GM Silver Volt : 1980

Chevrolet wasn't the first brand to offer an electric car named Volt. The 1980 GM Silver Volt, designed by Henry Lauve never got into production.

The Silver Volt was highly efficient. A charge cost between 80¢ and $1.20 depending on local rates. At 1979 US electricity and fuel rates the car averages the equivalent of 70 to 80 MPG. The TPX battery would provide a minimum of 40,000 miles of driving before replacement. The Silver Volt features advanced aerodynamic styling by international designer Henry Lauve and is based on an American-made production body. Flexible urethane bumpers, retractable headlights ad FRP body panels designed to comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards are used.

The Silver Volt uses a small on-board auxilary generator power unit (APU) which would not normally be used on trips of less than 30 miles. The APU will extend the range when required, to over 100 miles and ensures that the car can always get off the highway to a charge point.

The Silver Volt features air conditioning, heat, power brakes, power steering, electric windows, power seats, AM/FM stereo radio, and tape player, all standard.

The Silver Volt is a high performance 5-passenger electric car. It is the world's first luxury electric auto designed for volume production with a 70 MPH top speed, a 55 MPH cruising speed and a range between charges of 80 to 100 miles.

The Silver Volt is now being developed for volume production, planned to commence late in 1980. A fleet of research cars will be thoroughly tested in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area before production commences.

(source: GM)