The first electric car that runs on more than electricity

Volt is unique among electric vehicles because you have two sources of energy. You have an electric source–a battery–that allows you to drive gas–free for an EPA–estimated 35 miles. And there's also an onboard gas generator that produces electricity so you can go up to a total of 375 additional miles on a full tank of gas4.

"I was actually in control of how much gas I consumed, and it was a powerful feeling," Say's Joe Nocera an automotive journalist, after driving Volt. If you want to drive using only electricity, you can. If you want to drive using electricity and gas, you can do that too. Volt is first for two very good reasons.

 

It's the impossible dream and Volt is achieving it.

Only a few years ago the notion of a production electric vehicle made the lips of skeptics curl up at the corners. Words like "never," "won't" and "can't be done" were tossed around. Volt did it anyway. Since 2010 disbelievers and optimism alike have had the chance to experience just how possible this dream has become. Some of them wanted to share their stories. These are Volt owner stories, straight from their lips to your ears.

So advanced, it's simple

If you can drive, you can drive a Volt. Instead of turning a key, you push a blue button. Rather than looking at dials and needles, you check two interactive LCD screens for feedback based on your particular driving style.

"One thing I really love about the Volt is the cockpit. You sit in it, and you feel like you just stepped into the future," Says Volt owner Alex Fay. "You've got two really bright screens that give you all sorts of information about your car and your driving." The screens allow you to learn how to get the most out of each charge. For example, suppose you want to go from A to B in the most efficient manner possible. Volt is programmed to respond with a choice of three driving modes. Normal mode enables Volt to drive like a conventional car, only more efficiently. Sport mode gives drivers more aggressive feedback and heightened response. Mountain mode maintains a power reserve for climbing long, steep grades.

Instant torque @ zero

The connection is direct: head, right foot, motor, power. Without a traditional transmission, 273 lb.–ft. of low–end torque has nowhere to go except to the tires and pavement. This helps explain why a vehicle with an electric propulsion system can feel so powerful and exhilarating. No wonder Volt has the ability to reach a test–track speed of 100 mph. There's the smooth whisper–like quiet ride, perfect for expressing your astonishment. Out loud, of course.

Driving force

A 16kWh lithium–ion battery pack powers Volt for an EPA–estimated 35 miles on a full charge. If you also have a full tank of gas, the total driving range is up to 375 miles11. It's electric when you want it, gas when you need it. If the battery runs low, you don't have to worry because Volt automatically transitions to a unique gasoline range–extending capability.

"I love the ability of being able to not burn any fossil fuels at all for many of my trips," says Volt owner Jim Jonah. "Yet I still have the ability to go on a last minute road trip/vacation/travel soccer game and not worry about running out of battery range." Even if you never use it, you know you've got a backup plan. Chevy puts the same kind of confidence behind our 8–year/100,000–mile Battery and Voltec Component Limited Warranty12. Engineering in. Fun out.

All–over aerodynamic aesthetics

Chevy designers constantly talk about form and function but when it comes to Volt, Director of Design Bob Boniface will tell you that they didn't compromise aesthetics to enable function. The result? A vehicle that looks sporty, quick, smooth and modern, yet achieves an extremely low coefficient of drag.

Countless hours in the wind tunnel influenced the styling of many exterior components including mirrors, a closed grill, rocker panels and the rear spoiler. In fact, the vertical blades that go from the bottom of the spoiler to the bottom of the bumper were designed specifically to trick the air into separating from the bumper more quickly, giving Volt extraordinary aerodynamics.

Another spin on styling

Make a smart statement with available 17–inch polished alloy wheels. Or choose available 17" painted sport wheels, which come with the option for dealer–installed inserts available in Silver Ice Metallic, Viridian Joule or Cyber Gray Metallic.

 

Courtesy of Chevrolet