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 »
- Facebook's Secret Code
- The Troubles at Kroger: Frugal Consumers
- Uganda's Draconian Anti-Gay Bill: Inspired by the U.S.
- Why Greece Could Be the Next Dubai
- Putin: Yes, I May Run Again. Thanks for Asking
- The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting
- The Job Market: Is a College Degree Worth Less?
- Why Does Google Search Love Examiner.com?
- The Glee Factor: A Rise in Amateur Singing Groups
- Family Feud Imperils a Prized Spanish Art Collection
- Washington: 10 Things to Do in 24 Hours
- Family Feud Imperils a Prized Spanish Art Collection
- Uganda's Draconian Anti-Gay Bill: Inspired by the U.S.
- U.S. Envoy Stops in S. Korea En Route to N. Korea
- The Afghan War Through a Marine Mother's Eyes
- The Job Market: Is a College Degree Worth Less?
- Why Does Google Search Love Examiner.com?
- Why Greece Could Be the Next Dubai
- Celebrity Chefs Show How to Lose Weight
- The Afghanistan Surge: How Will the Taliban Respond?
RSS