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Electric sedan shows style, environmentalism can mix
From Chevrolet

Though the Chevrolet Volt has the capability to travel 40 miles on electricity alone, at first glance the concept could be mistaken as a design statement.

"First and foremost, this is an advanced-technology vehicle that uses little or no fuel at all. But we didn't see any reason why that should compromise its design," said Anne Asensio, executive director of GM Design. Designs were solicited from General Motors studios around the world.

The Volt's battery-only range of 40 miles could be extended to up to 640 miles with the use of a small internal-combustion engine hooked to a generator to resupply the batteries. Ordinarily, the battery pack would be recharged by plugging into a standard household outlet.

The Volt's athletic design challenges the notion that an environmentally conscious vehicle can't possess an aesthetic spirit. The four-passenger Volt concept sedan carries dimensions similar to a Chevrolet Cobalt. However, the Volt's proportions, dictated by the layout of its electrically driven powertrain, make it distinct from the Cobalt.

Design and engineering collaboration between GM designers and GE Plastics, using unique material technology and design- engineering support, helped achieve the Volt's distinctive appearance, with performance cues that hint at Camaro and Corvette. Inside, current or near-term technologies and materials, combined with innovative use of ambient light, creates an environment that's light, airy and thoughtful.

"Our job was to design a vehicle people could easily imagine seeing on the road," Asensio said. "It couldn't be a 'science project,' because that's not what this car is all about. It had to be realistic, executable and carry the essence of the Chevrolet brand."