gm plans large run of all-electric chevy volt - battery power storage
Washington, January 31Reuters)-
General Motors Corporation (GM. N)
Planned strong production run for its plug-in
In Chevrolet Volt, a senior executive said on Thursday, he also urged Congress to approve tax incentives to help spur demand.
Jon laukner, GM's vice president of global project management, said the automaker is aware of the high cost of battery development at the moment, but expects
Car prices will drop as technology advances.
"As the volume of transactions expands, you will move down this curve to see better economic development.
You can't be bothered by the economic problems of Unit 1 or Unit 10, "Lauckner said at an energy forum at the Competitive Enterprise Institute.
GM still wants to start production of Volt by the end of 2010, Lauckner said, and said the company is planning a healthy rollout.
"We're talking a lot.
Thousands of people, "he said.
"This is not a niche market. ” Plug-
Ins is seen by two of the world's largest automakers as an answer to reducing U. S. car productionS.
Gasoline usage in the United States has increased significantlyS.
Fuel efficiency standards are designed for short trips that are fully powered by electric motors and batteries charged through public power outlets.
After 40 miles of power supply, the gasoline engine will start.
GM wants to be the first company to produce on a large scale and lead in all aspectselectric fuel-
Energy-Saving Technology of Japan Toyota Motor Corporation (7203. T).
Toyota also plans to launch
Hybrid by 2010.
The biggest obstacle to the success of electric vehicles is to increase the power and storage capacity of lithium-ion batteries, while making them compact, safe and lightweight, which can be easily installed under the hood with other components.
"The cost is the killer now," said Senator Jack depe of the United States. S.
Energy Department consultant
Current estimates show that the cost of electricity is about $1,500 per 10 miles.
But gasoline/electric hybrids account for only 2% of the U. S.
Even if gasoline costs more than $3 a gallon, some experts are skeptical about the rush to perfect the plugin technology.
John German, a hybrid expert at Honda Motor Corporation (7267. T)
That this case is not for the public. market plug-
Ins believes there are too many questions about costs, efficiency and consumer interests.
The German said, "plug.
But the emphasis is that automakers have accepted and abandoned other fuels --
Ideas saved before.
The auto industry should not try to "force" electric cars to consumers, he said.
Lauckner said GM has not bet that gasoline prices will remain stable or fall, and global consumers will rebound near the Volt.
All executives advise Congress to invest heavily in battery technology and offer tax incentives to consumers like buying a popular Toyota Prius hybrid.
"This is a useful role that the government can play in accelerating technology development and bringing these benefits," Lauckner said . ".