Report: GM to double Chevrolet Volt output to 120,000 in 2012

January 25, 2011May 10, 2012 Omar Rana Chevrolet Volt, Compact Cars, Dan Akerson, electric-cars, electric-vehicles, Hatchbacks, plug-in hybrids, Volt

2011 Chevrolet Volt

We’re not sure exactly how many Chevrolet Volt units General Motors has sold so far, but the automaker is looking to double production of the plug-in hybrid. GM has plans to double the 2012 production capacity of the Chevrolet Volt to 120,000 units as it aims to increase plug-in hybrid sales.

The Chevy Volt’s output may increase to 25,000 units from the original plan of 10,000, GM CEO Dan Akerson said earlier this month. The company is now working with suppliers to increase 2012 capacity from an earlier target of 60,000.

Akerson is also pushing to use the Voltec system for models sold by other GM brands. He said he wants GM to have more fuel-efficient models ready for a possible increase in oil prices to $120 a barrel.

It has been previously reported that GM will add an all-electric model along with a minivan version of the Volt.

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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 340 miles. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt gets an EPA estimated 93 miles per ’gallon-equivalent’ when driving under electric power only, 37 mpg when in gasoline mode and over the long term it is estimated to get 60 miles per gallon in combined gasoline-powered and electric-powered driving. 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.