Chevy Volt May Soon Amp Up with Renewable Energy

Volt Owners Could Get Option of Charging from Sustainable Sources

ANDOVER, MASS. (01/31/2012)(readMedia)-- Some critics argue that electric cars aren't quite as green as they seem because, like most everything, they use electricity that comes from traditional energy sources like coal. Chevy may soon help change that by empowering owners of its Volt electric car to draw more from renewable energy. Through a partnership with researchers at Google and OnStar, the automaker is testing cutting-edge technology in the Chevy Volt that can determine when renewable energy is readily available for charging.

The Chevy Volt's potential renewable-energy drawing system, demonstrated at the 2012 DistribuTECH Conference in San Antonio last week, starts with a signal. Regional transmission organization PJM Interconnection first alerts OnStar to the percentage of renewable energy available on the grid. OnStar then aligns that availability with Volt vehicles that have requested a recharge from renewable energy.

"The buyers that are attracted to the Volt tend to be tech-savvy, forward-thinking people who want to take advantage of innovative technologies," said Bill DeLuca III, president of Andover, Massachusetts Chevy dealership Bill DeLuca's Woodworth Chevrolet Cadillac. "With the help of Google, OnStar and Chevy, the Volt and its owners could play a large role in creating greater demand for more renewable-energy options from utility companies."

Google is currently testing the renewable-energy charging system in the 17 Chevy Volts that are a part of Gfleet, the company's employee car-sharing program at its Mountain View, Calif. headquarters. The Chevy Volts in the Gfleet are helping Google reach its goal of filling up 5 percent of its parking spaces with an electric vehicle.

Though it can't determine renewable-energy sources just yet, the 2012 Volt currently available at Chevy dealerships can drive gasoline-free for up to 35 miles and achieve up to 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode. According to Chevrolet, the Volt's combined electric and gas estimated fuel economy is 60 MPGe, the best in the compact-car segment. The vehicle achieves that efficiency through the pairing of a 149-horsepower electric-drive unit and 1.4-liter, 83-horsepower internal-combustion engine that can combine for a total range of 407 miles.

Current Volt owners can also take advantage of mobile technology that makes owning and operating the vehicle easier. OnStar's RemoteLink smartphone app allows owners to check their Volt's battery life and receive an alert when charging is complete, so no time is wasted going outside to check charging status. Owners can also use the app to lock or unlock their car, meaning the days of fumbling for keys are numbered.

"When the Volt came out of the gate, it was one of the first electric vehicles designed to operate at high speeds in all-electric mode," added DeLuca. "With Chevy's own continued innovation, as well as their involvement with others in improving access to renewable energy in the electric grid, the Volt will continue to do things that no other production car has done before."

About Bill DeLuca's Woodworth Chevrolet Cadillac:

Located on Main Street in Andover, Massachusetts, Bill DeLuca's Woodworth Chevrolet Cadillac is a premier new and used Chevrolet and Cadillac dealer. They offer a wide variety of Chevrolet cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as the entire line of luxury Cadillac vehicles, and their expert service staff can diagnose and quickly repair any issue their customers have. Interested buyers can browse their current Chevrolet and Cadillac inventory online at www.woodworthmotors.com, stop by their dealership at 339 N. Main Street in Andover, or find them on Facebook. Their friendly staff can also be reached by phone at 978-296-4145 to answer any questions.