New Volt Details from GM

I guess it's time for some positive products news to follow up on the better-then-expected financial news . Trying to keep some of that momentum going maybe? Or maybe they're trying to use the opportunity to say "Hey, we're nothing like AIG!".

It's coming! I mean really really coming. GM has a very big commitment to it too. That's definitely the message coming out of Detroit today. Unlike Ford and Chrysler, GM has the advantage of a high-profile "green" vehicle to tout to Congress and the American public. I know Ford has it's (impressive) hybrids, but perception is everything and the Volt looks like something out of the oridinary. 

Anyway, let's get down to the details. The entire program is on track as scheduled, with a large number of Volt prototypes set to be completed this summer. As time progresses and the launch date nears, we'll get a concrete number on pricing, something still up in the air.

I'd imagine their bailout will be weighing heavily in that decision. Just a hunch though. Battery leasing is still on the table as well, something I don't expect will make it in the end. How much could it really cost, anyway? Given the revelation that Tesla's battery costs $30K to replace (a pack with far larger range) I think it's less then people fear.

That's a graphic of the Volt's pack, showing off some of the basic elements of construction. The rest is being kept secret for now, but according to GM the "the cells are reusable in a wide range of vehicles, the modules are reusable within a class of vehicles and the T-Packs are reusable within in a specific vehicle". Don't worry, I didn't quite get that one either.... 

When the battery reaches EOL (End of Life),  the lithium remains "highly reclaimable and recyclable" and it is recycled using more stringent European standards.

The battery is extremely tough, as it forms the backbone and centerpiece of the entire vehicle. In standard 35 MPH crash tests, the battery comes out unscathed. GM released pictures to prove that; you'll find them below.

Definitely wouldn't want a wreck to be able to damage these expensive batteries, so it's good to see them working on this. A lot more goes into designing a car like a Volt then you might think! No easy job designing the future of transportation!

Looking good! While the initial battery cells are made in Korea by LG, they are built and assembled in Michigan, in what GM calls the "Volt Battery Value Chain".

GM's declaration that they're "very bullish on the ability of the Volt technology to meet the needs of the mass market." is something good to hear. Remember, they have a very strong imperative to deliver on this and get it done as promised. The entire company could depend on in it.

As such, the Volt is essentially a focus-group vehicle. GM designed the car based off the habits and needs of the average American. I think the approach will work very well as many are not yet ready to jump to a full-electric vehicle. The Volt will offer the best of both worlds.

Future generations of theVoltec powertrain technology will focus primarily on reducing cost, not size, a goal that makes a lot of sense at this juncture. We'll have to see official pricing to know for sure, but with the $7500 credit I think the trouble will be building enough to satisfy demand. Now only if they would wise up and give it to us Ampera-style....