GM, utilities join to study electric car impact

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - General Motors is looking down the road to solve potential problems for the electric cars it plans to roll out in about two years.

G-M has joined with more than 30 utility companies to address potential issues from tax incentives for the vehicles to where and when they can be plugged in for recharging.

GM hopes to bring the Chevrolet Volt rechargeable car to showrooms in late 2010. It's being designed to run on an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. When fully charged, it will be able to go 40 miles on battery power. For longer trips, a small internal combustion engine will recharge the batteries to keep the Volt moving.

GM and the utilities planned to announce the partnership Tuesday at a conference on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles under way in San Jose, California.