Electric Vehicles Light Up Detroit Auto Show

New Concept Cars Unveiled, Volt Battery Pack Manufacturing Facility Announced

The potential of electric-powered cars was a highlight of the 2009 NAIAS Detroit Auto Show with several automakers unveiling their latest concepts and making big announcements.

General Motors announced that Chevrolet Volt will use battery packs manufactured in the United States. The plant will be located in Michigan and will be the first lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing facility operated by a major US automaker. Facility preparation will begin in early 2009, with output starting in 2010.

Toyota showed off the FT-EV, a battery-powered four-seat compact car, with plans to release an "urban commuter" electric car in 2012. In addition, GM added a little luxury with its latest electric concept, the Cadillac Converj. While Smart, the popular mini-car maker, revealed its all-electric ForTwo, which will also run on lithium-ion batteries.

Produced for General Motors