Ecomagination™ Technology to Help Drivers Skip the Pump
GE Press Release
GE Plastics’ differentiated technologies helped reduce the Volt weight and optimize its fuel efficiency so that drivers can now skip the pump to extend their mileage and increase savings.
GE fuel saving technologies showcased on the Chevy Volt include:
- Roof made with Lexan™ GLX resins and Exatec™ Coating Technology
- Rear Deck Lid and Fixed Side Glazing made with Lexan™ GLX resins and Exatec™ Coating Technology
- Doors and Hood made with Xenoy™ iQ High Performance ThermoPlastic Composites (HPPC)
- Global energy absorber and hybrid rear energy absorbers with Xenoy iQ resins
- Steering Wheel and Instrument Panel with integrated airbag chute made with Lexan™ EXL resins
- Front Fenders made with Noryl GTX™ resins
- Wire Coating made with Flexible Noryl™ resins
These plastic materials allow for less fuel consumption, fewer carbon dioxide emissions, and improved overall performance.
“GM’s commitment to improving fuel economy, reducing vehicle emissions, and developing electrically-driven vehicles is facilitated with GE Plastics’ weight-reduction technologies on the Chevrolet Volt concept car. We were able to take mass out of the Volt in order to optimize its overall efficiency,” said General Motors’ vice president of Global Program Management, Jon Lauckner. “Through the independent auditor, GreenOrder, we were also able to see clear positive environmental results from working with GE Plastics,” said Lauckner.
And exactly how much mass was removed, relative to conventional current automobile materials? What is the cost per kilogram of removed mass?
Posted by: George | February 10, 2007 at 01:16 AM
How much petroleum goes into producing those plastics?
Posted by: Petey | February 10, 2007 at 02:36 PM
This press release is about useless. And it makes me worried that the volt will be filled with cheap feeling plastic and it will turn off consumers.
Posted by: Wind Lover | February 12, 2007 at 02:15 PM
The result of these innovations is real, and will not be rejected by the public. There should be little concern about the feel and appearance of these plastics being "cheap". The reason I believe in these innovations? Most/All are already used......in the Chevy Corvette. And the weight reduction is terrific, just ask the heavier Ford GT, Mustang, and Mazaradi that the vet beat out.
FYI, I don't own a Corvette but my father does. How they got away with using bamboo for the flooring I'll never know!
Posted by: Jason C | February 14, 2007 at 05:05 PM