GM will sell plug-in hybrid as Vauxhall Volt in UK
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 19 August 2008
General Motors will see the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid in the UK as a Vauxhall, according to a report in the Financial Times.
The Volt will sell as an Opel in mainland Europe when it goes on sale in the US in 2010 and around the world in 2012, with asking prices likely to cost a minimum of £22K thanks to the high cost of the lithium-ion batteries that will drive the Volt.
GM says that the alternative powertrain will add around £8K to a vehicle of similar size suhc as the Atra, meaning that the budget Chevrolet brand will be unable to support the steep asking price. The US government is expected to offer significant incentives for customers to buy the Volt, but industry watcher believe GM may still have to sell the Volt at a loss, at least initially.
The Volt will be capable of running for 40 miles on a single charge - enough for the purposes of 70 per cent of US drivers - using energy recovered from braking and engine overrun, and will be rechargeable at standard power outlets.
A small petrol engine will power the Volt for longer journeys.
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