My dictionary defines the word volt as a unit of electromotive force.  I think that about sums up the new electric car called the Volt that is currently in development now.

It is not lost on me that the car maker that is accused of killing the electric car is at the forefront of bringing it back !

The Chevrolet Volt is a battery powered, electric vehicle that uses a gas engine to create additional electricity to extend its range.  It uses what General Motors is calling the E-Flex system.  E for electricity and Flex for the many ways you can generate it.  The electricity to operate the Volt can come from a number of sources:  natural gas, biofuels, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and of course regular gas.  “The beauty of our E-Flex strategy is that is allows us to package various propulsion systems into the same space depending on what energy is available locally,” said Larry Burns, GM’s vice president of Research and Development and Strategic Planning.

This car is quite futuristic looking and most of my fellow green bloggers seem quite excited about it at events!  I on the other hand am very excited about the hydrogen fuel cells set to debut in 2010 (provided we can get the necessary infrastructure needed, such as fueling stations).  To see why read my environmental column at Bellaonline.com.

I had the chance to view what is still a concept car up close and it is a long way from the EV1 they produced in 1996, what a difference a decade can make!  The good news is they are committed to bringing this one to the public and for good this time.  Chevy realizes people really do want cars that can get 75 miles/kg despite what oil companies may say!  (snark)

If Chevy makes good (and it would be a huge embarassment if they don’t) on their promise then the combination of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion with a lithium-ion battery can provide up to 300 miles of petroleum and emission free electric driving!  Now this would be a “volt” to the transportation industry for sure!

(Target release date for the Volt is November 2010 and gm-volt.com is keeping a waitlist for the vehicle which is up to 6000!)