The Volt EV Debate
The Chevrolet Volt EV comes under much scrutiny these days. From automotive press to Government officials – everyone wants to pick apart Volt. Of course, when a vehicle burns down someone’s home – it’s bound to attract negative press.
But the NHTSA investigation of GM’s lithium batteries (those used in plug-in electric vehicles) concluded this week. It showed the batteries were completely safe, when charging.
Aside from these investigations, NHTSA conducted “three additional side-impact crash tests with three more Volts,” in November 2011. Two out of three batteries sparked or caught fire. New designs and features to the packs are being implemented to stop this.
Dan Akerson, GM chairman and CEO, testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about Volt fires. Akerson’s five-page written testimony has him defended the EV’s safety against the Obama administration.
“The Volt is safe. It’s a marvelous machine,” said Akerson. “The Volt seems, perhaps unfairly, to have become a surrogate for some to offer broader commentary on General Motors’ business prospects and administration policy.”
Akerson added the Volt became “a political punching bag” and that the handling of the fires cast “an undeserving damaging light on a promising new technology.”
Republicans accuse President Obama’s administration of favoring Volt, saying the EV receives “special treatment” due to GM’s 26% government-ownership.
“The Obama administration has tied the political reputation of the president closely to the success of GM generally, and to the Chevy Volt specifically,” the committee’s report stated. Hopefully, Volt, Obama, and the US automotive industry won’t go down in flames.
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