GM to Work With San Francisco, Washington to Prep for Chevy Volt Launch

Before it brings its much ballyhooed Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid to American streets, General Motors Corp. is laying out a “roadmap” for getting metro areas ready for the arrival of plug-in vehicles.

At the Washington Auto Show, the troubled automaker said it will collaborate with San Francisco and Washington D.C. to ensure that the proper policies and infrastructure are in place for the time when plug-ins such as the Volt start hitting the streets.

GM says it will work with everyone from governments to utilities to permitting and codes officials to prep for the launch. Among the challenges that need to be tackled, GM says, are consumer incentives, charging infrastructure and the codes and permits to allow charging stations to be installed, commercial and government fleet purchases, and utility rates that encourage plug-in use.

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San Francisco and Washington were picked because of high interest in the Volt from those metros, GM said. Gavin Newsom, mayor of San Francisco is already working with GM and has backed Better Place’s plan to bring charging stations to California. The automaker said other areas would be selected as well, but did not identify those markets yet.

GM has been working with engineering and utility groups to address questions about how to handle additional load from vehicle charging on the electric grid, and standardizing the design and operation of charging stations. Add in the fact that the Volt qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit, and surely some consumers will snatch at the car, which will carry a sticker price between $30,000 and $48,000.

With so much riding on the Volt launch, it’s understandable that GM wants to make sure all the pieces are in place to make the car a success. The automaker has had to deal with rumblings about delays, because of the company’s financial struggles. After all the talk though, the public is likely very ready to see these cars get off the testing track and into showrooms.

Image Credit: GM
Source: GM

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