 |
| ChevyVolt in SF - Photo MVincent |
I test-drove the plugin-in hybrid 2011 Chevrolet Volt (MotorTrend Car of the Year) and the price as tested was 44,680.00. The MSRP Base Price is normally $40,280 and net price after the full $7,500 tax credit is $32,7980.
The Electric Drive Unit (Transmission) is from Japan, the Engine is from Austria, and the final assembly point is Detroit, Michigan. The Exterior color is Viridian Joule Tricoat, and the Interior was Jet Black/Ceramic White.
 |
| ChevyVolt in SF - Photo MVincent |
All Electric Feature Only
The Charge Time is 4 Hours@240v or 10 hours@120v in a household outlet. When the battery is fully charged for the first 35 miles only you receive 93 MPG Equivalent (36 KW hrs per 100 miles) which equates to $601 per year if always run in All Electric. The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is backed by an 100,000-mile/8-year limited warranty.
Regenerative braking captures energy from forward motion that would otherwise be lost when the car slows or stops and then converts it into electricity, making the Volt even more efficient.
Gas Only
When the Electricity is used up, the car runs on gas for another 344 miles. 37 MPG combined city/hwy or 2.7 gallons per 100 miles and a $1,302 cost per year if always run in Gas Only Mode.
Mobile App
The OnStar RemoteLink® mobile app enables you to check the battery charge level, available range, tire pressure, remote lock and unlock, and even activate the remote start to heat or cool the interior to your preferred temperature. Interactive screens enable you to change how and when you want your Volt to charge and set up alerts via text or email to remind you to plug in your Volt.
Now For the Driving Experience
This car does not want to stop - it's a great sporty, driving car and reminded me of the Knight Rider Television show. The car perfectly handles tight turns, has integrated game mechanics into the dashboard by showing you a rotating green-leafed earth sphere informing you if you meet or exceed the targeted fuel efficiency, and I would rate it a '9' (10 being the highest) on driving experience.
The only item is that I like my cars to have the ability to last more than 10 years. I would like to follow this car's longevity trend and total cost of ownership statistics.
Have you driven the car? If so what are your thoughts?
