Chevy
Volt Weight
Weight is an extremely important component of hybrid cars due to the incredible
weight of the batteries used to store captured energy. Since battery
technology is still evolving and cutting weight is not a current option,
Chevrolet had to look elsewhere to cut curb weight.
Luckilly, advancding technology
and the availabillity of cheap new materials such as carbon
fiber have
allowed
for a lighter
concept
car
than ever
before.
The Chevy Volt leverages a variety of technological advancements
and lightweight materials that ultimately play an important role in
the
efficiency
of the Volt.
The new Volt has
an estimated
curb weight
of just 3,500
pounds (1,588 kg) and weighs in at 30 percent less than the sequel.
Chevy was able to achieve this incredible curb weight with the help of
technology from GE Plastics. GE Plastics played the role of a strategic
partner in enabling the design and development
of
the
Chevrolet
Volt,
by contributing the key materials technology to reduce curb weight
up to 50 percent over standard materials and design engineering
support to help position the vehicle as a way to help the world diversify
its
energy
sources and
to reduce
the dependence on petroleum.
Did you know...
Hybrid cars have been sold in Japan since 1997!
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