General Motors Corp. says the rechargeable electric Chevrolet Volt will lead the automaker into its second century. GM unveiled a production version of the car at its centennial celebration Tuesday. Some characteristics of the Volt:
- Lithium-ion batteries, which are still under development, are expected to propel the car up to 40 miles on a single charge from a home outlet.
- As it approaches 40 miles, a small internal combustion engine kicks in to recharge the batteries, extending the car's range to hundreds of miles. The engine can run on gasoline or E85 ethanol.
- Design is among the most aerodynamic in GM history, although the company won't reveal its drag coefficient.
- Interior has a liquid-crystal instrument display that the driver can configure to his or her needs, as well as touch-screen climate, information and entertainment controls.
- It takes about eight hours to recharge through a 120-volt outlet, costing about 80 cents a day assuming a price of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour.
- Top speed is 100 mph.
- Due in showrooms in November 2010.
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