Like conventional gas-electric hybrids, which have two drivetrains, a plug-in hybrid also can recharge its batteries through a regenerative brake system while on the road. The range on plug-in cars has typically been no more than 20-30 miles on battery alone. The Volt would have a range of 40 miles.
The Volt would get 50 miles per gallon on gasoline alone and with battery power could get as much as 150 mpg. It can be fully recharged by plugging it into a 110-volt outlet for six hours and will have a one-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine that can generate electricity to power the vehicle and replenish the battery, or for trips longer than 40 miles.
Larry Burns, GM's vice president for research, said there are more than 800 million cars and trucks in the world, which is expected to jump to 1.1 billion by 2020.
"We can't continue to be 98-percent dependent on oil to meet our transportation needs. Something has to give," Burns said. "The DNA of the automobile has not changed in more than 100 years.
GM has quietly been making significant investments in battery technology, working with its suppliers and battery manufacturers.
Last week, it awarded contracts to two suppliers to develop a lithium-ion battery for its upcoming Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid. The lithium-ion battery is expected to replace the nickel-metal hydride battery, allowing the vehicle to rely more heavily on electric power than on gasoline-based energy.
Lutz has said it will take three to four years "to convert from 'power' lithium batteries to 'energy storage' lithium cells," which would allow vehicles to travel farther distances.
Ultimately, GM sees hydrogen fuel cells as the likely solution to ending the country's reliance on oil.
GM has made strides in hydrogen technology. It hopes to have 1,000 hydrogen vehicles on the road by 2010, including 100 Chevy Equinox fuel cell SUVs next year. Its most advanced hydrogen vehicle, the concept Chevy Sequel, can travel 300 miles before refueling.
