Volt photos spark media

The electric Volt is a Commodore-sized car which General Motors claims can be run for as little as just over a cent a kilometre — less than 20 per cent of the cost of running a conventional petrol-powered vehicle.

First unveiled as a concept at the Detroit motor show in January 2007, the Volt moved to real-world status this week with the announcement from GM that it would be in full production by the end of 2010.

Powered by a bank of lithium-ion batteries GM says the Volt is capable of running for a little over 70km before needing to be recharged, either by the on-board generator or by plugging in to the electric grid — the same way you would recharge a mobile phone.

The crucial difference between the Volt technology and existing hybrid vehicles is the small internal combustion engine — which has the potential to be fuelled by petrol, diesel, bio-fuels or hydrogen — used to run the generator but which plays no part in propelling the car, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.

GM says the Volt is capable of a fuel efficiency equivalent to 1.6 litres/100km, can reach 160km/h and cruise at a constant 115km/h without loss of efficiency.

With GM research showing 78 per cent of daily commuter travel in the US is less than the Volt's 70km electric range most drivers would never again need to use petrol on a day-to-day basis. The Volt can be recharged in as little three hours plugged into a household power point.

“That means that the owner of an average current vehicle using 7.8 litres/100kms and travelling 25,000km a year would save 1900 litres of fuel and reduce by 4.4 tonnes the carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe,” explained GM vehicle line director Tony Posawatz.

While GM says the initial production plans for the Volt are only left-hand drive it is inconceivable that a right-hand drive version is not in the offing.

“With technology this exciting we are going to be keeping a very close eye on it,” GM Holden's John Lindsay said. “It is certainly something we would love to have in right-hand drive.”