General Motors is planning to unveil a prototype for plug-in hybrid at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, according to the Los Angeles Times. According to a source within the GM’s technology division, the prototype initially runs on power provided by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and switches to electricity provided by the engine when the battery is depleted. And like all plug-in hybrids, the car can be plugged into a home charging unit and probably would store enough power in the batteries to cover the typical daily commute of 20 to 30 miles before starting the engine.

Chris Paine, director of the film “Who Killed the Electric Car?” is enthusiastic about the prototype and hopes “this one can get from concept to showrooms.” Paine has never doubted GM’s ability to produce an environmentally friendly electric vehicle, but has been critical of its commitment to marketing one.

General Motors “apparently recognizes that it is falling behind in the race for a piece of the ‘green’ vehicle market … and needs something it can get out there and sell in substantial numbers,” said Roland Hwang, vehicle policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council. “If it helps reduce global warming emissions and dependency on oil, then it is a plus,” he said.

However, he is skeptical of production plans, saying that GM “is fond of showing us things it never brings to market. The question is whether this will be just a prototype for public relations or a real effort.”

## Source: Los Angeles Times ##

Posted in: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, GM, Technology, Hybrids, Electric
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