TIME's Best Inventions of 2008
From a genetic testing service to an invisibility cloak to an ingenious public bike system to the world's first moving skyscraper — here are TIME's picks for the top innovations of 2008
7. The Chevy Volt
No-emission electric motors — which began the automobile revolution — are the technology of tomorrow for cars. But today's batteries can't support the typical driving experience. Chevy's Volt is a nice compromise. The sedan has an electric motor with a battery that can provide up to 40 miles (about 65 km) of range on a single charge. A gas engine kicks in to recharge the battery while you're driving. Since nearly 80% of us drive less than 40 miles a day, that means that unlike the Prius, the Volt could get drivers off gas altogether. The best of both worlds lands by the end of 2010.
See the history of the electric car.
View the full list for "TIME's Best Inventions of 2008"Latest Lists
Most Popular »
- No Churchgoing Christmas for the First Family
- Why Brittany Murphy Is Worth Remembering
- How Panera Bread Defies the Recession
- Israel vs. Hizballah: Drumbeats of War
- The Pentagon Prepares for a Missile Attack from 'Iran'
- In Germany, a Disturbing Rise of Right-Wing Violence
- Climate Change: How Fast Is the Earth Shifting?
- Obama, a Favorite Son, Will Perk Up Hawaii's Holidays
- Sean Goldman: Home by Christmas
- The Battle for Sean Goldman: The View from Brazil
- No Churchgoing Christmas for the First Family
- How Panera Bread Defies the Recession
- Climate Change: How Fast Is the Earth Shifting?
- In Germany, a Disturbing Rise of Right-Wing Violence
- Mexico City's Revolutionary First: Gay Marriage
- Why Brittany Murphy Is Worth Remembering
- Holland's Plan to Tax Every Kilometer Driven
- The Pentagon Prepares for a Missile Attack from 'Iran'
- Domestic Terror Incidents Hit a Peak in 2009
- Should the U.S. Destroy Jihadist Websites?
RSS