Chevy Volt by webcompanion
part of Detroit Auto Show Cars set

A reader comment prompted us to search for how the GM proposes to recycle the batteries from the Volt and other E-Flex vehicles. We never really found the answer but what we did find was pretty cool.

The Technology behind the Volt

Green Car Congress has probably the best review of how the Chevy Volt will work. They quote GM's VP Energy and Environment Beth Lowery as saying: "We are focused on reducing our dependence on petroleum - today we are 98% dependent [and] we don't think that is a good business strategy at all."

The Story of the Volt

At a blog called EcoGeek, Hank Green tells how advances in battery technology surprised GM and have led to the concept for the Chevy Volt and the whole E-Flex platform. Go read it!

Big Three beg for battery money

Speaking of batteries, Autoblog calls out a WSJ article on the Big Three seeking 1/2 billion in battery subsidies (they are trying to cut into the huge lead that Japanese companies have in this technology) and asks some questions.

Airstream by julienconstans
part of her 2007 Detroit Auto Show set

The Ford Airstream Concept

In their massive article Ford Airstream concept: a shiny, hydrogen-powered PHEV funmobile, AutoBlogGreen looks at a vehicle that is truly a blue-sky concept car. Their review includes an equally massive gallery of high-res Ford Airstream images. The Airstream will operate on Ford's HySeries Drive™ powertrain - a battery-powered, plug-in hybrid with a hydrogen fuel cell that operates as an on-board charger. Sadly, it's probably years away from practical use.

Where did the Green go?

Upon his return from the Show, Joel Makower says that while there was plenty of turbo-charged testosterone titillation he wondered:

...where was the green? This year, environmentally minded vehicles and innovations seemed few and far between. The well-choreographed and elaborately staged press events focused far more on horsepower and high-technology than on hybrids and hydrogen. "Muscle" was probably the show's most exercised buzzword.

Read the rest of the for his thoughts and also see Is GM Reviving the Electric Car?