GM v. Tesla
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by: margaret
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Word Count: 274
Is the GM Volt going to be the first electric car available to the masses? When held up against Tesla’s electric sport car, the Volt takes longer to charge, has a smaller engine, accelerates more slowly and only goes roughly one fifth of the distance as the Tesla on pure electric power stored in its battery from the charge.
The Volt, however, offers some unique features, including a more affordable price. The Volt, for planned release in 2010 (as a 2011 model year) might cost less than thirty thousand dollars, roughly one fourth of the cost of Tesla’s electric car.
GM’s Volt isn’t all about money though; it offers a few unique features that aren’t just a smaller version of Tesla’s vehicle. GM has given the Volt an on-board gasoline generator, that can add four hundred miles of travel in addition to the forty provided by the electric motor, thereby nearly doubling the drive-able distance over the Tesla. Additionally, the gasoline generator can always be refilled, and offers about fifty miles to the gallon.
Furthermore, the Volt features regenerative braking, which allows energy to be transferred to the battery as the car slows, extending the usage period for the battery without having to rely as much on the gasoline generator.
Perhaps Tesla’s car has a stronger electric engine with a smaller charge time, but its extravagant price will keep it off of the mass markets for quite awhile in relation to the GM Volt, provided it gets produced. Rumors maintain that the production version of the Volt will be unveiled on September 16, 2008.
Source: GM Volt Website
About the Author
Margaret is a writer for ERUNIX, Inc.
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