The Chevrolet Volt will see the first application of General Motors’ E-Flex range-extending electric vehicle technology – now referred to as ‘Voltec’ – in 2010, but other E-Flex models could follow soon after. In a bid to cut costs and raise GM’s green credentials, GM execs are seriously considering using the Volt’s technology in other GM vehicles.
One logical candidate for the Voltec technology would be the upcoming Chevrolet Orlando. Set to hit the market in 2011, the Orlando rides on the same Delta platform as the Chevy Volt, making technology sharing rather easy.
“I would point out that the Chevrolet Orlando is built on the same basic vehicle architecture and component set as the Chevrolet Volt ,” Jon Lauckner, GM’s vice president of global program management, told Automotive News Europe. “So if it makes sense, it’s certainly something we can take a look at.”
However, GM has no official plans to use the Volt technology in the Orlando as of yet. But with gas prices expected rise steadily over the next few years, a Voltec-version of the 7-passenger Chevy Orlando could make a lot of sense, especially considering the mileage of other 7-passenger vehicles on the market.
