GM to install 345 charging stations on company properties

2011 Chevrolet Volt

General Motors Vice Chairman Tom Stephens said today that the company is working on installing 345 charging station for electric-vehicles on company properties. All station should be installed by the end of 2011, Stephens said. The move is a part of efforts to coordinate the installation of 5,300 chargers in Michigan.

Currently, two charging stations are standing outside the Jefferson Avenue entrance of the Renaissance Center. Another 16 near the GM headquarters will be operational as early as next week. The chargers are for being installed for GM employees only.

The Consumers Energy has matched the Department of Energy’s earlier pledge to cover up to $2,500 of the charger and installation costs for 2,500 Michigan families. Stephens said the charging stations will allow more drivers to drive their Chevrolet Volts on electric power alone.

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Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by 16-kWh, “T”-shaped lithium-ion battery that powers the electric drive unit, which allows it to drive 40 miles on battery power alone. The system puts out 149-hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft, allowing the Volt to go from 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 100 mph. The battery can be re-charged by plugging into a household outlet and takes 4 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 10-12 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries an 84-hp 1.4 4-clyinder engine that allows the five-door, FWD sedan to travel additional miles while averaging a fuel-economy of 50 mpg. A fully charged battery and full tank of gas will allow the Volt to travel 310 miles. Prices for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt start at $41,000 but with a full federal income tax credit (which range from $0 to $7,500), the Volt can cost a total of $33,500.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Free Press