‘GM's series hybrid (using an electric motor to drive the front wheels) uses a compact micro gas turbine generator system to charge the GM Ovonic NiMH HEV battery pack while driving, which provides an effective fuel economy of nearly 100 miles per gallon (MPG) of reformulated gasoline! This is based on GM's anticipation that the series hybrid owner will plug the vehicle in overnight while parked in the garage (grid charging), leaving in the morning with the HEV batteries fully charged. Operating as an HEV only (no grid charging), the hybrid obtains 60 MPG highway and provides a 350mile driving range. When the generator is running, tailpipe emissions are one half of California's stringent ultra low emission levels (ULEV). The very high power to energy ratio GM Ovonic NiMH battery provides ample power for acceleration (zero to 60 MPH in nine seconds) and offers a zero emission, EV only, driving range of 40 miles, significantly more than other HEV battery types can provide.’

Here’s another couple quotes from the same article:

‘Mr. Robert C. Purcell, GM's executive director of Advanced Technology Vehicles (GMATV), outlined GM's strategy to lower the cost of electric vehicles. GM expects future EV costs to be competitive with conventional internal combustion engine powered vehicles. In addition to component and drivetrain cost reductions, Mr. Purcell noted that the Ovonic Family of Batteries was a key part of the overall cost reduction strategy and would occur in three phases: Phase I · GMO1 battery currently in production. Phase II · GMO2 battery enters production during the third quarter of 1998; first usage in S10 EV, followed by EV1. Phase III · GMO3 battery with higher specific energy and power will be equivalent in cost (battery pack plus electricity to recharge) to the lifecycle fuel cost for internal combustion engine powered vehicle.’

‘The GM Ovonic NiMH batteries for EVs and HEV’s will be available to other vehicle manufacturers. The battery, in various sizes, is suitable for EVs and HEV’s from bicycles and scooters to cars, trucks and buses. A robust, long life, maintenance free battery, the GM Ovonic NiMH battery is expected to last the life of the vehicle (rated at 100,000 miles in an electric car). In his remarks at the opening press conference, GM Chairman, President and CEO, Mr. John F. Smith, said, ‘No car company will be able to thrive in the 21st century if it relies solely on internal combustion engines.’
Posted by: Warren Heath

Cobasys has a stranglehold (can you say MONOPOLY) on the NiMh battery tech and has no plans on developing the technology for use in PIHEV (BEVs).

You can blame GM for turning over all their battery technology to Ovonics after the 'failure' of the EV1

Yes, GM is playing the marketing game with the Volt prototype and the comments about when Lithium battery technology will be ready to use.

GM, look at the battery pack from Tesla. They have 3 packs on the road with another 250 for 2007 production. Their latest test was 20,000 charge/discharge cycles (over 5 times what GM wants for their Volt battery pack requirements) and it gets 250 miles per charge (over 6 times what GM wants for the Volt). Both Tesla and Phoenix Motorcars will have a few thousand on the road by the end of 2008

GM doesn't want to pick a single lithium technology that it will have to support for the next 10 years so it has 2 competing technologies (A123/Cobasys and Johnson/SAFT) working on the solution.

If GM doesn't bring something to market by the 2008 model year, then they will be surpassed by both Toyota, Honda, Cheri (chinese car company) and others that are willing to move the technology forward.

GM dealers will have lots filled with overpriced low mpg SUV's and cars that still use the same ICE technology that it has since the early 1900's.

This is from a 3 time GM car owner with 2 still in the driveway. My next car will be something with at least 50 mpg combined mileage. Are you listening GM to your loyal customers ? We want better MPG not cutesy styling changes.
Posted by: Bill C