With the introduction of the Chevrolet Volt, the Electrification of the Automobile begins in earnest, by offering a car that runs off of grid energy that has mass market appeal. The Volt offers a vehicle which is driven primarily by electricity under ?real world? driving conditions, while not presenting the driver with inconvenient choices about range and recharge time, or the disconcerting experience of a real possibility of becoming stranded. The Voltec powertrain arrangement enables the Volt to be an Extended Range Electric Vehicle, or E-REV and gives full performance utilizing only electrical energy from the grid for most driving, and a seamless transition to gasoline energy for longer and less frequent trips to maintain full vehicle utility. General Motors and its suppliers has had to the lead developments of fundamental component technologies that were not addressed by earlier, more simple hybridization work. These include high continuous power electric motors and power electronics, on-board charging systems, off-board charge interfaces, vehicle-network connectivity, durable high-energy rechargeable energy storage systems, and large format energy battery cells. These new developments, along with further improvements in the compactness, economics of batteries, and the convenience of the vehicle electrical infrastructure, BEVs having less compromise may become a reality.

Presenter
Peter Savagian, GENERAL MOTORS