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Introducing Chevrolet Volt

Volt is an electric car that can create its own electricity. Plug it in, let it charge overnight, and it’s ready to run on a pure electric charge for up to 40 miles(3) — gas and emissions free. After that, Volt keeps going, even if you can’t plug it in. Volt uses a range-extending gas generator that produces enough energy to power it for hundreds of miles on a single tank of gas.

Answers

As with most new technologies, you’re bound to have questions. Check back soon for videos that will help provide answers. But if you still have questions, post them at <a href="javascript:defineLinkProperties('CHEVROLET | VOLT | FUTURE VEHICLES | ANSWERS | CHEVROLET VOLTAGE','http://www.chevroletvoltage.com');" target="_self">chevroletvoltage.com</a> or the Volt page on <a href="javascript:defineLinkProperties('CHEVROLET | VOLT | FUTURE VEHICLES | ANSWERS | FACEBOOK','http://www.facebook.com/chevroletvolt');" target="_self" >Facebook®</a>.

  • Who will get the most benefit from driving Volt?

    If you plug in frequently, you'll experience the greatest gas savings and reduced emissions. Per mile, electricity is less expensive to use than gas, so if you can plug in before or shortly after the electric charge runs out, you'll get the maximum benefit out of Volt.

    BENEFITS
  • Will I always get 40 miles on an electric charge?

    No. Like any electric vehicle, Volt's performance will vary. Like all vehicles, electric vehicles are less efficient in extremely hot or cold temperatures.  And using features like air conditioning and heat will also affect the electric range.  Your personal driving style can affect how Volt performs, aggressive driving will result in fewer miles per charge. Even cargo can affect performance because extra weight reduces efficiency and road conditions can also affect the kind of mileage your vehicle will get.

    ALWAYS 40
  • Is it easy to use?

    Yes. While Volt has been designed to be the most efficient when it's plugged in daily (like a typical electric vehicle), it will run efficiently without being plugged in for days, weeks or even months. With Volt, you don't have to be tied to plugging-in every day if it doesn't accommodate your schedule.

    EASY TO USE
  • What happens if I never charge the battery?

    You'll probably spend more money on gas than you need to, but Volt will run just fine. Just remember that you'll only get the full benefits of owning a Volt if you charge it routinely.

    NEVER CHARGE
  • What happens if the battery is not fully charged?

    You won't have to worry about having enough time to fully charge Volt. A partially charged battery will work until it runs out, then the gas-powered electric generator will seamlessly kick in to provide electricity and extend your range up to 300 miles until you can plug in again or you can refuel.

    FULLY CHARGED
  • Why electricity?

    Electricity runs clean in a vehicle — that means zero tailpipe emissions. And if the electricity is generated using wind, hydro, solar or biofuels, there is the potential to significantly reduce the emissions associated with personal transportation. So advancements in electricity production along with reduction in emissions from electric-powered driving could help make our world a cleaner place.

    WHY ELECTRICITY
  • Are there other advantages to electricity?

    Since almost all of our electricity is produced domestically, it's a great way to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The U.S. has a variety of electricity sources, all with the potential to help us become more energy-independent.

    ADVANTAGES
  • How long does Volt take to charge?

    In about eight hours, you'll have a fully charged Volt waiting for you, ready to go. You can also install a 240V outlet, which can charge Volt in as little as three hours.

    HOW LONG
  • Is a special outlet required to charge the Volt?

    No, you can plug it into any standard 120V household outlet. Or you could have a 240V charging station installed in your garage — it would require a dedicated electrical circuit similar to what is used for your clothes dryer.

    SPECIAL OUTLET
  • How much does Volt cost to charge?

    Electricity is an extremely affordable way to power a car — the average American pays less than 12 cents per kilowatt hour. If the average American drives less than 40 miles, it will cost about a dollar a day for electricity. That's about the same annual cost as running a common household appliance. To save even more, some utility companies recommend charging overnight for off-peak rates and may even offer incentives to customers who do so.

    COST TO CHARGE
  • What happens if I travel more than 40 miles?

    Once the initial electric charge is depleted, the range-extending gas engine will kick in to seamlessly generate enough energy to continue to power the car for hundreds of additional miles.

    TRAVEL MORE
  • What is it like to drive Volt?

    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.

    WHATS IT LIKE
  • How much interior room does Volt have?

    Volt will carry four adults comfortably. The hatchback design provides surprising flexibility for larger cargo.

    INTERIOR ROOM
  • What kind of battery will Volt use?

    The Volt will be powered by a Lithium-ion battery pack. While there are many different kinds of lithium batteries like the ones used in computers and cell phones, the Volt cells are specifically made for vehicles. The Li-ion battery holds its charge efficiently and has no memory effect, which means you don't have to run it down completely before recharging.

    KIND OF BATTERY
  • What makes the Volt battery unique?

    The Volt battery is designed for long life and to be reliable. Each battery pack is made up of more than 200 rectangular cells arranged in a series-parallel configuration. Computer systems monitor the battery cells to make sure everything is working correctly.

    UNIQUE BATTERY
  • How much will Volt cost?

    The purchase price is yet to be determined, but the Volt will qualify for the maximum federal tax credit for plug-in electric vehicles — $7,500. Check back with us for updates on other potential energy incentives.

    COST TO BUY

Technology

Volt is an electric vehicle with a range extender. Well, what does that mean? It means Volt runs on electricity from its battery, and then it runs on electricity it creates from gas. Let's assume you have a fully charged battery. Now, depending on the weather, the electrical features that are turned on and how you drive, you can drive up to 40 miles on the electricity stored in the battery — totally gas and emissions free. After that, its gas-powered, range-extending generator automatically kicks in to provide electrical power. So Volt can go for several hundred additional miles, until you can plug it in or fill it up again.

See how Volt compares

The Volt propulsion system is powered exclusively by electricity. When its battery runs out of charge, it uses a small amount of gas in its onboard generator to create more electricity — enough to keep Volt going for hundreds of miles. While hybrids and battery-only electrics will also help us reduce our dependence on petroleum, Volt is a solution that seems to have greater possibilities for the future. Click the vehicles below to see for yourself.

Gas vehicles

The internal combustion engine (ICE) is the most common type of vehicle on the road today. It has an engine that uses high-energy fuel (like gasoline) in a small, enclosed space and ignites it. The energy that is released from this combustion results in an expanding gas. Vehicle engines create a cycle that allows for hundreds of such explosions per minute, and this is the energy that propels gas-powered vehicles. Because internal combustion engines have been around for so long, they are easier to fuel and there are more choices and models available to consumers.

An electric vehicle with range extending capabilities like Volt, however, uses less gasoline, rides much more quietly in electric mode and helps to reduce emissions.

Hybrid vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles can typically drive 40 to 60 miles on one gallon of gasoline. Unlike electric vehicles, today's hybrids do not need to be plugged in to recharge — instead, they recharge by capturing the energy from braking and with the help of generators. At low speeds, some hybrids can run on electricity while switching over to gas power for high speeds. Hybrids do not typically achieve the same efficiency as electric vehicles — nor do they generally offer the same environmental benefits.

With Volt, you have the benefit of traveling up to 40 miles(1) without using any gasoline or producing any emissions. Volt only uses gas to power its range-extending generator which creates electricity to power the vehicle.

1 Assumes fully charged battery. Actual range depends on driving habits, weather conditions, terrain and the operation of electrical features in the vehicle. Vehicle features and performance capabilities subject to change without notice.

Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are propelled by an electric motor powered by rechargeable battery packs. These vehicles have several benefits, including energy efficiency, lack of tailpipe emissions and quiet operation. Electric vehicles also help reduce our dependence on petroleum. Unfortunately, electric vehicles still suffer from range limitations — even with advances in battery technology. Meaning once the battery is run down, you must stop to plug it in and charge it.

In the Volt, after the battery is depleted, you can keep going — a range-extending gas generator seamlessly starts to generate electricity to power the vehicle. Volt creates its own electricity so you don't have to worry about stopping to find a plug.

  • Storing power

    Volt is powered by electricity stored in its 16-kWh Lithium-ion battery. It is also powered by electricity created by its gas-engine generator.

  • Up to 40-mile charge

    The electric motor drives the wheels at all times and speeds. Once fully charged, Volt is powered only by electricity stored in the battery for trips up to 40 miles(1).

    1 Assumes fully charged battery. Actual range depends on driving habits, weather conditions, terrain and the operation of electrical features in the vehicle. Vehicle features and performance capabilities subject to change without notice.

  • Converting energy

    Energy is captured during braking and converted into electricity. The electricity is then stored in the battery for future use.

  • Switching to gas

    When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline- or biofuel-powered generator automatically and seamlessly provides electricity to power Volt. This extends the range of Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the battery can be recharged or until additional fuel is added.

Power Grid

The power that you use for heating, cooling, cooking, refrigeration, light, sound, computers and entertainment comes to your house from the power plant through a network of transmissions and distribution power lines called the power grid. Various sources generate this power: wind, sunlight, water, natural gas, coal, oil and biofuels. You can see evidence of the power grid every time you drive past an electricity pole and see power lines. To put it simply, the power grid is the system by which electricity is brought to your home.

Volt allows you to use the power grid more efficiently if you charge it during off-peak hours. According to the U.S. Department of Energy this is usually from around 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.(6) Depending on where you live, charging during off-peak hours can save you the most money. If you’d like to know whether reduced off-peak electricity rates are offered in your area, contact your local electric company.

Save Money

Volt uses about 2500 kWh annually, which is an extremely affordable way to power a car as the average American pays less than 12 cents per kilowatt hour. In other words, if you drive 40 miles or less that could work out to be about a dollar a day. And that can add up to big savings.

Fuel Solutions
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With the new OnStar mobile app, Volt owners can use a smartphone to access their vehicle’s current electric range and fuel efficiency. Plus, managing the Volt charging functions is easy with this application. You can look up the battery’s charge level, check on what time your Volt will be fully charged and ready to go, or even change charging priorities remotely with just a couple of taps. You can perform other commands remotely too — like unlocking doors or activating the remote start. The OnStar mobile app will be available when the Volt launches later this year.

Be sure to visit <a href="javascript:defineLinkProperties ('CHEVROLET | VOLT | FUTURE VEHICLES | MOBILE | ONSTAR MOBILE DEMO' , 'http://www.onstarmobiledemo.com');" target="_self">www.onstarmobiledemo.com</a> from your smartphone now to learn more and experience this mobile app for yourself.

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2011 VOLT
This application should not be used while operating the Volt.

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1
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges.
2
MSRP less cash offers. Tax, title, license and dealer fees extra. Take new retail delivery by 3/31/2010. Residency restrictions apply. Not available with some other offers. See dealer for details.
3
Assumes fully charged battery. Actual range depends on driving habits, weather conditions, terrain and the operation of electrical features in the vehicle. Vehicle features and performance capabilities subject to change without notice.
4
Source Vol. 3, Issue 4, Oct. 2003 Omnistats - U.S. Dept. of Transportation. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
5
Calculation based on mid-size sedan with an estimated 30 MPG (hwy. and city combined) on an average day of driving, with a gasoline cost of $2.61 per gallon for October 2009, as recorded by the EIA.
6
Depending on whether this option is available in your area.