The Real Value of the Volt

Charles Lane wrote that people would "be crazy" to buy Chevrolet's battery-powered Volt at current gas prices ["The Volt: Not Ready to Roll," op-ed, April 29]. However, driving without gas is worth a premium for many people.

Mr. Lane asserted that the Volt would not reduce emissions but would "move the emissions problem around" to power plants. Mr. Lane obviously didn't read the study by the Electric Power Research Institute and the Natural Resources Defense Council showing that widespread adoption of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 450 million tons a year.

Glaringly omitted from his argument, in addition, were two critical items: the national security value of energy independence and the importance of first-generation technology for future cost reductions.

The consequences of petroleum dependence can no longer be tolerated. Electrification of the automobile is critical for national security. Our country is weakened by dependence on oil-rich and hostile foreign nations.

While the wealthy and the government may have to subsidize first-generation Volts, electric car prices will drop substantially with increasing production volume as economies of scale come into play.

In my opinion and that of thousands of others, the Volt is the best idea GM has ever had.

LYLE J. DENNIS

Suffern, N.Y.

The writer is the founder of GM-Volt.com, an independent Web site devoted to advocacy for the GM vehicle.