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GM considering an all electric "e-Volt" to meet California zero emissions requirements.
GM is contemplating an all electric (no ICE) Volt:
GM is contemplating an all electric (no ICE) Volt:
Beyond Malibu mules, Volt prototypes are ready to roll:What was perhaps more interesting is that Bob offered up to me a better question, then proceeded to answer it... "What if we could do a Volt that's cheaper, without engine and all the plumbing, and have a pure electric with more range?" He later indicated that the folks at GM are pondering just that question as an answer to the California mandate that they produce a couple thousand zero emissions vehicles. He actually indicated that some inside GM were lobbying for fuel cell vehicles to answer the mandate (owing to the fact that some folks have "career equity" in fuel cells), but he agreed with me that pure EV was the most sensible route compared to expensive hydrogen powered fuel cells.
But Bob wasn't finished there, in perhaps even more of a blockbuster revelation, he indicated that in just ten short days from today, he will hop into the very first Volt prototype for a test drive. (Editors note: Bob actually used the word prototype, so I'm inclined to believe he's not referring to a Malibu-based mule which has been out for several weeks now, but rather a real Chevy Volt in the shape and form that will roll off the production line in October 2010, complete with lithium ion battery packs and the full e-flex powertrain.)
This is extremely significant news indeed. It would seem to indicate that a drivable prototype of the final production vehicle exists today (or in the next few days at the outside) and that further, the folks charged with getting it to market have the confidence to let "The Man" himself behind the wheel in less than two weeks from today. It would definitely appear that the 2010 launch is imminent. And from today's revelations, it's certainly worth speculating if GM just might have an early launch surprise up it's sleeve. Such a move would be a dramatic kick start of the race to electrify the automobile. More importantly for GM, it would serve to ambush the competition and establish market dominance over rival Toyota.