GM Says Chevy Volt To Get You 230 MPG

The Chevy Volt, GM's much anticipated electric car may already appear in the U.S. cities as early as 2011. GM says the production date of Chevy Volt is set at late 2010. It will start as a 2011 model.

According to GM's press release "The Volt, which is scheduled to start production in late 2010 as a 2011 model, is expected to travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator." GM CEO Fritz Henderson says that from the data that the company has seen "many Chevy Volt drivers may be able to be in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas. EPA labels are a yardstick for customers to compare the fuel efficiency of vehicles. So, a vehicle like the Volt that achieves a composite triple-digit fuel economy is a game-changer."

Chevy Volt has two modes of operation" Electric and Extended-Range. In electric mode, the Volt will not use gasoline or produce tailpipe emissions when driving. During this primary mode of operation, the Volt is powered by electrical energy stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. When the battery reaches a minimum state of charge, the Volt automatically switches to Extended-Range mode, informs the release by GM.

EPA requirements and Chevy Volt announcement will prompt other manufacturers to speed up their production of fuel efficiency electric car. We have already have heard about Toyota Prius. In fact other car manufacturers are expected to hit the market with their own versions of fuel efficiency electric cars about the same time. Therefore, we can expect new announcement from major carmakers coming up shortly.

The question is what will happen with the older cars. Will we see other types of Cash for Clunkers incentives coming from the government? Or, another question is, will you wait one more year to buy Chevy Volt and drive your old car.

In any case, the number 230 miles per gallon that Chevy Volt promises really does stand out. It highlights Volt's capability and ability to drive in harmony with the environment.

Written by Armen Hareyan