Taking The Volt to Los Angeles

Two years after auto executives were criticized for taking corporate jets to Washington to ask for help, a top GM exec is driving across country to make a point. GM marketing vice president Joel Ewanick leaving the Renaissance Center Thursday morning for a five day drive to Los Angeles, just in time for next week's LA Auto Show.

"I want to prove that this car is what it is, a real car," said Ewanick. "It's not just electric. It's really an alternative to a family sedan."

General Motors confirming this week that it will begin production of the Volt before the end of this month. The first Volt is expected to be delivered to its owner before the end of the year.

Ewanick talking to WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert from the Volt, as he was passing through Jackson, Michigan. He planned to pick up Interstate 80, and then follow most of the old "Route 66" into Los Angeles.

"We're gonna stop and see some dealers on the way," Ewanick said. "We're going to be in short supply for a while here. We want to make sure as many dealers as possible get a chance to sit in the car, and drive the car, and get some experience in the car."

Unlike other electric vehicles, the Volt has an on board "range extender," a six cylinder engine that generates electricity when the batteries wear down. This means a shorter range in pure electric mode—about forty miles—but it also means that the Volt can keep going indefinitely, which is the point GM is trying to prove with this trip.

They plan to recharge the Volt at night, and during breaks. But, during other times, they will drive in "extended range" mode, and simply refill the engine with gasoline.

Ewanick expected at a Tuesday morning event in Los Angeles, where he will detail his trip, and meet with some of the first Volt buyers.

He plans to talk with a number of potential buyers during the drive.

"Anytime I stop, or even if I have it at home in my driveway, people will just casually come up to the driveway asking questions about it."

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