The Impact of GM’s Electric Concept Car and the Drive for Zero-Emissions

Introduction

In January 1990, General Motors (GM) Chairman Roger Smith unveiled the Impact, an electric concept car, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Developed in collaboration with electric vehicle company AeroVironment and featuring technology derived from GM’s successful Sunraycer solar car, the Impact signaled a promising future for electric vehicles (EVs). Despite initial enthusiasm from consumers and regulators, GM and other major automakers remained skeptical about the viability of electric cars. This article delves into the history, development, and influence of the Impact, as well as the role it played in shaping the future of electric vehicles.

The Impact: Development and Features

The Impact was the result of a collaboration between GM and AeroVironment, a company specializing in electric vehicle technology. The car’s development drew upon knowledge gained from GM’s participation in the 1987 World Solar Challenge with the Sunraycer, a solar-powered vehicle that won the competition. The Impact’s drive system electronics were designed by Alan Cocconi of AC Propulsion and later refined by Hughes Electronics. Powered by 32 lead-acid rechargeable batteries, the Impact could reach a top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h).

GM’s Production Goals and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Mandate

Impressed by the viability of the Impact, GM initially aimed to produce 100,000 vehicles per year, later adjusting the goal to 25,000 vehicles. Motivated by GM’s ambitious plans, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) implemented a significant environmental initiative. CARB required each of the U.S.’s seven largest automakers, including GM, to make 2% of their fleet emission-free by 1998, 5% by 2001, and 10% by 2003, in order to continue selling cars in California. The mandate aimed to combat California’s poor air quality, which at the time was worse than the other 49 states combined. In response to this mandate, other American automakers, along with Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, also developed zero-emissions vehicle prototypes.

The PrEView Program and Public Response

In 1994, GM launched the PrEView program, in which 50 hand-built Impact electric cars were lent to drivers for one to two-week periods. Participants were required to own a garage where a high-current charging unit could be installed and were asked to log their experiences. Program supervisor Sean McNamara initially expected no more than 80 volunteers in the Los Angeles area but was overwhelmed when 10,000 people called in. In New York City, 14,000 callers responded before the lines were closed.

The participants’ response to the Impact was generally favorable, as were reviews from the automotive press. Motor Trend praised the Impact as the “world’s only electric vehicle that drives like a real car.” Automobile commended the car’s smooth power delivery and ride handling. A modified Impact even set a land speed record for production electric vehicles at 183 mph (295 km/h).

Automakers’ Reluctance and the Debate on Electric Vehicle Viability

Despite the positive public response, GM was hesitant about the success of their electric car. The company viewed the PrEView program as evidence that electric vehicles were not yet viable and called for the CARB regulations to be withdrawn. Dennis Minano, GM’s vice president for Energy and Environment, questioned consumer demand for electric vehicles. Robert James Eaton, chairman of Chrysler, similarly expressed doubt about the market readiness for electric cars.

Critics, such as Thomas C. Jorling, the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation for New York State, argued that consumers demonstrated considerable interest in electric cars. They believed that the autom akers’ reluctance stemmed from their desire to protect their substantial investments in internal combustion engine technology.

The Impact’s Legacy and the Future of Electric Vehicles

Despite the skepticism from automakers, the Impact had a lasting influence on the future of electric vehicles. The CARB mandate and the development of the Impact spurred other car manufacturers to begin researching and developing electric vehicles of their own. Although the initial goals set by CARB were ambitious, they laid the groundwork for the growth of the electric vehicle market.

In the years following the Impact’s debut, electric vehicles slowly gained traction among consumers and governments. Advances in battery technology, particularly the development of lithium-ion batteries, provided greater energy density, improved range, and faster charging capabilities. These advancements addressed some of the concerns automakers had about electric vehicle viability and encouraged further investment in electric vehicle development.

The Impact’s pioneering role in the electric vehicle industry also led to the creation of new companies specializing in electric vehicle technology, such as Tesla Motors. Established in 2003, Tesla Motors quickly became a major player in the electric vehicle market, producing electric cars with impressive performance, range, and innovative features.

Today, electric vehicles are becoming more mainstream, with an increasing number of automakers committing to an electric future. Governments around the world have set ambitious targets to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles, further driving the adoption of electric vehicles.

Conclusion

The Impact, GM’s groundbreaking electric concept car, played a crucial role in shaping the future of electric vehicles. Although it faced skepticism from both GM and other major automakers, the Impact demonstrated the potential of electric vehicles and inspired industry-wide innovation. As a result of the Impact’s influence and the ongoing advancements in electric vehicle technology, electric vehicles have become an increasingly important part of the global automotive market. The story of the Impact serves as a reminder that groundbreaking innovations can often face significant resistance but can ultimately have a profound and lasting impact on the world.