Is the Volt car concept (ICE + elect. motor), protected with patent?

• GregD Says: September 26th, 2008 at 3:51 pm Q: Will the Volt be available in convertible? A: No, not at launch time at least. Generally, a convertible is heavier and less aerodynamically efficient than an identical car with a fixed roof. Adding weight and aero drag hurts electric range and MPG. Plus, making it convertible would only add to the Volt’s already high base price and production costs. Want a convertible EV? Check out the Tesla Roadster. Q: Will operating the Volt add to my electric bill. A: If you charge it at home, of course. How much it will raise your bill depends on your local utility rates, how many miles a day you drive, how often you charge it (the Volt doesn’t require charging to operate but it would then require gasoline) and in some cases, when you charge it. A popular figure is that the Volt’s increase on your utility bill is comparable to the cost of operating a typical refrigerator. Q: I live in an apartment and won’t have access to a charging outlet. Will I ...  more