GM is looking for at least 20% improvement to the electric-only range on its next generation Volt/Ampera models, according to reported remarks from CEO Dan Akerson.

The comments were reported by Bloomberg.

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The current range-extender Volt is capable of travelling around 38 miles on battery power alone, before the petrol engine kicks in.

“We hope to extend that significantly,” Akerson said during the interview on Bloomberg Radio, scheduled to be broadcast in September. 

“For something to be significant to me, I’ve got to get at least a 20 percent improvement in performance. If we can get it up to 50, 60 miles or more, we will, but that’s going to be another three to four years out.”

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