The Chevrolet Volt’s Voltec extended-range EV technology will undoubtedly spread to other General Motors vehicles, but the second application of the fuel-saving technology could be slated for the company’s upcoming Chevrolet Orlando people hauler.
Jon Lauckner, GM’s vice president of global program management, hinted at the possibility of a Voltec-powered version of the Orlando early this year, with GM’s new head of communications – Bob Lutz – confirming on Monday that a range-extending version of the MPV could be in the cards.
“We are actually studying the adaptation of Volt technology to the upcoming Orlando,” Lutz told GM-Volt.com.
Thanks to its Delta platform – the very same that underpins the Chevy Volt – applying the Voltec drivetrain to the Orlando wouldn’t be a very difficult task. The Volt and Orlando could share several parts, including key elements such as electric motors and battery packs, which would save on overall costs.
No word on when the Voltec Orlando would hit the market, but a 2011 or 2012 launch would seem likely. Just as the Volt is intended to dethrone the Toyota Prius as the fuel-economy champ, the RE-EV version Orlando would likely take aim at Toyota’s forthcoming hybrid minivan, slated to hit the market in 2012.
