Volt QandA

 (1)Based on EPA estimates. Actual range varies with conditions.

(2)Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

(3)To take advantage of a reduced off-peak rate plan, you must sign up through your utility. Not all utilities offer off-peak rate plans at this time.

(4)Volt is available at participating dealers. Quantities limited. Credit from $0 to $7500 depending on customer's eligibility for the maximum credit. Consult your tax professional before claiming any tax credit.

(5)Subject to customer's eligibility for the maximum rebate. Consult your tax professional about eligibility before claiming any tax benefit.

(6)Based on national average of 12 cents per kWh and 12.9 kwH for a full charge ($1.55). Electricity cost vary. Check with your provider for your rates.

Overview

  • Q. What is Volt?
  • A. Volt is a full–performance and full–speed electric vehicle with extended range. In its simplest form, Volt operates two ways – in EV mode (battery powered) and extended–range (gasoline powered) mode. With a fully charged battery, in moderate conditions and depending on the temperature, terrain, battery age and how you drive, Volt offers an initial electric range of 35 miles1 – totally gas–free and tailpipe –emissions free. After that, you can drive for a total range of up to 375 miles2 with the extended–range mode until you can plug it in or fill it up again. (1) Based on EPA estimates. Actual range varies with conditions. (2) EPA-estimated 94 MPGe (electric); 35 MPG city/40 hwy (gas). Actual range varies with conditions.
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  • Q. How Volt works.
  • A. Energy is stored onboard in a 16–kWh, T–shaped lithium–ion battery. The battery powers the electric drive unit, which is capable of meeting full vehicle speed and acceleration performance while driving the car electrically for an initial range without using a drop of gas. And when Volt's electric range has been used up, a gas engine works with the electric motors to keep you going. So whether you want to go crosstown or cross-country, you're free to drive wherever you want, efficiently. And even though Volt plugs into any standard 120 V household outlet, if you don't have a chance to charge it, all you have to do is fill it up just like you do with your car now.
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  • Q. How often do I have to plug it in?
  • A. While Volt has been designed to be the most efficient when it's plugged in daily, it will run efficiently without being plugged in for days, weeks or even months. With Volt, you don't have to plug in every day if it doesn't accommodate your schedule.
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  • Q. What is it like to drive Volt?
  • A. Those who've had an opportunity to test drive Volt have noticed how easy it is to use. Steve Parker, blogging on Huffington Post, commented on what it's like to drive Volt: Push the "Start" button and Volt springs into life All in all, it's an intuitive area for the driver The car is quiet, smooth and fast off the line (electric motors have all their torque at start–up, unlike gas engines which need time to build power). On top of that, Volt can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about nine seconds.
  • Q. Is the Volt an electric car or a hybrid?
  • A. Volt is an innovative, never–been–done–before car that exists alone, in a brand–new category of cars. Volt is a full–performance electric vehicle with extended range.
  • Q. How is the Volt different than the Toyota Prius (or a typical hybrid)?
  • A. Hybrids are not designed to travel extended distances in EV mode. Hybrids generally use battery power while stopped or at low speeds, and also cannot typically operate at high speeds while being powered by electricity alone. Volt is designed to travel longer distances and at all speeds (up to 100 mph on a test track) in EV mode. Once the battery is depleted, Volt uses the gas–powered, range–extending generator to drive hundreds more miles.
  • Q. Why did GM go to all the trouble of developing something new instead of improving its previous electric car, the EV1?
  • A. Volt is an electric car with the flexibility that most American drivers need. We heard from American drivers that the current cars on the market aren't giving them what they want. They want freedom from the gas pump and freedom from the charging station. And that's why we built Volt as a better electric car. Volt can be your only car. A car that gives you freedom from gas and freedom to drive anywhere you like.
  • Q. Will old gas sitting in the tank damage my vehicle? I do not drive too far and I plan on using very little gasoline.
  • A. Part of the allure of Volt is the ability to drive gas–free and tailpipe–emissions–free. However, that means the gasoline in the tank might sit there for an extended period of time. There are two modes that help make this process worry–free. Automatic Engine Maintenance: Volt will alert you, as required, about every 6 weeks to run the engine to keep it properly maintained and lubricated. Note: This only occurs if the engine has not been used for the last 6 weeks. Automatic Fuel Maintenance: Volt will alert you that the engine will run to use up some of the older gasoline in the tank (over one year old). If the fuel in the tank is over 365 days old, the Volt will also alert you to add some fresh gas (gas will stay good in Volt's pressurized tank for approximately 365 days). I guess if you've got that problem, it means you've managed to stay gas–free and tailpipe–emissions–free for one heck of a long time. Good job!