Chevy’s Volt Just the First of GM Extended Range EVs « New and Used Car Listings

Chevy’s Volt Just the First of GM Extended Range EVs

General Motors has made a huge investment in the Chevrolet Volt and its Voltec extended range electric vehicle (EREV) propulsion technology. It is banking on recouping this investment by selling lots of them, but this will take time. Right now, GM says there is almost no profit in each Volt sold since they are being sold ‘for close to cost.’ This is not a surprise to Green Car Journal editors who have long noted the extraordinarily high cost of the advanced batteries used in all modern electric vehicle models.

GM plans to produce 10,000 to 15,000 Volts in 2011 at its Volt plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, a number that’s expected to grow to 45,000 units in 2012. Based on initial sales, this may jump to 30,000 in 2011 and 120,000 in 2012, which is both good and bad news. It’s good for consumers who want a highly-efficient vehicle offering an all-electric range that fits many lifestyles, of course. But it could also present an interesting challenge since, after 200,000 units are sold, the federal government’s $7,500 incentive is no longer available and this model may have to be sold at full price.

Early production plans are no doubt conservative because the Volt is an all-new model featuring technology unfamiliar to most potential buyers, a predictable scenario typical of hybrid introductions over the years. However, other factors are also at work. According to GM North American President Mark Reuss, the major bottleneck to increasing Volt production is the supply of lithium-ion battery cells from LG Chem. This will have to be resolved before production significantly expands.

The automaker also plans to sell the Volt in other markets worldwide and use the Voltec technology in other platforms, and maybe even sell it to others. For example, a right-drive variant will be sold in Australia as the 2012 Holden Volt. Built in the U.S., at least initially, modifications will be made to meet Australian driving conditions and safety requirements. Cosmetic changes will be limited to replacing Chevy’s ‘bowtie’ emblems with Holden badges.

There is also an Opel/Vauxhall Ampera version with sales planned to start in the fourth quarter of 2011, initially in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. Unlike the Holden Volt, the Ampera has its own distinguishing stylistic features including a more prominent grille, boomerang headlamps, and Opel or Vauxhall badges. The Vauxhall Ampera will have right-hand drive for the British market and production will move to Europe, possibly England, when sales take off.

Other electric variations could be in the works. At last year’s Beijing Motor Show, GM showed the Volt MPV5 Concept, an electric crossover vehicle. The Volt MPV5 concept uses the same Voltec propulsion system as the Chevrolet Volt including the 1.4 liter, four-cylinder engine and 16 kilowatt-hour T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack. Because of the larger frontal area that increases drag, the Volt MPV5 only has a projected average 32 mile all-electric range compared to the Volt’s 40 miles.

Since good aerodynamics are critical for fuel economy, the concept’s front fascia is among the most aerodynamic of any CUV, thanks to the closed grille and aero-optimized lower air dam. Also helping is the full underbody belly pan along with rocker claddings, creased tail lamps, and specially designed blades on the rear quarter.

The Volt MPV5 concept’s increased dimensions provide added passenger comfort and cargo carrying capacity. While the 109-inch wheelbase is less than an inch longer than the Chevy Volt, the body is seven inches longer and taller.

Clearly, the Chevy Volt and its extended range electric cousins are but one volley GM is firing in the electric drive arena. General Motors will also be selling Spark and Cruze all-electric cars in offshore markets as well, with other surprises no doubt in store.