Despite several media sources running the story — complete, of course, with quips from the ever-quotable Bob Lutz — General Motors has not confirmed it would build a pure-electric version of the Chevrolet Volt.
“It is not currently on the production timeline,” said Rob Peterson, GM’s electric vehicle spokesperson.
That said, Peterson didn’t deny the possibility, either, noting that such a vehicle could be a possibility. In fact, Lutz’s original quote, referenced in ABC News’ original story, was that a vehicle could be built. Lutz noted an EV version would, more or less, require replacing the internal combustion engine (and its subsequent subsystems) with additional batteries.
“Once you’ve done the Volt, pure electric is trivial,” Lutz told ABC news. “You just leave some parts out.”
As it stands, the only Volt scheduled for production will operate like an extended range electric vehicle (EREV). The car’s motive power will come only from electric motors, and if the car is fully charged, can run like an electric car for up to 40 miles. Should that range be depleted before the driver can plug in and charge, a small four-cylinder gasoline engine serves as a generator.
Source: GM, ABC News
