Chevy Volt blazes a trail as GM plans ahead with utility companies
GM is using the Chevy Volt as its flagship green project, driving the company’s effort to convince consumers that it can be a fuel efficient company too. And, recognizing that the Chevy Volt will likely cause a spike in demand for electricity GM is reaching out to power companies for help.
Specifically, GM is partnering with the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), which is a coalition of over 30 electric utility companies in the U.S. and Canada, according to a company press release. That partnership will address topics ranging from establishing standards to ensuring that the electrical grid will provide enough capacity to handle sharply increased demand.
Among the many things the coalition will address include ensuring safe and convenient vehicle charging, raising the public awareness and understanding of plug-in electric vehicles, and working with public policy leaders to enable a transition from petroleum to electricity as a fuel source.
This is a good move for GM and the Chevy Volt because it provides the company with a leg up in a fledgling industry. Maybe this time around, GM will push electric and hybrid cars toward their potential. The EV-1 project lost support when GM realized it would be priced above the mainstream consumer.
But even if the Chevy Volt begins at a high price point, customers are already waiting in line to buy one, and by planning ahead with EPRI, GM is improving the odds that enough electricity will be available.
Basking in the Chevy Volt’s green limeilght Jon Lauckner, VP of Global Program Management at GM says “this coalition shares a vision of bringing plug in vehicles to market so we can accelerate the use of electricity as a substitute for gasoline. We are focused on creating affordable, highly desired vehicles that will take advantage of the grid – and providing accessible, reliable, convenient low cost electricity to plug-in customers. Collectively, we can realize all of the benefits of the plug-in revolution.”
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