Kalamazoo residents are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to test drive the latest addition to the Chevrolet family of vehicles, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt atKalamazoo Chevrolet Dealer. The Volt is especially good news for Michigan drivers who are looking to make a "green" change in their daily routine. One advantage of electric vehicles includes a rechargeable battery, which Chevrolet is taking to the next level with the help of the ABB Group. Both companies announced a partnership this September at the EV Battery Tech conference in Troy, Michigan, to develop pilot projects for re-using the batteries for the 2011 Volt. By dedicating time and effort, both groups hope to determine whether the batteries may be a source for renewable energy, to improve wind and solar power in the future. By identifying post-vehicle applications for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt's batteries, the ultimate goal is to provideKalamazoo Chevrolet‘s customers cost-effective, innovative solutions that will provide environmental benefits that stretch far beyond the highway. The Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range will provide Kalamazoo-area drivers with a standard, eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on its advanced, lithium-ion battery. It is the automotive industry's longest, most comprehensive battery warranty for an electric vehicle, covering all 161 components, in addition to the thermal management system, charging system and electric drive components. The partnership with ABB means great things for the environment in Michigan and the United States, as well. As the world's largest supplier of power grid systems and a leader in power and automation technologies, ABB enables utilities and industry to improve performance, while reducing their environmental impact. Employing electric car batteries for a second use is important, because helping to build needed storage capacity in future smart grids means good news for generations of Michigan residents to come. Specifically, engineers and researchers from both Chevrolet and ABB will be working together to study: Renewable Energy Storage: Power generated by wind and the sun can be stored in 2011 Volt battery systems and used when demand warrants. Grid Load Management: Utilities will be able to use the 2011 Volt batteries to store electricity generated during off-peak periods to supplement demand during high-peak operation. This will help utilities to better manage the grid, improving reliability and efficiency. Back-up Power Supplies for Communities: 2011 Volt battery systems can store electricity that can be used by communities during power outages caused by storms or other natural disasters. Time of Use Management: Industrial customers can store off-peak, lower-priced electrical power in 2011 Volt batteries for use during peak demand time of day for cost savings. The new 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be available for test drive at Kalamazoo Chevrolet dealer,Cole Krum Chevroletin late 2010.http://www.kalamazoochevy.net/20100927-michigan-volt/ ...read more