Range predictions did prove to be fairly accurate, though.
On a couple of full charges, this driver never saw more than 46 miles as a projected electric range. During our test, February Chicago temperatures a little either side of the freezing mark extracted their toll.
Of course, weather conditions have a lot of influence on charge capacity and range. It has also trimmed the weights of the battery and motor for a savings of about 120 pounds. Chevy has increased charge capacity in the lithium-ion battery pack, and says a new two-motor drive unit operates more efficiently than its predecessor. Where the original Volt was rated at 38 miles of all-electric operation before the gas engine would switch on to support the electric-drive system, the gen-II system has a claimed 53-mile range, for a potential of 420 total with a full tank of gas. The redesigned Volt’s instrument panel and dashboard look decidedly more conventional–and upscale–than in the previous-generation car. (Sorry-couldn’t resist.) For 2016 Chevy’s extended-range electric sedan is completely redesigned, with sleeker looks inside and out, greater full-electric range, and two equipment levels from which to choose. Gasoline-averse shoppers who check out the Chevrolet Volt may be in for a shock. The not so good: Rear-seat passenger spaceĬheck out Consumer Guide’s Electric Car Best Buys Options on test car: Comfort Package ($400), Front license-place bracket ($20) Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.
All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. Real-world fuel economy: 42.8 mpg (gas only)ĮPA-estimated fuel economy: 106/42 (MPGe, gas-only combined)īase price: $33,170 (not including $825 destination charge) CG Report Card
GM's PR flacks undoubtedly are scratching their heads trying to figure out how to spin it all.Real-world fuel economy: 181.1 mpg (gas and electric) Critics will seize on the 35 mile range and 37 mpg figures. Volt fanboys will hail the 93 mpg equivalency under electric power. "That's best in segment for compact cars."Īt the bottom line, there's something for everyone on this label. "Our overall combined average is 60 mpg," said Doug Parks, Volt global vehicle line executive for the Volt. Of course, the typical driver will go all kinds of distances between charges, and the EPA's got a number for that, too: 60 mpg equivalent "combined composite." Drive 75 miles between charges and you can expect 69 mpg. Drive 60 miles between charges and you're looking at 89 mpg.
If you drive 45 miles between charges, meaning you're doing about 10 miles with the gasoline assist, you'll get 168 mpg. That's where things get a bit tricky when you're looking at the EPA window sticker (.jpg). The whole point of a plug-in hybrid (yes, the Volt is a plug-in hybrid) is to plug it in. But no one expects Volt owners not to charge the battery - something the EPA says will take four hours at 240 volts. If you never charge the battery and only drive around using the gasoline engine to generate electricity, you'll get 37 mpg combined city and highway. I think 40 was a good single shooting point." "I'm confident a lot of people will get 40 or above based on the climate and how they drive. "I don't think we were surprised," DiSalle said of the vehicle's official range.