The warranty is better than the warranty classic car engines and transmissions for GM, which have five years or 100.000 miles.

The Volt battery is due in showrooms this November. The vehicle can travel 40 miles on battery power before a small gasoline engine is responsible for energy production so that the car can go longer distances. The Volt should be set at about $ 35,000, but probably less expensive, after the federal tax credits.

A longer warranty will help GM in its attempt to convince people to adopt the new technology lithium-ion batteries.

Tom Stephens, GM’s vice president of product planning, said the automaker hopes that the batteries without problems for more than a guarantee, but its ability to support consumer spending will fall slightly over time.

Chevy Volt

“Initially, when we have seen, wanted to ensure that the batteries are good for more like 10 years,” he said.

The batteries have a chemical composition similar to cell phones and computers. These batteries are usually made in a few years and are relatively expensive to replace. Earlier GM had fixed the cost of a battery of 400 volts in the books about $ 10,000, the largest component in the car.

Costs must fall as GM sells more volts and should be significantly lower after eight years, “said Stephens. He said that the batteries can be sent to GM to be rebuilt to extend its life. Customers also have the opportunity to get rid of, “he said.

Mickey Bly, GM’s general manager of electrical systems, said the cost of the battery is significantly reduced. GM learn more about the new technology and public funds has reduced development costs. He declined to give a figure on how much the cost has decreased.

The guarantee also covers the battery volt cooling and heating, charging system and electric drive components, a GM representative said.

The Volt will be sold first Texas, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, California and Washington, DC The company expects to produce 10,000 in late 2011 and 30,000 in 2012.

Other manufacturers are rolling out electric vehicles. Shortly after the Volt is for sale, Nissan Motor Company will begin selling the sheet, the company said it will receive 100 miles on one charge. The road will not be a gasoline engine, but it will be cheaper than the Volt.

Nissan has not announced a battery warranty long road.