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Strong interest leads GM to boost Chevy Volt production

President Obama got the chance to drive a Chevy Volt during his tour of the Detroit-Hamtramck factory

Strong public interest in the Chevy Volt has prompted manufacturer General Motors to increase its planned production capacity for the extended-range plug-in electric vehicle.

It will now build 45,000 units in 2012, a 50% increase on initial plans to build 30,000 in that year.

The company revealed its decision as President Barack Obama toured its Detroit-Hamtramck production facility on Friday, where the $41,000 vehicles are being produced for sale later this year.

GM started taking advance orders for the vehicle last week, after announcing the pricing, which could see the five-door sedan cost as little as $33,500 when federal tax credits are taken into account.

The manufacturer has already increased the number of initial market areas in which it will sell the Volt from three to seven, with more than 25,000 people so far stating interest in the vehicle.

“Peace of mind”

The Chevy Volt is designed to travel up to 40 miles on its 16-kWh lithium ion battery alone, before an on-board gasoline generator kicks in to provide extra electricity to increase range by a further 300 miles on a full tank.

The vehicle’s big rival at this stage, the $32,780 Nissan LEAF, offers a 100-mile range on its all-electric system.

As with the Chevy Volt, the 5-door hatchback LEAF is expected to be released for public use later this year.

Edward E Whitacre, Jr, said: “The Chevrolet Volt provides drivers with the latest technology, outstanding innovation, and something no other electric vehicle can provide – peace of mind.”

GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck production facility has received $336 million in investment to prepare for Volt production, part of $700 million invested in eight Michigan facilities to support the Volt.

During his visit to the facility, President Obama stressed the success that has come from the federal bail-out of the company, and the potential that electric vehicles now hold for the US economy.

The President said: “Throughout Michigan, an advanced battery industry is taking root that will power clean electric cars – an industry that produced only 2 percent of the world’s advanced batteries last year, but will now be able to produce as much as 40 percent in a little over five years.  That’s real progress.”