Cadillac Converj is GM's next electric car

Fans of green driving have long been wondering what would be GM's next entry into the electric car market might be once the Chevy Volt hits the streets in late 2010. Debuting earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, GM has opted to create a hybrid electric/gas production model of their Cadillac Converj roadster.

The announcement was reportedly included in a November 2nd presentation to GM's board of directors. The Converj will utilize the Voltec electric propulsion system that was originally design for the Chevy Volt and is expected to travel about 40 miles on electric power before switching to a 1.4 liter engine that should provide another 200 or so miles at an expected 35 miles per gallon.

Using the Cadillac brand name to promote an electric vehicle might just be one of the smartest moves GM has made in the world of green vehicles. It's an excellent place to debut a fun and speedy roadster, demonstrating to the world that electric doesn't have to mean boring. With a good deal of consumer interest in electric cars, it could help to put the struggling brand back in the nations limelight. With the recent economic downturn, Cadillac sales fell further than any other GM brand in 2009 -- a whopping 39.2%. And finally, a higher-priced luxury vehicle like the Converj could help spread the cost of electric car adoption. GM has already spent more than $1 billion on the Volt program. Hopefully a luxury line of electrics could help to earn some of those funds back.

No date has been confirmed for a launch yet, but industry analysts are speculating on 2013 or 2014, making sure that the Chevy Volt has a few years to gain a foothold on the market and showcase GM's move into the world of greener vehicles.

[via GreenCarReports.com, The Detroit News]

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