General Motors Friendly Vehicles

GM recently unveiled a portfolio of options for next-generation advanced propulsion. These environmentally-friendly vehicles depict the possibilities for the future of personal transportation.

(NAPS)--For decades, the electric car was considered a potential solution to the problem of diminishing natural resources. In 1996, GM introduced the first purpose-built electric vehicle, the EV1. It featured the world's most advanced electric drive system which is suited for, and adaptable to a variety of alternative propulsion systems.

Building on the learning of the EV1, GM recently unveiled a line-up of research concept cards--dependent on electric propulsion--to demonstrate the art of the possible. The vehicles take the viable technologies developed in the EV1 and advance them into a variety of options for next-generation clean, green, and fun vehicles.

    The company's line of advanced-technology vehicles includes:

• EV1 with nickle-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries that increase range to 160 miles. The new battery capitalizes on battery technology currently used in laptop computers, cellular phones and camcorders. Additionally, the NiMH cells perform better in colder climates.

• S-10 Electric truck with double-range NiMH batteries.

• Series Hybrid using an electric motor changed by a gas-turbine generator system. This vehicle boasts an average 60 miles per gallon (highway)using reformulated gasoline. The generator changes the battery pack and the regenerative braking system.

• Parallel Hybrid, an environmentally conscious performance car, powered by an electric motor and direct injection turbo diesel. This "21st century hot rod" averages 80 miles per gallon on the highway with diesel fuel, and features 4-wheel regenerative braking for improved traction.

• Fuel Cell vehicle that runs on electrical energy created from a hydrogen-oxygen chemical reaction. The propulsion system is akin to that used in the Space Shuttle.

• Compressed Natural Gas vehicle with a 1.0L, 3-cylinder, turbo-charged engine. Natural gas helps this model meet the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Standard.

"Our family of clean-car options is growing fast," said John F. Smith, Jr., GM chairman, chief executive officer and president. "This year, we're phasing in nickel-metal-hydride batteries to our pioneering electric vehicles, the EV1 and S-10 Electric truck, and we plan to have a production-ready hybrid electric vehicle by 2001 and fuel cell electric vehicle by 2004, or sooner."