GM targets 2010 production for electric car

[IDemo]

Product chief Bob Lutz: Volt prototype expected by the end of 2007

Reuters - Updated: 27 minutes ago

GENEVA - General Motors Corp has set a target for production of an all-electric car in 2010, GM’s product chief and Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said on Tuesday.

Lutz said the major uncertainty facing the Chevrolet Volt, a concept vehicle GM unveiled in January, was whether lithium-ion batteries can be developed to power it economically and safely.

A running Volt prototype is expected by the end of 2007, he said, adding that GM would take the unusual step of opening much of its development process to the media.

“We have set an internal target of production in 2010. Whether we can make that or not, this is still kind of an unpredictable program for us,” Lutz told reporters on the sidelines of the Geneva auto show.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17481908/

Edit to add: "All electric car crushers to be introduced in 2011"

[Dr.Phool]

1. Funny, I've got a DVD in my living room.

It says GM actually produced electric cars a few years ago.

And they don't need crushers. They've already got a shredder.

[Javaman]

2. Will they actually sell it this time or like the EV-1 be lease only?

only to pull them off the road when it becomes inconvenient to them?

[IDemo]

3. "major uncertainty .....was whether lithium-ion batteries can be developed"?

The Obvio 828E from Brazil uses a lithium ion battery, 39 kWh, 580 lb. They are claiming a range of 200-240 miles and a top speed of 120 mph. How much more development does Li Ion technology require at this point?

[phantom power]

4. GM isn't into innovation. They're into talking about innovation.

They may just talk themselves to death. Even their actual money-maker (financing) is taking a dive in the recent stock meltdown.

[GliderGuider]

5. Low temperature capability is still an issue, as I understand it.

[Kolesar]

6. People in my part of the country have not much for energy options

I am aware of the battery/temperature problems. Ohio is cloudy, so photovoltaics are not as potent. We don't have a great wind resource or a hydroelectric resource. Thermal-solar electricity is something for the South. No geothermal. I guess we will be stuck with high energy costs.