Lear to Charge the Chevy Volt

With only a few months left before the launch of the Volt plug-in hybrid, American manufacturer GM begins tying up loose ends and slowly reveals the supplier network for the future star model. The most important aspect, the charging of the future Volt, has now been handed over to Lear, who will be shipping chargers to GM to be used by future Volt owners.

According to Freep, Lear's chargers, who will become the primary electricity source for the Volt, will be leaving Lear's factories together with other components: onboard chargers, wiring and a travel charger. The contract signed by Lear with GM is perhaps one of the most important ones for the long term.

Last week, news of GM trying to pick a supplier for an optional 240-volt charging device for the Volt surfaced. GM needs a higher-capacity charger to cut down on that somewhat big charging time. The first batches of the vehicle will come equipped with a 120 volt electric cord which can be used to recharge the batteries in some eight to ten hours. The new unit would allow the Volt to recharge its batteries in three to four hours.

The Volt will be initially launched in late 2010 in California, powered by lithium-ion batteries which will give it a range of up to 40 miles without the use of the internal combustion engine. It is priced at $41,000, or $33,500 net of full federal income tax credit. A lease program is also available for as low as $350 for 36 months and a down payment of only $2,500.