Hyperdrive

The Chevy Volt Walked So China’s Plug-In Hybrids Could Run

Refining a type of powertrain GM celebrated at the turn of its century has spelled huge success for the likes of Li Auto and BYD.

GM’s then-chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, left; Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, center; and COO Fritz Henderson unveiling the production version of the Chevrolet Volt in September 2008 in Detroit. — GM’s then-chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, left; Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, center; and COO Fritz Henderson unveiling the production version of the Chevrolet Volt in September 2008 in Detroit.
Photographer: Steve Fecht/GM

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By Colin McKerracher

June 28, 2024 at 9:30 AM UTC

Thanks for reading Hyperdrive, Bloomberg’s newsletter on the future of the auto world.

In 2008, General Motors unveiled the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid with around 40 miles (64 kilometers) of range. Then-CEO Rick Wagoner referred to the Volt during a celebration of GM’s centennial as “a great way to open our second century.”