JAN 11

GM just officially unveiled their Converj extended-range electric vehicle. The two-door coupe looks like the kind of luxury sports car that will support the extra price of the E-Flex system (the Volt will be sold at a loss) but still deliver a 40 mile, pure-electric range.

And I don't generally report on styling, but it is a good looking car.

There's no word on a production date, but (if it gets made at all) we probably can't expect it before 2012. The car is built on the same platform as the Volt, with a stack of lithium ion batteries to hold a charge for the first 40 miles, and a small gasoline generator to re-charge the batteries after that 40 miles.

So, since the average commuter drives less than 40 miles per day, the car could be drive its whole life without ever using gasoline. Of course, if you need to go on vacation, extended-range EVs allow for that, letting you basically "recharge" with gasoline. At that point, it's not that green, but it is a lot more convenient than running out of juice and being stuck in the middle of nowhere.

The Converj is trying to be the kind of luxury car people want regardless of the drive train, and the hope of General Motors is that people will see the electric drive train as just one more compelling reason to spend $50 or $60k on a Cadillac. And, frankly, if I had $60k to spend on a car, I could see spending it here.

Comments (8)

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written by jay, January 11, 2009

It's the way forward !

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written by EV, January 11, 2009

So, since the average commuter drives less than 40 miles per day, the car could be drive its whole life without ever using gasoline.

Correction: The average commute is less than 40 miles per day. The average commuter does drive more than 40 miles per day, just not on a normal day. For instance, the average commuter will driver much more than 40 miles going to visit grandma three states over for Christmas.

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Yes
written by MeredithC, January 12, 2009

That is an incredibly attractive car... for many many reasons.

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Barely....
written by BLinCincinnati, January 12, 2009

Correction: The average commute is less than 40 miles per day. The average commuter does drive more than 40 miles per day, just not on a normal day. For instance, the average commuter will driver much more than 40 miles going to visit grandma three states over for Christmas.

According to Federal Stats the average person drives 15,000 miles a year, or 41.1 miles per day. Remove that 500 mile trip to see grandma and you are under 40 miles per day for the other 364 days. Meaning this car, for most people, would eliminate nearly 100% of their need for gasoline.

Yes, it's expensive now. But all new technology is at first. I remember $1000 VCR's, $800 DVD players, etc. You have to start somewhere.

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written by Kelly M, January 18, 2009

if i can get my hands on something that saves the planet AND looks like the bat mobile, i am all for it. so jokes. so jokes

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written by Jeff, February 12, 2009

Yep. Very bloody interesting. I believe I'd have a look at one of those. Yessir. A Cadillac Electorado! Holy shit. I made that up. Totally. If I see that on "Top Gear" I totally swear somebody owes me money.

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Electorado, Gestation of Changes to Come
written by Uncle B, February 12, 2009

OPEC oil hikes have the transport trucks converting to rail, GM is shutting down truck plants, so no more big V-8 engined gas hog SUV's, pick-ups and the like. Soon the highways will be safe for carbon-fiber bodied, fast, electric ultra-lights! Huge solar/electric developments are underway in the South West, and Obama promises a beefed up grid to deliver the power! Electronics has figured out when the grid needs battery-charging for ballast, and will meter the power priced accordingly. Wind farms spring up daily, and the U.S. is on its way to energy independence! There is little doubt that the end of cheap oil will mean cleaner air for Americans, and as we speak, better batteries are being designed. Next item to tackle will be affordable, up to date technically oriented housing, complete with Swedish perfected dry composting toilets, solar heating/cooling, greenhouses attached, solar/LED lighted,and Zero running costs! It can be done and with cheap oil gone, it has to be done, but what fun we will have, exploring these new frontiers A plastic/electric Caddie is jut the beginning!

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written by cialis, October 01, 2009

Of course, if you need to go on vacation, extended-range EVs allow for that, letting you basically "recharge" with gasoline.

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