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GM's cheaper-than-Tesla 'leccy car tested at batt-powered data centre

Drove my Chevy to the levee servers because its storage capacity was high

General Motors has started testing its new Chevy electric prototype at its Milford Proving Ground – where its data centre is powered by the firm's own vehicles' recycled batteries.

It seems GM is well ahead of Tesla in rolling out its distance-driving electric car.

The upcoming Chevy Bolt is due to go on sale during 2017, and is intended to be able to drive 200 miles on a single charge.

Tesla and other rivals were expected to be launching their comparable models around the same time. However, Tesla has again delayed the release of its Model 3, which at $35,000 is apparently intended to be viable for mainstream consumers.

The Bolt – which has not been delayed and is undergoing testing well ahead of the Model 3 – is expected to carry a price tag of around $30,000.

Electric vehicle batteries are still capable of holding a lot of their capacity when drivers choose to replace them in order to maintain their car's range capabilities.

"Even after the battery has reached the end of its useful life in a Chevrolet Volt, up to 80 per cent of its storage capacity remains," said battery life cycle management boss Pablo Valencia.

"This secondary use application extends its life, while delivering waste reduction and economic benefits on an industrial scale," he added.

GM is using these batteries in the power supply at its LEED certified data centre at the Milford Proving Ground, where it is testing its new electric vehicle prototype. ®

Bootnote

Those price figures reflect likely numbers given for both the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3. The former was spoken of – but not confirmed – at the North American International Auto show, including Federal tax incentives. The latter was the result of a Reg piece which we have linked to above.

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