Earlier this week, engineers and other members of the Chevrolet Volt team provided the media with an update on the development of the new plug-in hybrid vehicle.

There is less than one year to go before GM starts making the production Chevrolet Volt, according to Vehicle Chief Engineer Andrew Farah. The plug-in hybrid is scheduled to go on sale in Nov. 2010.

Click through to see highlights from the presentation.

Here are some highlights from Farah’s presentation:

• GM has teamed with LG Chem to produce a great battery cell for the vehicle. It puts the team in a position to meet customer expectations and to use this technology to make vehicles beyond the Volt.
• Inside the Volt’s battery are cells, which are grouped together into modules that are grouped together into battery packs – or, the T-shaped objects that actually go into the vehicle.
• The Volt is meeting energy power requirements and is now balancing issues such as safety, regulations and customer satisfaction with other issues such as performance, durability, packaging and vehicle design.
• The team has completed the pre-production build process and is in the process of testing the vehicles. Some are being tested around the clock 24/7.
• The team has built all 300 packs for the Volt and the results have been excellent.
• There have been more than 250,000 miles of testing on the pre-production and mule vehicles. Some of the highlights of this testing include hot weather testing in Death Valley, mountain testing at Pikes Peak and a 65% calibration drive.
• Everything is not perfect on these drives, but there are not any problems that will not be handled before production. This is not unlike any other challenges that come with developing a new type of vehicle such as the Volt.

Engineering Group Manager Bill Wallace:

• There are 50,000 cells available for testing and to date, none of the cells have failed in the tests.
• Pack development is lining up with overall vehicle development and both tracks will meet with the start of production in November 2010.
• Battery cells go through 150 tests, including cell crushing, cell overcharging and cell life cycling.
• There are three major battery modules (groups of cells) inside the pack and they are tested to measure pressure, stress and high dynamic impact, among other things.
• The battery pack itself undergoes more than 20 different types of tests, including corrosion, crash and life cycle use.
• The team learned that the battery is well protected inside the vehicle and the cell abuse tests have shown the cells to perform as expected.
• Since the vehicle is so quiet, noise is an issue and the team is working on ways to reduce ambient noise when the vehicle is in motion.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: GM FastLane Blog

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid is scheduled to make its market launch in Nov. of 2010. It’s no wonder that engineers working on the Volt are putting in hours even on their days off.

“They’re testing, measuring and evaluating what is arguably the most important vehicle in General Motors Co.’s history,” reports the Detroit News. “They take their work home with them, literally, commuting in the vehicles, strapping baby seats in the back or picking up groceries.”

“We’ve been through three levels of hardware in two years,” said Alex Cattelan, the Chevy Volt’s chief powertrain engineer. “The groups working on the second generation and third generation versions are still providing more information to us.”

Cattelan says that he has no doubt that the Volt will be ready for its scheduled launch in late 2010. At the 2009 LA Auto Show next month, GM will announce plans for initial retail markets where the plug-in hybrid vehicle will be sold.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

A new study called Electrification Roadmap predicts that there will be at least 14 million electric-vehicles on U.S. roads by 2020 and that EVs could account for 75 percent of all light-duty miles driven by 2040. The new study is backed by Nissan, FedEx, Coda Automotive and Coulomb Technologies.

“Up to now, electrification seemed like a pipe dream,” said Fred Smith, chairman and CEO of FedEx and a member of the Electrification Coalition. “But we are offering a realistic, practical, achievable plan to build a transportation system that will enhance our national security, propel economic growth and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

The results from Electrification Roadmap are expected to capture the attention of the government, automakers and many companies that participate in developing electric cars.

The Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt are both scheduled to release in 2010. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn recently predicted that electric-vehicle sales will reach around 1 million in the U.S. by 2015.

2010 Nissan Leaf EV:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

GM announced today that it will show the U.S. production version of the Chevrolet Cruze sedan at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec. 2. The Cruze will be joined by the Chevrolet Volt, Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevys.

The Chevrolet Cruze has already been launched in Europe and Asia and will hit U.S. roads in the third-quarter of 2010 with a lineup of fuel-efficient engines including a 1.4 turbocharged 4-cyinder unit. The base 1.4L 4-cylinder will deliver up to 40 mpg on the highway.

GM said that it will also announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold at the LA Auto Show.

We’ll be in LA providing live coverage so make sure you join us on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3.

Click through for the press release.

2010 Chevrolet Cruze:

Press Release:

Chevrolet at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

- U.S. premiere of the all-new Cruze, delivering up to 40 mpg highway
- Volt electric vehicle to be available in select markets in 2010
- Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevrolet vehicles also on display

DETROIT – Chevrolet affirms its commitment to fuel solutions and building refined, eco-friendly vehicles with the debut of the U.S. production version of the Cruze sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show, on Dec. 2. The Cruze, along with the much-anticipated Volt electric vehicle, will give visitors to the L.A. show a close-up view of Chevrolet’s expanding lineup of gas-friendly to gas-free products.

“With expected highway fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon, Cruze will be extremely gas friendly while the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free,” said Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet. “Chevrolet’s focus is on forward-looking technologies to the benefit of our customers, such as the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze or the Volt electric vehicle with extended range.”

The Cruze has already launched to high acclaim in Europe and Asia and has undergone refinement for America. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most globally tested Chevrolet products prior to a U.S. launch.

Cruze is designed to achieve class-leading highway fuel economy using a new family of efficient engines that include a 1.4L turbo. It will lead the way for Chevrolet in small-displacement, turbocharged engines that are designed for excellent fuel efficiency and durability – while also being fun to drive.

Defying preconceptions of what a compact car can be, Cruze will offer a more spacious interior and cargo capacity than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and upscale infotainment amenities such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Ten standard air bags that provide a safety cocoon for occupants – along with OnStar– also make it one of the safest vehicles in the segment.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is expected to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling.

Chevrolet will announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold. Chevrolet will also announce the winner of a nationwide consumer competition to name a Volt unique paint color. Consumers determine the winner by voting now for their favorite of three finalist names at www.chevroletvoltage.com, until 8 a.m. Eastern time on Dec. 1.

From Nov. 27-29, the Volt will be on display next to Bloomingdale’s at the Westfield Century City mall in West Los Angeles. During regular mall hours, visitors to the Chevrolet Volt display may get two free tickets each to the L.A. Auto Show, while supplies last. The L.A. Auto Show opens to the public Dec. 4.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

The Chevrolet show exhibit also will feature the all-new, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe and Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover SUV. The popularity of these vehicles helped Chevrolet boost sales by 9 percent in October, including a significant 31-percent increase in retail sales.

The Camaro continues to distance itself from its closest competitor as a fuel-efficient interpretation of a 21st century sports car, achieving 29 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the popular 304-horsepower direct injected V-6. Camaro has been a leader in the regular sports car segment for the last five months.

Demand for the Camaro continues to be strong, as Chevrolet now has more than 36,000 sold orders for the car.

The all-new 2010 Equinox is a compact crossover that combines distinctive design, extensive functionality and outstanding efficiency. At 32 mpg highway, the Equinox gets better fuel economy than the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4. It even beats the Ford Escape Hybrid while costing $7,000 less.

In just a few short months, Equinox has captured 10 percent of the critical compact crossover segment, its best share since August of 2007 and up 4.6 percent from a year ago. More than half of 2010 Equinox customers traded in a non-GM vehicle (based on internal PIN data). Demand is so strong for the Equinox that the plant where it is built recently added a third shift.

- By: Omar Rana

Among the 13,000 entries received from consumers for the Chevrolet Volt’s paint color name contest, GM has chosen three finalists. The three finalists include:

• EV-ergreen: by Devin McQuarrie, 30, of San Jose, CA
• Viridian Joule: by Dave Thomas, 40, of Sanford, FL
• environMINT:  by Matthew Valbuena, 30, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

You can vote for your favorite name at www.chevroletvoltage.com through 8 a.m. ET on Dec. 1. All finalists will be flown out to Los Angeles where the winner will be announced on December 1st. The winner will get to be the first consumer to test-drive a pre-production Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

Press Release:

Every Vote Counts: Finalists in Chevrolet Volt Color Contest Compete to be First to Test-Drive a Volt

- Nearly 13,000 consumers submitted entries
- Every state represented with at least one name entry
- Consumers vote Nov. 16 through Dec. 1 to decide the winner
- Winning name will be announced Dec. 1 in Los Angeles

DETROIT – “Chargetruse,” “Recharge Silver,” and “Voltaic Platinum” are among the nearly 13,000 entries consumers submitted in Chevrolet Volt’s paint color name contest. Chevrolet has named three finalists whom will compete for a chance to be the first consumer to test-drive a pre-production Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle.

Chevrolet selected “EV-ergreen” offered by Devin McQuarrie, 30, of San Jose, CA; “Viridian Joule” submitted by Dave Thomas, 40, of Sanford, FL; and “environMINT” entered by Matthew Valbuena, 30, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Chevrolet chose the three finalists based equally on originality, creativity and the ability to capture the innovation and spirit of the Volt.

Consumers now determine the winner by voting for the favorite name of the three at www.chevroletvoltage.com through 8 a.m. ET on Dec. 1. The finalists and a guest each will travel to Los Angeles where the winner will be announced by Chevrolet on Dec. 1. Votes are limited to one per person, per internet protocol address during the voting period.

About 27,000 people – or half of all visitors to www.chevroletvoltage.com during the entry period Oct. 22 through Nov. 4 – submitted a color name.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It can drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery runs low, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling or stopping to recharge the battery.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

- By: Kap Shah

In a little childish like video, General Motors took a shot at electric-vehicles saying that the charging the EV to its full capacity takes several hours after the battery is depleted.

While GM admits electric-vehicles are cool, its says electric-vehicles with range extender, like the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, are cooler.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

Check out the video after the jump.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Stephen Calogera

When the 2011 Chevrolet Volt makes its debut later next year, it will allow 40 miles of gas free driving and a “sporty” 0-60 mph time of under 9 seconds. However, if a 0-60 mph time of 9 seconds isn’t “sporty” enough for you, GM may be considering a Chevrolet Volt SS model.

In a recent interview, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz was asked whether GM was moving away from performance cars and towards fuel-efficient models. He said that “as the trend grows for vegetarianism the fruit and vegetable isles will expand but the meat counters won’t go away.” However, Lutz said that performance vehicles will still exist.

“I would forecast that certainly there will be a growing trend to high performance hybrids,” he said.

Asked if we’ll see a Chevrolet Volt SS one day, Lutz said: “I would not discount the possibility.”

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: GM-Volt

In what we think is a good decision, General Motors said that its other plug-in hybrid offerings will not have Volt branding on them to identify with the compact plug-in hybrid that will launch later next year. By contrast, Toyota is planning to make a family of hybrid vehicles that will carry the Prius badging.

“Our thought is to take the Volt technology to other products,” Brent Dewar, chief of global operations for Chevrolet said. “The Volt was the original vehicle that we started, but I wouldn’t see that as a brand marketing direction for us.”

Dewar said that the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid would pave the way for more vehicles based on the same Voltec technology; however, the Volt name will not be found anywhere on GM’s future electric-vehicles.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

German-born engineer Frank Weber, who is in charge of General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid program, will be moving back to Germany to take a senior management role at Opel.

A GM spokesman said that he will be replaced by Doug Parks, who has been working at Opel since 2007 as chief engineer for GM’s global compact cars, which includes the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze, reports Automotive News.

Weber’s move from GM is the second departure from the automaker’s Volt team. Last month, Bob Kruse, executive director of vehicle engineering for hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries, left to start a consulting firm. Engineering veteran Micky Bly to replace Kruse.

The Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid is still due to launch in Nov. 2010.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

The main production color of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid car is the silver exterior with an emerald hue that we’ve been seeing in press photos and at auto shows; however, General Motors has yet to pick a name for the color and needs your help.

Chevrolet has launched a new online contest over at chevroletvoltage.com and is asking for color name suggestions. The contest will award three finalists a chance to be flown down to Los Angeles this December to compete for a final chance to be among the first to test-drive a pre-production Volt. All three finalists and a guest will get a roundtrip airfare to Los Angeles, two nights standard hotel accommodations, a $400 gift card and admission to the LA Auto Show on December 2, 2009.

The grand-prize winner will be announced by Chevrolet on Dec. 1 and will be given a chance to test-drive the pre-production Volt.

Enter at chevroletvoltage.com for your chance to win.

Make the jump for the press release.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

Press Release:

Chevrolet Invites Public to Name Volt Paint Color

Winner to be among the first to drive a Chevy Volt pre-production car

* Contest begins today. Enter at chevroletvoltage.com
* Vote for finalists November 16 through December 1, 2009
* Three finalists and their guest awarded a trip to Los Angeles
* Winning color name announced on December 1

DETROIT – The initial production color of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) is a silver exterior with an emerald hue. That’s official. What’s not certain is what Chevrolet will name that distinctive exterior color, so the company is turning to the public to help make the decision.

Starting today, on National Color Day, Chevrolet launches an online contest that asks for color name suggestions, with three finalists to be flown to Los Angeles this December to compete for a final chance to be among the first to test-drive a pre-production Volt.

“We want to invite consumers into the development process of the Chevy Volt and give people an opportunity to be part of our program,” said Maria Rohrer, director, global Volt and global marketing operations at Chevrolet. “We’re looking for a color name that captures the innovation and spirit of the Volt.”

The contest will award three finalists and a guest roundtrip airfare to Los Angeles, two nights standard hotel accommodations, a $400 gift card and admission to the LA Auto Show on December 2, 2009. The winner will be announced by Chevy on December 1 and be given the opportunity to test-drive the pre-production Volt.

Entrants can submit their color name at www.chevroletvoltage.com through 8:00 a.m. ET on November 4. Chevrolet will choose three finalists among all the entries, based equally on originality, creativity, and the ability to capture the innovation and spirit of the Volt. The finalists will advance to a second round, where consumers will vote for the entries on www.chevroletvoltage.com, starting 8:00 a.m. ET on November 16 and concluding at 8:00 a.m. ET on December 1. Consumers are limited to one vote per person and per internet protocol address during the voting period.

Contestants can enter multiple name recommendations. In the event more than one entrant submits the same color name, the entrant who submitted that color name first will receive an Entry and all other Entries will be void. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States and District of Columbia. Entrants must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license.

The silver exterior with an emerald hue will be available exclusively on the Chevy Volt. The new, consumer-named paint will join a palette of other Volt exterior colors available to order at the start of production including Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic, Crystal Red Metallic and a premium White Diamond Tri-Coat.

The Chevy Volt is a practical E-REV with an engine generator that extends the total driving range. It is expected to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, the engine generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced. For full contest rules, visit www.chevroletvoltage.com.

- By: Omar Rana

General Motors today showed off work being down at its new Flint Engine South plant as it prepares for production of the engines that will power the Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan and the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid.

The 1.4L 4-cylinder engine will help the Volt provide additional driving mileage after its lithium-ion battery, which is good for 40 miles, has been depleted. A turbocharged version of the engine will be produced for the Chevrolet Cruze.

GM is investing a total of $202 million in Flint to renovate space that was once used for building other engines. The Detroit Automaker is also spending $1.7 million at a near by Flint Metal Center that will be used for stamping metal for the Volt.

The company will invest $30 million at the Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center to build robotic weld tool cells that will help assemble the Volt.

Click here to read more Chevrolet Volt news.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

2011 Chevrolet Cruze:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Free Press

General Motors Company’s efforts to promote the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid may be working. According to Bob Lutz, vice chairman in charge of marketing, 50,000 people have registered at web sites and indicate a strong intention to buy the vehicle when it goes on sale in November 2010.

GM plans on building 10,000 units of the Chevrolet Volt in 2010. In 2011, it expect to produce 50,000 to 60,000 units. GM plans to step up Volt marketing at the 2009 LA Auto Show, report Automotive News.

Lutz said that once GM has about 200 pre-production Volts on the road, it will “pull out the heavy artillery and get Volt buzz. ”We might even do the same thing we did with the Chevrolet Equinox and have Project Driveway and have real Americans driving Volts where they use it as a daily car for a couple of months.”

Click here to read more Chevrolet Volt news.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Bob Kurse, one of the main people responsible for the Chevrolet Volt and the team that put together General Motors Company’s long-term electric vehicle strategy, has resigned, reports The Detroit News.

Kruse left GM to start his own consulting company, EV Consulting LLC. His company will provide automotive and vehicle certification advice for automakers and other companies looking to get a piece of more than $1.3 billion in federal grants available to the Big 3 and the state.

“My departure from General Motors has nothing to do with my view of the future success for the Volt,” Kruse said. “I’ve left on very good terms. I have a lot of respect for the leadership of General Motors. I’m not going to lie. Are they happy about my departure? Probably not.”

GM plans to have the production Chevrolet Volt on the road by November 2010 and said that battery testing was under way when Kruse was promoted. His team was responsible for integrating the battery into the Volt and plans to have 80 pre-production Volt prototypes on the roads.

“There’s no good time to lose good people,” GM spokesman Rob Peterson told The Detroit News. “But that said, the Volt team goes way beyond one person.”

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

You must be very excited to hear that in the near future we’ll see cars on the road that average 230 mpg (2011 Chevrolet Volt) or 367 mpg (Nissan LEAF EV). Well, don’t get all that excited because the U.S. government is still hammering out how it will rate the fuel-efficiency of electric-vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

While the Environmental Protection Agency has a draft proposal for computing an efficiency rating using a “miles per gallon” scale, which was apparently used by GM to reach 230 mpg for the Volt, it has not issued a final ruling. Using a different method issued by the Department of Energy, Nissan claims that its LEAF EV will get the equivalent of 367 mpg.

According to USAToday, an Israeli company, known as ETV Motors, has suggested to the EPA to consider a new multiple standard. CEO Ben-David says that his company proposes “a three-pronged rating for fuel efficiency.”

The first number would show how far the car can go on a single plug-in battery recharge; the second number would show how energy intensive the battery is; and the third would show how much gasoline it consumes to drive the engine or the wheels when the battery runs out.

“A single number is not good enough. … It might be a bit misleading,” says Ben-David.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: USAToday

A recent survey making its way around to those interested in purchasing the 2011 Chevrolet Volt next year has revealed some pricing details on the new plug-in hybrid.

In the short 15-minute survey GM said: “Depending on content, the vehicle will effectively cost between $32,000 -$38,000 after a tax credit of $7,500.”

The survey also showed that an optional 220V charger will be sold between $800 and $1500. GM says that the cost of operating a Volt will be 2 cents per mile.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt will carry a 16kWh electric-motor that runs on lithium-ion batteries. It will be able to travel 40 miles on battery-power alone. After battery power is depleted a small 1.4L 4-cylinder engine will kick in to provide a driving range of more than 300 miles.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: GM-Volt

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen loves fuel-supping diesel engines. In fact, he loves them so much that he dismisses General Motors’ upcoming Chevrolet Volt as “a car for idiots,” saying that very few consumers are willing to pay $40,000 for a car that competes against $25,000 compact sedans and conventional hybrids.

“No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a (Toyota) Corolla,” he said according to MSN Autos. “So there are not enough idiots who will buy it.”

de Nysschen said that most hybrids and electric-vehicles are more about making a statement.

“They’re for the intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are,” he said.

Audi will be catering to those enlightened souls at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show with an all-electric concept based on the Audi R8.

We’re wondering what Bob Lutz has to say about all this

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: MSN Autos

General Motors Company confirmed today that it will invest $43 million in Brownstown Township, Mich. to manufacture lithium-ion battery packs for the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. The location will be the first lithium-ion battery plant in the U.S. operated by a major automaker.

The plant, which will be called GM Subsystem Manufacturing LLC, will provide more than 100 jobs.

GM said that its $43 million investment includes “renovation and lease costs for the 160,000-square-foot landfill-free facility, new machinery and equipment, and special tooling. Installation of the equipment is under way and production will start in the fourth-quarter of 2010.

Follow the jump to read the press release.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

Press Release:

GM Begins Work at Michigan Facility Where Batteries for the Chevrolet Volt Will Be Manufactured

- Brownstown Township to be first high-volume U.S. automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturing site
- Facility will create more than 100 new, advanced technology jobs

BROWNSTOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – General Motors Company will invest $43 million in Brownstown Township, Mich. to manufacture lithium-ion battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt and other extended-range electric vehicles. It is the first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in the U.S. operated by a major automaker, and demonstrates GM’s commitment to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles to consumers.

The plant will provide more than 100 advanced technology jobs and will be part of a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors called GM Subsystem Manufacturing LLC. Local and state incentives, along with Recovery Act funding announced last week by the U.S. Department of Energy, are helping to make the facility possible.

The investment includes renovation and lease costs for the 160,000-square-foot landfill-free facility, new machinery and equipment, and special tooling. With the exception of specialized battery machinery and equipment, GM is reusing equipment from other GM facilities. Equipment installation at the Brownstown site is under way and production will start in the fourth quarter of 2010 to support the launch of the Chevrolet Volt.

“Developing and producing advanced batteries is a key step in GM’s journey to become the leader in electric vehicles,” said Fritz Henderson, GM president and CEO. “This state-of-the-art battery manufacturing site reinforces our commitment to achieve that goal and to deliver clean, fuel-efficient vehicles to our customers.”

Henderson also noted the importance of this new technology to the nation’s and Michigan’s overall economic growth.

“Advanced battery development is a critical component that will strengthen the long-term competitiveness and technology leadership of the United States,” he said. “At our Brownstown facility, GM will help deliver domestically produced and affordable energy sources for American consumers while creating U.S.-based manufacturing jobs.”

The GM Brownstown Battery Assembly facility will include three primary assembly areas: battery module pre-assembly, final assembly and the battery pack main line. The pre-assembly area is where cells are processed and installed into one of three battery modules, which comprise a single battery pack. The module final assembly area is where final assembly and testing of the three modules required for each battery pack takes place. In the battery pack main line area, the battery receives its final dressing including attachments of hoses, straps and electrical connections. The main line is also where battery pack final testing, verification and packaging for shipment takes place.

“The GM Brownstown Battery Assembly plant will use flexible manufacturing layouts as well as equipment, which will enable the plant to quickly respond to volume or product changes in the market,” said Gary Cowger, GM group vice president, manufacturing and labor relations. “We’ll use a number of tools to ensure quality in every phase of the battery assembly process.”

The Chevrolet Volt will be GM’s first extended-range electric vehicle to receive the new plant’s lithium-ion battery. The Volt’s 16-kWh battery is the heart of GM’s Voltec electric propulsion system and consists of 150 unique parts. GM designed and engineered all but eight parts.

The Volt, which is scheduled to start production in late 2010 as a 2011 model, can travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and can extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator. The Volt is expected to be the first mass-produced vehicle to claim a triple-digit composite (city/highway) fuel economy rating. It achieves city fuel economy of at least 230 miles per gallon under the current draft U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy test procedure for plug-in electric vehicles.

In June, GM opened the largest and most technologically advanced battery lab in the United States on its Technical Center campus in Warren, Mich. The new GM Brownstown Battery Assembly plant will work closely with GM’s Global Battery Systems Lab in Warren, which is dedicated to GM’s advanced battery development and testing for electrically driven vehicles.

“The capability to develop, test and manufacture advanced batteries in-house is a tremendous competitive advantage,” said Bob Kruse, executive director of GM’s Global Vehicle Engineering for hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries. “With the Brownstown battery plant we can control the entire development and production of this important technology.”

About General Motors: General Motors Company, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 219,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors Company acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.

- By: Kap Shah

All day yesterday, you probably heard that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric-car will average a city fuel-economy of at least 230 miles per gallon. GM said that the figure is based on a draft EPA federal fuel-economy methodology for rating plug-in electric-vehicles.

The folks at Green Car Advisor contacted the EPA looking for confirmation and clarification on the methodology used to come to 230 mpg – just like the rest of us. The EPA responded with the following statement:

“EPA has not tested a Chevy Volt and therefore cannot confirm the fuel economy values claimed by GM. EPA does applaud GM’s commitment to designing and building the car of the future – an American-made car that will save families money, significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create good-paying American jobs. We’re proud to see American companies and American workers leading the world in the clean energy innovations that will shape the 21st century economy.”

Let’s say “American” one more time together!

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Green Car Advisor