The launch of GM’s plug-in hybrid car the Chevy Volt is finally around the corner. We’re now counting down the months and not the years. The launch slated for late 2010 isn’t a surprise to many, but the announcement by GM brings some better than expected news. GM says the Chevy Volt should get 230 miles per gallon in the city. 230 MPG!! That’s incredible and blows out the plug-in hybrid competition by 180 MPG. Currently GM is testing the Volt in the heat of Arizona to see how it’ll do.
Vehicle emissions have accounted for approximately 33% of our country’s greenhouse gas emissions and this number will continue to grow as our cities continue to sprawl out. We have very little time to reduce GHG emissions our country produces. Four and ten mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency improvements may not be enough in time at that rate.
Cars like the Volt could contribute significantly to reducing our country’s footprint now. This type of fuel efficiency will also give us time to develop better long-term answers for how we build cities and systems that are sustainable.
Image Credit: Getty/GM
