2011-2012 Chevrolet Volt Still Slated For Production

Beginning December 2010, the Chevrolet Volt will be on sale in limited quantitites and in limited markets in the United States. This unique car, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and supplemented by a 1.4-liter four cylinder engine, has been in the works for several years. The hype has far exceeded the product's impact, nonetheless the Chevy Volt could eventually lay the groundwork for future vehicles utilizing what GM calls its Voltec technology.

While there are many myths regarding the use of all-electric hybrids, some of them are no longer an issue. The first such myth is that the additional drain would over-tax an already heavily burdened powered grid (especially in places already troubled by blackouts). This is simply not an issue because these vehicles are focused on commuters, and will be charged at night when there is much less demand on the grid. Another concern is the power bill, which many consumers fear will skyrocket. Consensus estimates show that under normal circumstances you would spend approximately $27/month on electricity versus a $97/month savings on gas. While it is true that electricity costs will rise, they are unlikely to outpace the escalating prices of fossil fuels. Emissions are another concern, particularly for areas where coal is the primary source of power. Studies prove that even in predominantly coal burning regions, and electric car releases 35-60% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than a conventional vehicle. Given all this, and an estimated fuel cost of $2370 for 60,000 miles, we can all expect to see a lot more of the Chevy Volt in the near future.