Significance
- GM also plans plug-in Saturn Vue in 2010 w/ shorter all-electric range
- Announcement made at conference where GM joined Ford, Chrysler in calling on Congress to boost financial support to make plug-in hybrids like Chevy Volt financially viable
- Automakers, Congress concerned US could replace reliance on imported oil w/ reliance on imported batteries; most battery production done in Asia
- China has 40M electric vehicles on roads; most are scooters and bikes
- Energy Department plans to fund 2nd round of projects next year if Congress approves proposal