GM Canada announced yesterday that it's "electric" car, the Chevrolet Volt will be slated to start production in about 2 years.
Although the Volt is scheduled to be produced in Michigan, it will first be further researched in Oshawa, Ontario. According to a press release sent Thursday, $40 million in research will be conducted in Oshawa on "the electrification of the car and other fuel efficiency improvements". The research will be carried out "with selected Ontario based suppliers such as OPG and with Ontario universities including the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Durham Region".
GM will also be partnering with OPG and Ontario Transportation Minister Jim Bradley to create "public education initiatives" to help promote "highway-ready electrically powered vehicles" in Ontario.
Bob Lutz, GM's vice-chairman, claims that "In North America about 80 per cent of people drive 40 miles a day or less. That 80 per cent, if they all drove Chevy Volts, they would never use another drop of gasoline in their lives", since the Volt can run for 40 miles before needing recharging.
The Volt won the "North American Specialty Concept of the Year" and "Most Significant Concept Vehicle" prizes at the North American International Auto Show in 2007. It is expected to retail between $30,000 to $40,000 (US).
Image by drocpsu
About time
Its about time GM did something to develope a alternative fuel / energy vehicle, but I think they should consider building it in Oshawa as well.