13 August 2009

Plug-ins will get unprecedented MPGs of 200-400

Fritz Henderson, chief executive of General Motors, said the Chevy Volt will get at least 230 miles per gallon (http://www.isa.org/intechnews.cfm?id=11508).

The New York Times reported the rating number, based on methodology drafted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is somewhat abstract given that much of the city driving of electric vehicles will rely solely on the battery charge.

Moreover, as astonishing as the number was, a rival automaker Nissan, said last week its all-electric vehicle, the Leaf, which will come out in late 2010, would get 367 m.p.g., using the same EPA standards.

The Volt can travel up to 40 miles on a single battery charge, at which point a small gasoline engine kicks in and starts to recharge the battery. The battery charge in eight hours using a regular electrical outlet, Henderson said.

Nearly eight of 10 Americans commute fewer than 40 miles a day. The mileage calculation for the Volt assumes that most drivers would stay within that range and not need the gasoline engine.

“Depending upon how you use the Volt, it can get mileage approaching that or much less,” Jack Nerad, executive editorial director of Kelley Blue Book, said. “It almost becomes an abstract number. If you are the Volt target guy who is driving under 40 miles per day, then theoretically your miles per gallon are infinite.”

Several rivals, including Chrysler and Ford, are planning plug-ins and electric cars; Toyota is developing a plug-in version of its gas-electric hybrid.

GM has previously suggested the Volt would cost about $40,000, but Henderson said Tuesday that the price had not been set and that the car would price “as it comes to market.” He was also quick to highlight a $7,500 tax credit. Nissan said the Leaf will be cheaper than the Volt, in the range of $25,000 to $33,000.

For related information, go to www.isa.org/environmental.