It looks like GM is taking a big step toward plug-in electric cars, a sign of the changing times as fuel prices continue to soar. GM is planning on working with the nonprofit organization Electric Power Research Institute, which consists of 30 of the top electric utilities in the U.S. and Canada. The collaboration is essential because being able to easily tap existing electric infrastructure is crucial to the viability of easy plug-ins for the vehicles. GM’s Chevy Volt and Saturn VUE are expected to start the trend.
The costs of daily operation for an electric vehicle are considerably lower than for regular gas vehicles. According to the video, a regular daily commute for a Chevy Volt would cost 80 cents, charging 8 kW to the battery, and would be enough to cover 40 miles. A week of driving up to 280 miles would cost $5.60, just a bit over the cost of a gallon of premium gas. Don’t try and take these cars out for a weekend of off-roading, though.