Zoomi Life

Chrysler has released their new 5-year plan to get back in the black. While the plan talks about better fuel efficiency and more targeted, focused vehicle models within brands, it says absolutely nothing about electrics or hybrids.

Read More: Chrysler’s New Five Year Plan: No Eco-Vehicles

Everyone wants government money. It seems that all of the electric vehicle manufacturers, whether making parts, batteries, or cars want in on that cheap Department of Energy cash. Matthew Lesko is already working on a new book with a working title of “Get FREE Government Money For Your Electric Car Company!”*

Read More: More Department of Energy Loans and Foibles: Tesla, Aptera, and More

Driving smarter can save fuel. Huge amounts of fuel, even for non-hybrids and gas guzzling SUVs. Most of the newer vehicles, especially hybrids, are now featuring “eco-driving” displays or prompts integrated into the dashboard of the car. Ford, Honda, Toyota, and many others have them. The Chevy Volt is expected to feature one and even electrics like the Ford Transit will have it.

Read More: Eco-Nagging: The New Eco-Driving Systems Coming to a Car Dash Near You

In a truly GM-styled move, the upcoming Volt’s price will be based not on business dynamics, it’s cost versus consumer demand, or anything else remotely market-based or based in sound business principle.

Read More: Chevy Volt’s Price Will Depend on Gasoline

According to information found in an updated business plan that was presented to the U.S. government yesterday, General Motors is currently requesting an additional $2.6B in low-interest loans to support the development of two new electric cars in addition to their planned Volt PHEV.

Read More: GM to Create Two More Electric Cars in Addition to the Volt

General Motors currently has six hybrid electric vehicles and the much-anticipated Chevrolet Volt will hit the streets late next year. Based on the Volt’s powertrain (assuming it sells well, I’d imagine), GM will be introducing at least four more vehicles using the plug-in hybrid technology by 2012.

Read More: GM Plans It’s Volt-ific Future: 2 New PHEVs

General Motors, not satisfied with the billions in bailout funds the Bush administration lavished on them after their month-long begathon last year, has now called on major cities (especially San Francisco) to “become plug-in ready.”

Read More: GM Not Content With Bailout Money: Wants San Francisco to Pony Up Too

The South Korean company LG Chem has penned a deal with General Motors to build lithium-ion batteries for the Chevy volt until the end of 2015. The company will be setting up a new production line at its Ochang, S. Korea plant for the deal.

Read More: LG to Provide Batteries for the Chevy Volt

Currently in production, “Revenge of the Electric Car” promises to cover all things plug-in vehicle related. From the giants of the auto industry to the DIY converters to the small startup manufacturer, the film promises to cover electric cars from top to bottom, inside and out.

Read More: Revenge of the Electric Car Documentary Coming in 2010

This video is short (about three and a half minutes) and well-produced. While it’s a little simplistic, it does explain how the Volt’s charging and long-range running systems work. Maximize the video in order to easily read the text in it:

Read More: GM’s Latest Video Explaining the Chevy Volt