Cadillac will become the next General Motors brand to introduce an extended-range electric car on the Volt platform when it debuts the 2014 Cadillac ELR at next month’s Detroit Auto Show. The Cadillac ELR will be positioned as an upscale alternative to existing Volt models from Chevrolet, Holden and Opel.
Based on the Cadillac Converj concept, the ELR will rely on lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor for propulsion. When the batteries are depleted, a gasoline-powered engine will fire up to power a generator, giving the car virtually unlimited range. Though Cadillac isn’t giving specifics, it’s likely the ELR will match or beat the Volt’s EPA-estimated 38 mile range.
Expect a more spirited performance from the Cadillac ELR as well. The Volt can run from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is respectable considering its primary mission is saving fuel. The ELR likely won’t be that much quicker, but it’s reasonable to expect a sub eight second time.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Pricing remains the big mystery, since the Volt’s price tag has always been a barrier to more widespread sales. If luxury-brand Cadillac gets too optimistic with the ELR’s sticker, we seriously doubt it will be the success that GM needs it to be. We’ll find out soon enough.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
