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General Motors Corporation (GM) introduced an innovative prototype, the Chevrolet Volt, than derives its power primarily from electricity rather than gasoline.

This isn't GM's first foray into environmentally-friendly vehicles that hope to battle global warming and the U.S. dependence on forgeign oil. According to this WashingtonPost.com article, GM introducted the concept of an all-electric car, the EV1 in 1990. The vehicle was available to U.S. consumers but it didn't survive through the decade.

There isn't a date when consumers will be able to buy the Volt mainly because the advanced lithium-ion batteries needed to power the vehicle are still years from widespread use in automobiles. The batteries' technology is similar to that used in cellphones. As an aside, the Volt is easy on the eyes with a style that makes it look less like an MPG-hugging vehicle as a chick magnet. What say you?

General Motors Chairman G. Richard Wagoner Jr., as well as other GM executives, have pledged to give the electric-car technology high priority within the company's massive product development operation.

GM and other automakers felt the sting of post Hurrican Katrina gas prices which cut into sales of SUVs and also watched as foreign automakers such as Toyota (TM) enjoyed positive attention for their Prius gas-electric hybrid. 

Although lawmakers are pushing for higher fuel economy standards the auto industry lobbying efforts should buy them plenty of time to invest in advanced technology as they are sure to stall any laws on major increases in fuel efficiency.