Electric Vehicle: The Silver Volt

By The Mother Earth News Editors
Published on September 1, 1979
1 / 7

On the road: a 130-mile (maximum) range, a
On the road: a 130-mile (maximum) range, a "top end" of 70 mph, and a "Rolls Royce" ride.
2 / 7

The engine compartment contains quick-charge batteries and an onboard generator for practicality.
The engine compartment contains quick-charge batteries and an onboard generator for practicality.
3 / 7

The Silver Volt electric vehicle is streamlined, but large enough for passenger comfort.
The Silver Volt electric vehicle is streamlined, but large enough for passenger comfort.
4 / 7

This charging port enables drivers to
This charging port enables drivers to "Fill 'er up" with 120- or 240- volt power.
5 / 7

Sir Jon Samuel at the wheel of his brainchild.
Sir Jon Samuel at the wheel of his brainchild.
6 / 7

If you're interested in driving an electric vehicle but can't stomach the price, a car converted to hybrid drive might be a better option.
If you're interested in driving an electric vehicle but can't stomach the price, a car converted to hybrid drive might be a better option.
7 / 7

The Silver Volt is finely detailed from end to end.
The Silver Volt is finely detailed from end to end.

America’s love affair with the automobile has lasted more than 50 years, and no doubt will endure even through the fuel crises that are bound to occur (with increasing frequency) in years to come.

It should be obvious, then, that some drastic changes will have to be made in automobile design if we’re all to enjoy the luxury of personal transportation. Electric Auto Corporation’s experimental electric vehicle the Silver Volt is certainly a step in the right direction.

It May Look Familiar …

The EAC’s streamlined five-passenger runabout is not a “scratch-built” automobile. Its chassis and a good part of its body have been “borrowed” from the General Motors assembly line under special contract.

Sir Jon Samuel–the transplanted British baronet who is the firm’s president–explains the two-fold reason for this: “At present we’re in the midst of an intensive testing program studying the performance of our own battery and drive system. We know that GM manufactures a reliable automotive product, so rather than get caught up in all the design headaches that go with building an entirely original vehicle, we purchase our units from the Detroit firm and make our own alterations. Not only does this practice bring our costs down, but it also places the actual manufacturing burden on another corporation.”

Don’t get the impression that the Silver Volt is just a warmed-over Buick, however. On the contrary, it’s been carefully engineered and adapted to its new “electric” role. For example, because of the converted car’s increased weight (added by batteries and other equipment), its wheels, tires, springs, and suspension components have been proportionately upgraded.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368