GM’s Chevrolet Volt is still some two years away from scheduled production, but that hasn’t stopped the company from making plans to expand the market. General Motors officials insist that the Volt will be available in U.S. showrooms in 2010 and they are determined to have a similar car for the Europeans by 2012. In a GM press release, the company states that its European Opel division, and U.S. brand Saturn (which share similar customer demographics) have collaborated on a Volt derivative that matches European tastes. It’s a bold move, and if worldwide energy prices remain high, it’s probably a smart move.

Like the Volt, this car will use GM’s E-flex propulsion system. What’s E-flex? Short and sweet, it’s a plug-in hybrid with a twist. The drivetrain uses an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery to propel the vehicle upwards of 40 miles. For extended range, a small onboard engine that can be powered by multiple fuel sources (e.g. diesel, biodiesel, gasoline, E85), hence the twist, drives a generator that then powers the electric drive motor and simultaneously charges the battery. For daily commutes under 40 miles, the engine never needs to start. The vehicle can be recharged in just a few hours by plugging into regular household current.

So what’s the name of this car? Well, for now GM calls it the Flextreme. Not so sure about that. It’s clever, but … We like the pizzazz conveyed by the name Volt, but since it’s already taken, maybe something more like Amp, or Watt or how ‘bout Joule (the unit of electrical force named after British physicist James P. Joule).

Yeah, Joule, that sounds nice. Who wouldn't want a car whose name sounds like Jewel?

Automotive News reports that, at a recent GM facility visit, Republican White House hopeful John McCain took a spin in a concept plug-in hybrid electric Chevrolet Volt. He then told a group of about 300 GM Detroit Technical Center employees, "I will do everything in my power to make sure this breakthrough has every chance of success and that we will make sure American citizens understand what's happening here." He also pledged to give up to $5000 in tax credits to initial buyers to make the Volt more affordable. According to the report, GM CEO Rick Wagoner said that Democratic rival Presidential candidate-to-be Barack Obama also favors tax incentives for first buyers.

Sensitive to the plight of the American automotive industry, both candidates have made U.S. automotive assembly plants frequent stops throughout their campaigns. And both McCain and Obama have sent letters to the UAW stressing the importance of producing fuel-efficient cars, like the Volt, domestically.

During the Detroit visit, McCain also told both executives and line employees that he was sticking with his position to allow individual states to enforce their own fuel economy standards. This is, of course, unpopular with the manufacturers who like the easier to implement across-the-board Federal CAFE standards.

Us? We don't care so much how they are doing it (determining fuel economy standards and pushing for alt fuel technology), as long as they are doing it. No matter what, even if in-hind-sight-not-so-bright decisions are made now (they are politicians after all), the bumps and bruises will get worked out along the way. Support of the Volt (and like technology) seems to be a bit of an appeasement factor for both candidates--a way to grab for votes--that we hope doesn't fizzle after the Presidential Inauguration in January.