The Perfect Electric Car?

General Motors is pushing hard to ready its electric powered ‘Volt’ for production by 2010.

Changes have been made to the exterior since GM first pulled the covers back at the Detroit auto show back in 2007.

The Volt has understandably generated massive amounts of interest in a short amount of time due to the current fuel crunch and the political climate. GM says that the time-line for the production of the electric vehicle is not only important to GM but for the auto industry as a whole.

With the grips of the currently energy crisis continuing to tighten around consumers and the entire economy, GM is under huge pressure to deliver the car on the set time-line. To that, GM indicates that the production of the Volt is on schedule even though there are significant challenges centered around delivering a batter power source both durable and affordable enough for the mass market.

Currently, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery would power the Volt. This power source is currently rated to last about 40 miles. The Volt also contains a small on-board motor designed to recharge the battery between stops… this power-train model that GM calls its E-Flex is slated to be used by GM in a range of other models.

Ultra fuel-efficient vehicles is the mantra around the country right now and auto makers are rushing to compete to satisfy this demand. The Volt is GM’s strategy not only for this but to also compete with the success that Toyota is having with its Prius.

Competition is a good thing as auto makers across the board are stepping up efforts to engage in the marketplace.

Honda has indicated that it plans to unveil a new hybrid car next spring to also compete with the Prius. Honda’s goal is to sell 100,000 units of this new hybrid electric car… which by the way… is currently said to be priced lower than the Civic hybrid.

The unique aspect of GM’s Volt is the presence of the on-board motor. The on-board motor makes it possible for the Volt to re-charge while on the road. If this functionality proves to be viable, it would solve a major hurdle in the marketplace as consumers are still reluctant to purchase an electric vehicle that could potentially leave them stranded once a charge is depleted.