By now hopefully you have all heard a bit about the new Chevy Volt.  If not, here is a brief review.  The Volt is a new type of hybrid vehicle…unlike any other in existence.  By definition, a hybrid is one that uses more than one source for power.  While ALL other existing hybrids are gasoline-powered cars with an electric assist to improve the gas mileage, the Volt will be an electric-powered car with a gasoline assist to increase the battery’s range.  This may sound like mere semantics but this actually makes a staggering difference!  While other hybrids boast MPG ratings in the range of 40-50 the Volt will achieve a combined MPG rating around 230.  That’s over 4-5 times the mileage range than the popular Toyota Prius.  Like I said…the difference is staggering!  Beyond that, the Volt is capable of driving up to 40 miles…with no gas at all!  No you did not misread…the Volt can run 40 miles on a single charge with no gasoline at all.  The best part is that it will recharge using what looks like a standard electrical cord in a 110 volt outlet…like your cell phone!  GM just announced that the new Chevy Volt will be priced at $41,000 for a base model and $44,600 fully-loaded.   The base Volt is packed full of premium content, including OnStar and the ability to connect with your car via a smartphone application.  A $7,500 federal tax rebate will be available to many customers.  People who would prefer leasing can get the electrically-powered car for $350 a month on a 36-month lease, with a $2,500 down payment.  Supplies are extremely limited so pre-order your Volt now!

Q: How is the Chevy Volt Different than other cars on the road?
A: The car is a plug-in extended electric vehicle with an on-board gasoline generator.  It will have a large battery that stores power from your home electric outlet and which is connected to an electric motor.  The electric motor directly propels the car.  The battery can last for the first 40 miles.  After the, Should one continue to need to drive, the on-board gasoline/E85 generator will power up to provide electricity for the motor.
 
Q: How is the Chevy Volt different than today’s hybrids, like the Prius?
A: Today’s hybrids are called parallel hybrids.  They use a small electric motor for low speed driving, but switch to a regular gas engine for acceleration and faster speed driving with the electric motor providing enhancement, hence both engines work side by side or in parallel.  The volt is a series vehicle meaning only the electric motor power the car at all times, the gas engine is just a generator, making electric to keep the batteries in a steady state of charge after 40 miles.
 
Q: What is the driving range of the Chevy Volt?
A: The car is being designed to drive at least 40miles on pure electricity stored in the battery from overnight home charging.  After that the gas engine will kick in and allow the car to be driven up to 400 miles on a full tank (8 gallons) of gas.
 
Q: How many miles per gallon will the Chevy Volt get?
A:  A bit of a trick question.  For the first 40 miles it will get infinite mpg, because no gas will be burned.  When the generator starts the car will get an equivalent of up to 50 mpg thereafter. One can calculate the average mpg per for any length drive starting with a full battery:   Total MPG=50xM/(M-40).  GM has announced the car will get 230MPG for the average city driver over time assuming nightly full recharges.
 
Q: What type of batteries will the Chevy volt use?
A:  the is being designed around an advanced battery pack which uses lithium-ion chemistry.  This chemistry appears in cell phones and laptops.  For automotive use the packs and cell will be more powerful and safe.

Q: How much will the car cost?
A: A well equipped LS model will start with an MSRP around $41,000.  

Q: it is a four or five-seater?
A: Four
 
Q: What is the cost of operation of the car?
A: With current average U.S. electric rates-10cents/kwh it should cost 80 cents to drive for the first 40-miles, and that get 50 mpg thereafter using gasoline (market rate).
 
 
Q: Who is making the Colt’s battery packs?
A: GM has chosen LG chem. Of Korea to supply the lithium-ion cells.  GM will assemble the packs themselves.
 
Q:  Does the car use regenerative braking?
A: Yes.  This means when the car is slowed, the kinetic or motion- based energy will be recaptured as electricity stored in the battery.
 
Q:  How is the car different than the EV-1?
A:  The EV-1 has only an electric motor and older technology batteries, and has a 100 miles driving range.  There was no onboard generator.
 
Q: How long will it take to recharge the Volt?
A:  6.5 hours using a 110 volt (standard home) outlet, and about 3 hours if you have a 220 volt supply.
 
Q: Is there a waiting list for the car?
A: No official waiting lists, but we have an unofficial waiting list here on GM-Volt.com
 
Q: What type of electric motor does the Volt have?
A:  A/C 3-phase
 
Q:  Will the Volt have a solar panel on the roof?
A: Not on the first releases, though possibly be an option in later models.
 
Q: Will tall people fit in it?
A: Bob Boniface, chief of the Volt design says the car is being designed to accommodate drivers from 5th percentile females up to 95th percentile height males.
 
Q: Are there any government incentives to purchase this car?
A: Buyers will be entitled to a $7500 tax credit for the first 250,000 vehicles sold.