General Motors was the first manufacturer to offer an electric vehicle for lease in the United States back in 1996 with the EV1. Poor range, costly battery packs and limited passenger space (it was only a two-seater) ultimately caused the vehicle to find a place in the automotive graveyard rather than the hearts of the public. GM has continued to showcase concepts built around alternative propulsion systems and the latest indicates that the company is ready to take the plunge with a production version once more.

The Volt concept is Chevrolet's take on the next generation of alternative-fuelled vehicles. It employs a system called "E-flex" which uses petrol, ethanol, bio-diesel or hydrogen to produce electricity to power the concept's lithium-ion battery. This juice is provided by a constant speed 1-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine or by a hydrogen-powered fuel cell with storage tanks at the rear.

Chevrolet claims that the Volt achieves 160bhp and 236lb.ft of torque and is able to travel on electricity alone for up to 40 miles, allowing most commuters to do without topping up with fuel. Recharging of the battery is accomplished either through the use of the engine or by plugging the car into a 110-volt outlet for 6 hours.

GM's new propulsion architecture allows greater flexibility for interior design. A British design team are responsible for the interior of the Volt and have included four individual bucket seats and a clean minimalist dashboard. These combine with a transparent upper roof section to provide an airy, spacious cabin with ample natural light, enhanced by thin pillars. There is extensive use of indirect LED ambient lighting around the roof periphery and storage areas. The roof, side glass and beltline are constructed of a transparent, glazed polycarbonate material that is said to deliver the scratch resistance and gloss surface appearance of glass, combined with the formability of a plastic composite and decreased weight.

The Chevrolet Volt is certainly a glimpse into the future and GM expects upcoming concepts to incorporate diesel generators, bio-diesel and pure ethanol (E100) as it strives to create alternatives to conventionally-fuelled vehicles and catch up with the likes of Toyota in this field.

Eric Gallina - 12 Jan 2007