Energy and Global Warming News for August 4th: GM boosts output of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle; DuPont says it can boost lithium-ion battery power, lifetime, and safety; How 'green' are those hiking boots?

GM Boosts Output of the Chevrolet Volt Electric Vehicle

The buzz about electric vehicles (EVs) recently grew louder, as General Motors Corporation (GM) announced on July 30 that it will increase U.S. production capacity of its new Chevrolet Volt by 50% next year. Citing strong interest, GM said it will boost the number of units from 30,000 to 45,000 in 2012.

The announcement came as President Obama toured the Detroit-Hamtramck facility where the Volt is assembled. Earlier in the week, on...