http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2008/08/01/chevy-volt-embraces-diversity-and-natural-gas/
The Chevy Volt already has a lot going for it by providing 40 miles on a single battery charge, but GM is diversifying by exploring other sources of energy, including natural gas.
Imagine driving the first part of a trip on electricity alone, then seamlessly transitioning into extended range using compressed natural gas, all refuel-able at home. That’s what Larry Burns at GM has in mind when he says:
In the near term, we can use compressed natural gas (CNG) in internal combustion engines. Mid term, we can leverage natural gas to create electricity for the Volt and future variants. In the long term, natural gas could be an excellent source for making hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles, either at the filling station or in people’s homes.
Burns even mentions there may be a possibility of integrating natural gas into existing combustion engines, creating dual fuel engines still using the older technology. That could but a new solution in the hands of lots of consumers who will struggle to afford the Chevy Volt’s ever-escalating price tag (likely $40,000 or more).
Continuing to explore other sources of energy is important for the Chevy Volt, especially as companies like Eestor begin to slide into the competitive landscape with next generation energy storage devices.
Interestingly, GM has already explored natural gas as a fuel source, with its Opel Zafira CNG in Europe. Burns claims GM is “. . . among the leaders in Europe, where gasoline and diesel fuel are costly, and we are exploring a dual-fuel approach with natural gas and gasoline for U.S. customers.”
Despite GM’s bold words, it’s struggling to chin up as it just announced a $15.5 billion dollar loss in Q2. The clock is ticking, and GM has the right initiatives to move forward as a healthy company. If it continues to focus on the Chevy Volt and other fuel efficient vehicles good things are sure to come.
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