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Chevrolet Volt driven

GM's revolutionary plug-in hybrid is here and but can it deliver a drive to match its technology?

Chevrolet Volt

By Owen Mildenhall

October 2010

  • Rating:

The Volt is the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle claiming to offer the range and everyday usability of a conventionally-powered car. We went to its global launch in Michigan to put these claims to the test.

GM’s revolutionary Voltec propulsion system combines an electric drive system with a 1.4-litre petrol engine. So it runs as a zero emissions electric car until its battery is exhausted, at this point the 1.4-litre petrol engine fires into life and inverts it power through the electrics to extend the range of the vehicle.

Serene and silent running combined with instant torque and super smooth acceleration, on the road it’s a revelation. Chevrolet claims that depending on terrain, driving style and temperature you can run for between 25 and 50 miles on a battery power alone - We did 30 miles before the smart digital dash confirmed
that our battery was running low. With a 35-litre petrol tank and the engine switched on this extends the range to up to 310 miles.

Impressively, the transition to range extending mode is seamless and with the engine usually running at optimum and constant revs, during most driving situations you don’t notice it. So from behind the wheel the Volt still feels just as smooth.

Dynamically, the Volt’s chassis is conventional and while any judgment on handling will have to be reserved until its driven on European roads, the Chevrolet has decent body control and the electric power steering is direct enough to inspire confidence. Unfortunately, brake pedal feel is artificial and the rigid suspension doesn’t isolate road imperfections very well.

Inside, the cabin layout is straightforward, and dominated by the large central panel and its touch pad style buttons. Materials are solid but uninspiring, while headroom in the back is tight and with the central spine of the T shaped battery pack running down the middle of the car, the Volt only has two individual rear seats.

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8 Comments

The way forward.

Whether they have totally cracked it yet or not, I'm convinced that this is the sensible way forward. By detatching the engine from the transmission, it is able to run at constant speed and derive efficiency gains. The electric 'transmission' makes it easy to drive.
Maybe Jaguar's mini turbines will be the real step forward as range extending power source, but this is a good start.

By pajbse on 26 October, 2010, 9:04am

A good start

The Volt may not be the be-all and end-all of 2nd generation hybrids, but it's a good start. Ultimately, the efficiencies of a diesel engine mated to electric motors, with a CVT drivetrain should give the best range and economy - until the fuel cell issue is cracked.
The car itself looks good from the outside, but I wasn't aware they still made plastics as cheap and nasty as those used on the dash.

By snappyuk on 26 October, 2010, 9:50am

So, you get 310 miles range from 35litres of petrol. That's 40mpg. Where's the progress then?

By ganthopoulos on 26 October, 2010, 10:21am

General Mockery

These people at GM must be kidding us, WHERE the HELL is the PROGRESS???

By miguel117 on 26 October, 2010, 4:08pm

wheres the fuel cell

i thought they cracked this in the 60's for the apollo missions.... it would mean you would never have to fill your wipers up and you could have a water cooler sticking out of the dash.

30 miles is next to useless. Why would i want to fill it up with both electricity and petrol!

By JakeBtn on 28 October, 2010, 9:16am

Not much progress...it's just a GM Prius surely?

By YoungCarNut97 on 28 October, 2010, 11:20am

What do you mean where's the progress?

Brain, assuming that someone is going to drive 310 miles straight, WITHOUT charging it, you would be correct, but then again not very bright.

Say you go to work which is 50 miles round trip and you use 40 miles electric and the gas fires up for the last 10miles? Then you go home, charge it again and do it all over again? then what would themileage be? Those thirty litres could conceivably last 260 miles but you may drive another 500 miles on battery power before filling up.

By coladin on 28 October, 2010, 3:22pm

Alternative already available....

How much does it cost? Why not just buy a Honda Civic IMA....1.3 petrol and electric power (without the necessity to charge from the mains) and it does 55 mpg.

By Christoforo123 on 29 October, 2010, 12:11pm

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Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet Volt

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FIRST OPINION

    The Volt’s technology is complex but its appeal from behind the wheel is simple. Smooth, silent and quick in electric mode, plus the range-extending engine means this is an electric car you can use everyday. Battery packaging means passenger and luggage space is slightly compromised, while the ride is firm and the styling won’t be to all tastes. However, with an eight-year/100,000 mile battery warranty Chevrolet are confident of their new technology, and while efficient diesel and conventional hybrid rivals still make a strong case for themselves, the Volt is the most convincing plug in electric car we’ve driven to date. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £30,000 (est)
    Engine: Twin electric motors plus 1.4-litre range extending engine
    Power: 147bhp
    Torque: 370Nm
    0-60mph: 9.0 seconds (est)
    Top speed: 100mph
    Weight: 1,715kg
    Economy: TBC
    CO2: TBC
    Equipment: Alloy wheels, navigation, eight airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, climate control and touch screen display
    On sale: Early 2012
     
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