GM reduces Volt emissions to capture California taxpayer cash.
The Wall Street Journal reports:
General Motors Co. is revamping its Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric vehicle to meet California emissions requirements, aiming to juice sales after failing last year to qualify for state incentives that helped fuel the rise of Nissan Motor Co.’s rival Leaf.
Chevrolet engineers made modifications to the Volt’s exhaust system and expect by March to begin selling models that meet California’s stringent emissions standards, allowing California buyers to qualify for a $1,500 state rebate on top of a $7,500 federal tax break…
This year, GM hopes the California rebates will spur wider adoption of its vehicle, expected to be the first plug-in electric car with a gasoline engine on the state’s rebate list.
Its fuel economy rating, set by the EPA, is the equivalent of 93 miles a gallon, making it the most fuel-efficient, gas-burning production car sold in the U.S. in 2011…
The emission reduction is meaningless; there will be no improvements to public health or the environment. This is just a scam to rip-off taxpayers.
Below is the GM media release.
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2012 Volt Moves Into California’s HOV Fast Lane
Dealers taking orders for low emissions models that qualify for special driving privilege
2011-11-16
LOS ANGELES – A Low Emissions Package that qualifies the 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car to access California’s High Occupancy Vehicle traffic lanes will be standard on all models sold in the Golden State early next year.
“HOV lane access is a coveted perk in California,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing. “The low-emissions Volt will be a strong draw for drivers who commute daily in the most-congested driving environments in the United States.”
Owners of a 2012 Volt with the Low Emissions Package will be eligible to apply for one of 40,000 available HOV lane stickers issued to vehicles that qualify as a California Enhanced, Advanced Technology – Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle.
Additionally, the new Low Emissions Package makes the 2012 Volt eligible for owners to receive up to $1,500 in state rebates through the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. This incentive is in addition to the federal government’s $7,500 tax credit.
California has more than 1,400 miles of HOV lanes. Originally, these lanes were restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants to help minimize congestion. However, the state updated the program to allow single occupancy use of HOV lanes as a way to encourage early adoption of advanced, low emission vehicles.
Chevrolet engineers modified the Volt’s engine and exhaust components – specifically the catalytic converter – by adding a secondary air-injection pump that streams ambient air into the exhaust stream to increase its ability to remove pollutants. The additional oxygen helps the catalytic converter remove even more pollutants than the already clean standard Volt.
The Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas-and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Volt owners have travelled more than 10 million miles since the vehicle launched late last year. Roughly two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid electricity.
“The Volt may be the most-technologically advanced vehicle on the road today with a long list of valuable benefits from gas-free commuting and refined performance to connectivity,” Perry said. “Future owners in California can now add HOV lane access to that list.”
There are more than 140 participating Chevrolet Volt dealers in California.
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
In some states in the US, if there’s an accident involving an electric or hybrid car, emergency first responders are required to stay away from the vehicle until a specially-trained first responder arrives. The risk of electrocution for regular emergency personnel is deemed unacceptable.
Does the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) factor this into car safety standards? I doubt it.
The Chevy Volt is a White Elephant foisted upon the taxpayer by an evil conspiracy of Govt. and labor unions..
Can people sue California and GM when they find out the car will only near the 93-mpg mark in ideal conditions on flat land in ideal urban traffic of short duration? Get the Cruze for $17,000 and save everybody a bunch of time, money and egg-from-face removals.