GM takes a second look on Chevrolet Volt
Production for the new Chevrolet Volt was ready until General Motors (GM) decides to take another look at it. According to reliable sources, after some careful considerations, GM finally chose to replace the internal combustion engine for a newly developed 5th generation hydrogen fuel cell. The fuel cell promises absolutely no tailpipe emission ever.
Reports also showed that the Volt Fuel Cell’s external aspect is extremely similar to the Volt Extended Range Vehicle, which was its initial design. The similarities ends with both vehicles having E-Flex power train system. The Volt Fuel Cell includes the newly developed fuel cell system that GM’s research team has been working on. The new system uses fuel cell stacks that are 30 percent smaller but still just as powerful. The fuel cell system is now small enough to fit into the space designed for the original 1.0 liter 3 cylinder engine.
The back wheels of the vehicle can be controlled to eliminate over steering and under steering because of the inclusion of two separate rear wheel electric motors.
There are still no verifications on which country will be the first to offer the Volt Fuel Cell. Some are speculating that China would be leading, but the United States will surely not be the last. General Motors has also designed some variations of the Volt Fuel Cell to other market in different nations with various vehicle needs.
The GM research and development teams are still working on the charging system. Presently, the batteries take about six hours to charge up on a normal 110-volt outlet. There are other alternatives such as an internal charging system and an adaptation of the EV1 charging system which are being considered.
In terms of the safety concerns of consumers regarding the hydrogen-powered cars, the company have carefully tested these vehicles. In addition to that, cars equipped with the new hydrogen systems have passed all government required testing.
GM have not released any specific date when the Volt Fuel Cell will start its production or when they will be available in the market.