The Chevrolet Volt is an E-REV -- an extended range electric vehicle -- which means that it comes fitted with both a petrol engine and an electric motor. However, unlike a conventional petrol hybrid, the wheels are always driven by the electric motor, with the engine providing the juice when the battery runs flat. It's an excellent car and costs a pittence to run, but you'll have to fork out to buy it in the first place.
Insurance Groups: 22 - 22
MPG Range: 235 - 235
Latest Chevrolet Volt Car Reviews:
If you're hell-bent on owning an electric car, the Volt is probably the pick of the bunch; however, it's still not brilliant. Sure, the Volt sips fuel and is road-tax and congestion charge exempt, ...
Chevrolet Volt Overview
The Volt feels lively and responsive right from the word go. Such is the nature of electric motoring, all of the 237lb-ft of torque is available instantaneously. The ride is very composed and the cabin is very quiet indeed thanks to good soundproofing and the fact that, at least some of the time, the Volt is running off a silent electric motor.
As a family car, the Volt is hard to fault. There's plenty of space in the boot (310-litres) and the cabin is also very spacious although some families will be put off by the lack of a third rear seat. Eight airbags make the car very safe and the Volt's interior looks good, even if it does feel a bit cheap to the touch.
Background
Thr Volt has no background as such -- after all, it's brand-spanking new. The original Volt concept was displayed at the Detroit Motor Show in 2007 and the production model made its debut in September 2008. The Volt went on sale in the UK in 2012 and is essentially the same car as the Vauxhall Ampera.
Summary
It's a bit of a gamble to buy a Volt at the moment. Make no mistakes, it is a good car but it's very expensive -- although significantly cheaper than its Vauxhall brother -- and electric car technology is still in its infancy. However, if you have the money to spend and you fancy a Volt, there's very little that's going to put you off.
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