The 2011 Chevrolet Volt created much interest when it was announced as world’s first mass produced electric car. Bale Chevrolet, the leading Arkansas Chevrolet car dealer in Little Rock, feels the Volt arrived as an ingenious concept, essentially an electric car with a backup gasoline engine.
The revolutionary Voltec propulsion system in the Volt delivers between 25 and 50 miles of electric driving with a long-life, 16-kWh lithium-ion battery and 149-hp electric drive unit which offers 344 miles of extended range with a 1.4L engine. In winter, the Volt yields 28 miles on average electric-only driving. On a regular basis, the Volt delivers 39 miles and one can get 40-45 mph on rural roads.
On short trips, the Volt runs on electricity alone. Since it is a plug-in car, it takes four hours to recharge using a 240-volt charger and about nine hours using 110-volt household outlet. A full charge takes about 12.7 kWh of electricity. On gas power, the Volt delivers an impressive 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. If you are driving less than 40 miles a day, you can use the Volt easily and you don’t have to gas station much.
The Volt is electric efficient, intuitive, safe and fun as any premium vehicle of its size. The vehicle has highly aerodynamic exterior, lightweight wheels, specially designed tires and attention to detail that make the Volt one of the most aerodynamic and energy-efficient vehicles in the market. The Volt saves money in running costs if it is charged often. It extends the mileage range providing a total range of up to 379 miles. Thus, unlike its competitor all-electric Nissan Leaf, the Volt provides an extensive range and the peace-of-mind of not getting stuck.
| Cost per mile | Cost for 30 miles | Cost for 70 miles | |
| Chevrolet Volt (2.93 mi/kwh for 35 mi., then 29 mpg) | 3.75 cents ev; 13.69 cents gas | $1.13 | $6.14 |
| Toyota Prius (44 mpg) | 8.6 cents | $2.59 | $6.05 |
| Honda Civic Hybrid (40 mpg) | 9.5 cents | $2.85 | $6.65 |
| Hyundai Elantra (29 mpg) | 13.1 cents | $3.93 | $9.17 |
(ev = electric vehicle mode)
Underlying assumptions: Volt calculation based on 35-mile electric range followed by premium fuel use; electricity at 11 cents per kwh (national average); gasoline at $3.80 per gallon regular, $4.00 premium. No stops for recharging. Overall fuel economy from CR instrumented tests.
Visit Bale Chevrolet to know more about the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Also take a look at their special offers on new Chevrolet cars.
0 comments:
Post a Comment