General Motors, who own brands such as Cadillac, Chevrolet and Vauxhall, plans to have up to 500,000 green cars on the road by 2017.
Primarily via their Chevrolet brand, the Detroit-based automaker is hoping to have half a million cars with electrification capacity within five years, with a particular focus on plug-in technology.
“The plug-in offers a unique opportunity to change the way people commute,” said senior vice president of Global Product Development, Mary Barra. “Plug-based solutions will play a significant role in our technology portfolio going forward.”
General Motors are focusing on the plug-in technology featured in the Chevrolet Volt, which was introduced back in 2010. ”What started out as a technology proof point… has turned into a real-world starting point to push EV technology further and faster than we thought possible five years ago,” said Barra, adding that this will be a mainstay feature in the future.
The target seems to be off with a promising start, as General Motors hope that this year alone they will sell over 50,000 vehicles equipped with electrification.
The company will really kick off the process next week when they coincide the unveiling of their latest electrified vehicle, along with the development of new smartphone apps that will address issues with public charging and range anxiety.
The last week of November will see the debut of the Chevrolet Spark EV at Los Angeles’ Auto Show. Next year it will go on commercial sale in the US and South Korea, with announcements for further markets soon.
The Spark EV can reach 60 miles-an-hour in less than eight seconds, and can charge 80% of its 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack in around 20 minutes. On a dedicated 240V charge, charging will take less than seven hours.
Cherolet’s 2014 Impala will also be available from early next year. This edition will be the 10th generation of a nameplate that made it into of the 10 best-selling cars in the US. The most economic of the three models has a 2.4L engine with approximately 182 horsepower, and is estimated to achieve 35 mpg on the motorway.
General Motors Co. produces automobiles in 30 countries, and is at the forefront of the fastest-growing and largest vehicle markets.
Image Copyright General Motors
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