GM is Developing a 200-Mile-Range Electric Model

General Motors is currently trying to develop two new electric vehicle options that can run for 100 and 200 miles on just battery power before charging. We are pretty excited about this innovation at Cox Chevy, your Bradenton, FL Chevy dealer, and look forward to the technology being implemented into upcoming production models. GM is testing both systems to figure out which one will be the most beneficial and efficient. The two battery systems are being tested on a vehicle that GM hopes will be the next electric vehicle, and they are hoping to reduce this vehicle’s weight by 15%, which will reduce energy consumption by over 9%.

Making Progess Towards Electric Vehicle Expansion

For the many folks who are resistant to change, the idea of the electric vehicle is tough to accept. But, for the increasing crowd who are excited about fuel-reducing technology and clean energy, the trend towards expanding electric vehicle popularity is very exciting. GM actually hopes to increase the sales of its current electric vehicle, the Chevy Volt, by 20% this year. They are also planning to introduce an electric model of the Chevy Spark in the near future.

The current 2013 Chevy Volt uses very small amounts of gas to compliment its electric powertrain. Volt drivers who charge their batteries fully typically average about 900 miles between fill-ups, which means about a whole month goes by before gas is needed. The Volt works by using an advanced lithium-ion battery that has a gas-free range of 38 miles, but then a built-in gas generator actually creates electricity so that the car runs for 380 miles on one full charge and one full tank of gas.

The current Chevy Spark is not yet an electric vehicle, but the automaker is planning to introduce a new electric Spark by the end of this year. It will have a battery range of 75-80 miles.

The 200-range battery, then, will obviously carry drivers and passengers much further between charges. This major advance in battery technology, coupled with reducing the weight of the vehicle, will give drivers more of an incentive to invest in an electric vehicle. GM is hoping that 500,000 of their electric vehicles, or at least partially electric vehicles, will be in use in America by 2017.

Test Drive the Current Electric and Hybrid Models at Cox Chevy!

Cox Chevy invites both environment and economic-conscious drivers to test drive any of our hybrid or electric vehicles. If you are looking for used cars in Bradenton, we have a huge selection on our lot, including hybrid and electric choices. We look forward to your visit!