the first battery-electric models will be in the small car class and similar to the low-volume demonstration fleets GM has launched in two of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. In India, the maker has electrified its compact Chevrolet Beat, while in China it has opted to go with the similarly-sized Sail. In Korea GM have a test fleet of GM Daewoo based Chevrolet Cruze EVs and GM Daewoo Lacetti Premieres.

China, in particular, has been pressing the auto industry to adopt battery power as a way to reduce dependence upon imported oil. It is likely to be one of several initial markets for the new GM battery cars.

GM may also go up-market, suggested another source. Its Cadillac brand has been considering several ways to use battery propulsion, though a plan to develop a luxury version of the Volt was rejected by CEO Dan Akerson who is, however, a corporate cheerleader for alternative propulsion.

The decision to go with A123 – which was the first runner-up in the bidding to supply batteries to Volt – reflects the fact that lithium-ion technology is evolving fast. There are about 14 different “families” of lithium chemistry, each with distinctly different properties. Some hold more energy, others store less but permit power to be drawn down more quickly, so some formulations are good for conventional hybrids, while others work better for battery-electric applications.

The latest version of the A123 nanophosphate chemistry appears particularly well-suited to pure battery-electric vehicles, several GM sources explained. It has a higher energy density – a measure of how much power can be stored in a given mass. And more of the potential capacity of the battery can be used.

With the batteries in the Volt, only about 60% of the total 16 kilowatt-hours of capacity are actually used, day-to-day. With the A123 pack that might top 70% or higher – which means fewer batteries are needed. And with lithium batteries running well north of $500 a kWH, that translates into significant savings.

Perhaps equally important, the A123 packaging is more flexible than LG Chem’s, which makes it easier to squeeze a lot of batteries into the nooks and crannies of a small car, rather than the large, T-shaped pack used in the Volt.

With the planned 2014 launch of its first pure batter car GM will enter into an increasingly crowded market. Nissan launched the first mass market battery car, the Leaf, late last year, shortly after followed by Ford’s Transit Connect Electric. Ford will begin a phased roll-out of its Focus Electric later in 2011, with Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda and Nissan’s Infiniti among the many major other brands getting into BEV production. Meanwhile, start-up Tesla is one of many automotive wannabes also entering the fray, its Model S sedan due to market next year.

Both LG Chem and A123 are vying to supply those carmakers – as are a variety of other battery producers. The batteries for the GM BEVs will be produced at a plant in Livonia, a suburb of Detroit, where A123 already employs 775 people, a workforce expected to rapidly grow as a result of the new contract.

Opel/Vauxhall to receive 10,000 Amperas from GM next year

General Motors Co. will make 10,000 of its Ampera plug-in hybrid cars available for sale in Europe next year, said GM Europe President Nick Reilly.

The Ampera is a sister model to the Chevrolet Volt and is built alongside the Volt in Hamtramck near Detroit.

Opel will receive 6,000 of the cars from GM's allotment of 60,000 for 2012. The remaining 4,000 cars will be sold by GM's Vauxhall brand in the UK.

The Ampera shares the Volt's technology but has styling changes such as Opel's bold-looking grille. Opel also lists Bose speakers and touchscreen monitors as examples of premium content in the Ampera.

Volt in Europe

GM will launch the Ampera and Volt in Europe in November. GM plans to sell up to 2,000 units of the Volt annually in the region.

Opel will sell the Ampera for 42,900 euros when it goes on sale in November in Europe, more than the $39,995 (28,125 euros) price of a Volt in the United States.

At the Paris auto show last year, Nick Reilly said the Ampera will be aimed at the business fleet market and local government agencies, areas where Opel is strong. The Volt, he said, would be targeted at retail customers in Europe.

GM has already started selling the Volt in the U.S.

The Ampera will be powered by electricity at all times. For the first 40km to 80 km (25 to 50 miles), power for the drivetrain comes from electricity stored in the 16-kilowatt hour lithium ion battery pack and the car has zero emissions. For longer trips a gasoline-fueled engine/generator sustains the battery charge and extends the driving range to 500km (300 miles).

GM engineer gets 3,108 mpg in his Chevy Volt [video]

In a bit of tongue-in-cheek marketing, GM blog has posted a video showing the dash display of a Chevy Volt leased by General Motors Battery Systems Engineer Andy Oury.

Showing the Volt's maintenance mode, which cycle the fuel and lubricate parts of the vehicle if the engine hasn't been used, the dash display also shows the vehicles lifetime MPG numbers of 1554.1 Miles range having used just 0.5 Gallons of gasoline. This is a good illustration of the main advantage of a plug-in as opposed to a non-plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Note: The 2011 Chevy Volt has an EPA-estimated 35 miles on a single charge; EPA-est. 93 MPGe [electric]; 35 city, 40 MPG hwy [gas]. Actual range varies with conditions.

Fully Charged Vauxhall Ampera Test Drive [video]

Robert Llewellyn takes a test drive in the Vauxhall Ampera EREV, available in the UK early 2012

LlewBlog

NYPD to Get 50 Chevy Volt Police Cars

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg today unveiled the first of what will be a fleet of 50 Chevrolet Volt NYPD police cruisers, which will hit the treacherous and busy streets of Manhattan this year.

“This is the latest and largest-ever addition of electric vehicles to the City’s fleet, which is already the largest municipal clean-air vehicle fleet in the nation,” Bloomberg said in a statement. “We will continue to lead by example, but we also must provide New Yorkers with tools to make environmentally friendly choices in their own lives.

“When provided with the facts, people become far more likely to choose an electric vehicle. Our job is to ensure the public has the facts, ensure they can make their own decisions and ensure that if they want to drive an electric vehicle, we are providing the infrastructure needed. It’s all part of our PlaNYC agenda to create a greener, greater New York City.”

The Volt is the first fully-electric car to join the NYPD’s ranks. In addition, the New York City Police Department will add 10 Ford Transit Connect electric vehicles and 10 Navi-Star trucks to its fleet.

Opel and Europcar Launch Major Electric Vehicle Cooperation

Opel and Europcar have announced an agreement to introduce the Opel Ampera as a rental car throughout Europe. With the market introduction of the electric Opel Ampera by the end of 2011, Opel will create a new segment in the European automotive market and underline its role as a trendsetter for innovative mobility solutions.

The two companies are joining forces to broaden the range of people that will be able to access electric vehicles, capitalising on the Ampera's launch. The goal is to deploy the first vehicles in Europcar rental outlets in Germany in November of this year, followed soon afterwards by Belgium and the Netherlands. The Opel Ampera will then be rolled out throughout France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom from the beginning of 2012.

"Electric cars are among the best long-term solutions to meet society's energy and environmental challenges. The fact that Europcar is going to introduce the Opel Ampera to its day-to-day business is further proof that our extended-range electric vehicle is completely suitable for everyday use – even as a fleet vehicle in the tough rental car business", says Opel/Vauxhall Vice President Sales, Marketing & Aftersales Europe, Alain Visser.

Full introduction to Ampera on handover to rental customers

The Ampera is as easy to drive as any other car. The electric vehicle also offers a number of intelligent functions that help the driver to operate the vehicle highly efficiently. Opel and Europcar have together created a comprehensive introduction to the Ampera to present these features to rental customers. On booking, customers are advised to plan 10-15 minutes for the handover to accommodate this.

Trained Europcar employees will explain a range of topics including battery charging, the range extender, as well as other special functions and features such as the energy consumption and energy efficiency displays. In addition, customers will receive advice on energy-efficient driving in battery operation and how to recuperate energy when braking. Customers will also have the opportunity to give feedback through online chats and questionnaires.

Driverless electric cars to hit London

LONDON'S legacy Olympic Park could become the testing ground for electric driverless cars, which experts believe could be commonplace by the 2030s.

The EN-V - electric networked vehicle - produced by General Motors could help to make the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, carbon-free in transportation terms.

It is the closest the industry has come to cars driven by artificial intelligence. Driven by next-generation satellite navigation and v2v - vehicle-to-vehicle wireless connectivity with other cars - and carrying an array of built-in sensors, GM claims that the EN-V concept makes collisions impossible, renders traffic lights redundant and, running on an electric charge, eliminates urban congestion and pollution. They can even take children to school and park themselves.

The concept car, developed by GM's Michigan-based British scientist Chris Borroni-Bird, was targeted originally at the cities of the future, such as those being developed in China and the Far East. Mr Borroni-Bird has also considered their use for closed communities such as those for the elderly or for sprawling student or commercial campuses.

However, GM has approached the offices of the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, offering the EN-V as the ideal mode of transport when the area is transformed from 2013 into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. GM said: "The EN-V has the capability of being the Boris bike of the future."

The legacy Olympic Park envisages 11,000 homes plus businesses being built in five communities connected by nine miles of roads and twenty-two miles of cycle and footpaths. The Olympic Park Legacy Company said that no decisions had been made on transportation but that it "would be keen to support and hugely encourage sustainable schemes". Working models of the EN-V have been in Britain for the first time over the past week. Showcased at last weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed, the vehicles were also put through their paces at GM's testing grounds at Millbrook in Bedfordshire.

GM has been calling the project the "reinvention of the automobile". Tom Brown, project engineer on the EN-V programme and the vehicle's chief test driver, told The Times: "The EN-V means you have to rethink everything you think about cars and about traffic." He said that the futuristic design of the EN-Vs - drawn to appeal to the Chinese market - had prompted several offers from wealthy car enthusiasts at Goodwood.

GM created the EN-V for the Shanghai Expo as a solution to expected population shifts in the coming decades. It is said that by 2030, 60 per cent of people will be living in urbanised areas. A recent White Paper from the European Commission proposed the abolition of anything other than electric cars from urban areas by 2050.

GM Volt reaches 2 million miles, 1.3 million of them gas-free

Like many Americans, Kory Levoy's weekly routine included shelling out $50 to $60 a week to fill his Audi TT Roadster. In the six months he has owned his Chevrolet Volt, Levoy has driven approximately 7,500 miles and has filled up only three times.

"I was tired of spending roughly $200 plus a month on gas," said Levoy, a manufacturing manager from Yorba Linda, Calif. "The ability to not even consider finding a gas station or worry about fuel pricing is a phenomenal experience."

Like many other Volt owners, Levoy is averaging 40 miles on a single charge of electricity, more range than he needs for his daily commute of 25 miles each way to work.

"At night I charge my Volt at home using my 240-volt home charging station, and am then able to use my 120-volt portable vehicle charge cord to charge during work, meaning I rarely need to use gas," said Levoy.

Levoy estimates his average electric bill to charge his Volt is about $25 a month, or less than a dollar a day. Even with paying for more electricity, Levoy could save close to $2,000 a year in gasoline.

Levoy is not alone in seeing real savings from owning a Volt. Carey Bailey, an electrical engineer from Cottage Grove, Ore., used to spend about $500 a month in gasoline for his 75-mile roundtrip commute. Since purchasing his Volt in January, Bailey he has cut that to about $100 a month and expects it to drop further. He estimates it costs roughly $1.10 a day to charge his Volt.

"Each day, I use about a quarter of a gallon of gas to get to work, which is hardly anything," said Bailey. "Being able to charge at work is an added benefit and I love the fact that I am reducing my carbon footprint by not consuming as much gas."

The Volt's extended-range capability offers a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.

"About two-thirds of the more than 2 million miles driven by Volt owners to date have been powered by domestically produced electricity," said Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director. "We are hearing from owners like Kory and Carey who are able to charge both at home overnight and at work during the day. These owners are able to maximize driving on electricity alone, seeing real saving at the pump and in their wallets."

GM showcases Chevrolet Beat Battery Electric Vehicle

Chevrolet selects India as an important market to test battery electric technology. General Motors India today showcased the Chevrolet Beat Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) as part of the ongoing celebrations of World Environment Day. The demonstration vehicle will be used by GM India to showcase the effectiveness of battery electric vehicle technology in India. GM India engineers will also use the vehicle to address potential cost savings to help make BEVs more affordable for global customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Karl Slym, President & Managing Director, General Motors India said, “General Motors is committed to providing customers around the world with electrification technologies that will reduce their fuel consumption, helping them save money. GM India will lead in this ‘tailored for India’ demo program for battery electric technology, with Chevrolet Beat chosen as the best way to evaluate the technology. We are delighted that Chevrolet selected India as an important market to test battery electric technology, while recognizing the capabilities of our engineering team to help identify ways to make this technology more affordable.”

Powered by a 300 cell lithium-ion battery with a total energy capacity of approximately 20 kWh, the 270 kg battery can power the Beat for at least 130 km under normal driving conditions. The liquid cooled battery can operate in temperatures ranging from approximately -20?to 45?, with charge times of less than 8 hours using a 240V outlet. Power from the battery is transferred to the drive wheels through a single speed drive unit and an electric motor producing approximately 45kW of power.

This demonstration project is the latest example of GM’s commitment to be a leader in the development of vehicle electrification technologies. GM has already announced demonstration programs in Korea, China and Germany. The company is committed to delivering customers around the world with electrification solutions that best fit their lives, including the industry’s first extended-range electric vehicles: Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera.

Learnings from this demonstration fleet, and others around the world, will strengthen GM’s core vehicle electrification competencies including batteries, electric motors and power electronic and controls, and charging. GM India is already offering a range of alternate fuel vehicles including Chevrolet Beat LPG, Chevrolet Spark LPG and Chevrolet Aveo CNG to its valued customers.

GM has already established battery leadership. It has one of the most advanced battery labs in the world at its Technical Center in Warren, Michigan in the United States and will be opening a new battery lab in China soon.

The year 2011 marks the completion of 100 years of Chevrolet’s successful operations globally. With a wide array of products and services, Chevrolet has brought unmatched product quality and unparalleled performance to the customers around the world. Inspirational designs, superior technology and innovative programs have made Chevrolet one of the most-loved and sought after brand worldwide. Continuing its journey, Chevrolet plans to launch several new products and services for the global audience, relevant to the respective markets and customer preferences.

GM Ventures Invests in Battery Electric Bus Company [video]

General Motors Ventures LLC will invest $6 million in Proterra Inc., a leading maker of zero-emission commercial transit buses, as part of its mission to invest in next-generation technologies that support innovation in the global transportation industry.

GM Ventures is part of an investment group, led by venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers that will invest a total of $30 million in the bus manufacturer.

Proterra’s EcoRide™ BE-35 battery electric bus is averaging up to 24 mpg (diesel equivalent) in service, a more than 600-percent improvement over a typical diesel bus. Using technology developed by Proterra, the lightweight, composite-body bus recharges in about 10 minutes.

“This equity investment further demonstrates GM’s commitment to electric propulsion and supports our commitment to identify and invest in technology solutions that help advance the global transportation industry,” said Jon Lauckner, president of GM Ventures. “While this investment will help Proterra commercialize its electric bus and fast-charging technology, it also helps to address the future challenges of urban mobility.”

Proterra Inc. was founded in 2004 and is currently manufacturing buses in a temporary plant in Greenville, S.C. near Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research. Proterra’s TerraVolt™ energy storage system consists of 54-72 kWh lithium titanate battery packs that recharge in 10 minutes using the company’s roof-mounted Fast Fill™ recharging system.

Three EcoRide BE-35 buses are currently in a test fleet near Pomona, Calif., with additional buses to be added, and new buses and charging stations are also headed to San Antonio and Tallahassee, Fla., later this year. This investment allows Proterra to complete federal validation testing of its bus, roll out additional pilot fleets and complete initiatives to significantly reduce costs and increase volume production at its Greenville, S.C. manufacturing plant, which will have the capacity to produce 400 buses annually.

With up to a 40-mile range for the under 10-minute fast charge application, the EcoRide BE-35 can easily replace 80 percent of diesel buses in typical transit and shuttle use without altering schedules or passenger service. The EcoRide can also be configured for longer ranges while charging at a central location.

“With the support of GM’s automotive expertise and technology leadership, we can achieve a better, cleaner future for public transportation,” said Jeff Granato, president of Proterra. “We are proud to have General Motors on board.”

Chevrolet Begins Taking Orders Nationwide for 2012 Volt

Chevrolet dealers in all 50 states will begin taking orders for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car today.

The suggested retail price for the award-winning Volt will start at $39,995 (or $32,495 assuming a full federal tax credit of $7,500, which is subject to the customer’s eligibility). The price includes an $850 destination freight charge but excludes tax, title and license fees. The starting price of the 2012 model is more than $1,000 below the 2011 base model.

The lower base price is possible in part because of a wider range of options and configurations that come with the expansion of Volt production for sale nationally. The 2011 model was available in just seven states and the District of Columbia.

For 2012, consumers will be able to choose from a total of seven option packages compared with only three for the 2011 model. A loaded Volt, with leather appointments, backup camera, navigation system and premium paint and wheels is priced at $46,265 including delivery ($38,765 net of full tax credit).

“We are giving consumers greater choice of content as the Volt becomes available nationwide by the end of this year,” said Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director. “This gives us the opportunity to be more flexible in our pricing and still provide additional high-tech content to customers who want to purchase it.”

The Volt will be available in two additional interior accents (white and spiced red) and two new exterior colors (Summit White and Blue Topaz Metallic).

New features for 2012 include:

Standard keyless access with passive locking; the car automatically locks and unlocks with the key fob in close proximity of vehicle
OnStar Turn by Turn navigation standard for three years, and available in-dash navigation system
Chevrolet MyLink including Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones (late availability)
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback and 7-inch diagonal color touch-screen display
Available 17-inch sport alloy wheels with black inserts (late availability).
Chevrolet will continue to offer an eight-year/100,000-mile* limited warranty on the Volt’s 16-kWh lithium-ion battery, plus:

Three-year/36,000-mile* bumper-to-bumper coverage
Five-year/100,000-mile* roadside assistance and courtesy transportation
Five-year/100,000-mile* limited gas engine coverage
Six-year/100,000-mile* corrosion protection coverage.

Customers in all states can visit their nearest participating Chevrolet Volt dealer today to order a 2012 Volt. Once an order is placed, a dedicated Volt advisor will be available to answer questions and keep the customer apprised of the order progress. Nationwide availability will initially be limited as deliveries will occur by phases. Additionally, Chevrolet will have a team of Volt advisors available to answer questions starting today at 1-888-VOLT-4-YOU (1-888-865-8496).

The Volt offers a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full change. Chevrolet expects to build up to 45,000 Volts for retail and fleet customers in the United States during calendar year 2012.

Deal for first 100 government EVs almost done

The Obama administration is putting the finishing touches on its purchase of the federal government’s first 100 electric vehicles, a U.S. Department of Energy official said today.

Patrick Davis, a program director at the department’s vehicle technologies program, told a Senate panel: “The administration shares your commitment to upgrading the federal fleet and is finalizing the procurement of 100 electric vehicles.”

Last fall the General Services Administration asked automakers to bid on supplying the first 100 EVs for federal purchase.

GSA spokeswoman Sara Merriam declined today to say when the purchases would be announced, which models and makes are involved, when the vehicles would be delivered or which federal agencies would get them.

The Nissan Leaf EV and the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid are the only current offerings by major automakers, but several more models will arrive from a number of companies in the next 18 months.Davis testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as it considered legislation to provide grants to communities to install charging infrastructure.

Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers spokesman Wade Newton said: "We’re supportive of governments leading by example when it comes to new technologies."

GSA doubled the federal hybrid fleet over the past year as part of an administration effort to cut the government fleet’s petroleum use 30 percent by 2020, Merriam said. Of the 600,000 vehicles GSA operates, fewer than 2 percent are hybrids.

In fiscal 2009, which includes most of President Obama’s first year in office, the government purchased 4,888 hybrids, up from 618 bought in fiscal 2008, Merriam said.

The figure rose to 7,022 hybrids in fiscal 2010, she said.

Obama has said that starting in 2015, every car the government purchases for its fleet will have alternative-fuel technology.

Chevrolet Volt Plant Prepares for Production Boost, Exports

General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant, home of the Chevrolet Volt, will close for four weeks beginning in June for planned upgrades to prepare for a significant increase in the rate of Volt production, along with assembly of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan.

Already in tight supply, the number of Volts available for delivery to retail customers will be further restricted over the next three months before production resumes and the Volt and the Opel Ampera begin being exported to Europe and China.

“The Volt will be available to customers nationwide by the end of 2011,” said Cristi Landy, director of Chevrolet Volt Marketing. “By taking the time to reconfigure the plant, we will be better able to meet the tremendous consumer demand.”

The 2011 Volt was launched in California, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The Volt will be available nationwide and in Europe, China and Canada by the end of this year.

As a result of the plant upgrades, planned Volt and Ampera production capacity this year will increase to 16,000 units, including exports and a fleet of several hundred demonstration units sent to U.S. dealers. In 2012, global production capacity is expected to be 60,000 vehicles with an estimated 45,000 to be delivered in the United States.

During the four-week shutdown the plant will complete some pre-scheduled upgrades, including the installation of new tools, equipment and overhead conveyor systems throughout the facility. This will prepare the plant for 2012 Volt and Ampera production and continue work on projects in preparation to launch the 2013 Malibu next year.

Coupled with already low dealer inventories and strong demand, the suspension of production, will result in limited availability and reduced sales in June and July.

The Volt is an electric vehicle that offers a total driving range of 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full change.

Production of the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will begin next year. Building on Chevrolet’s reputation of providing the most fuel-efficient passenger cars, the 2013 Malibu launch will be led by the Eco model, expected to achieve 38 miles per gallon on the highway.