Volt is unique among electric vehicles because you have two sources of energy. You have an electric source–a battery–that allows you to drive gas–free for an EPA–estimated 35 miles. And there's also an onboard gas generator that produces electricity so you can go up to a total of 375 additional miles on a full tank of gas.
"I was actually in control of how much gas I consumed, and it was a powerful feeling," Say's Joe Nocera an automotive journalist, after driving Volt. If you want to drive using only electricity, you can. If you want to drive using electricity and gas, you can do that too. Volt is first for two very good reasons.
It's the impossible dream and Volt is achieving it.
Only a few years ago the notion of a production electric vehicle made the lips of skeptics curl up at the corners. Words like "never," "won't" and "can't be done" were tossed around. Volt did it anyway. Since 2010 disbelievers and optimism alike have had the chance to experience just how possible this dream has become. Some of them wanted to share their stories. These are Volt owner stories, straight from their lips to your ears.
A safety philosophy that runs deep
What's the best safety philosophy? Avoid a collision in the first place. That's the kind of thinking that has earned Volt accolades–like being named a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety14 and receiving a 5–Star Overall Vehicle Safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration15 Over, under, inside and around–we've thought of safety from every angle.
Before
Your drive begins with the aid of an available rear–vision camera system that alerts drivers to certain stationary obstacles when driving in Reverse at low speeds. Since Volt is so quiet, a driver–activated pedestrian–friendly alert helps warn people who may not hear Volt approaching at low speeds. Once on the road, drive with confidence knowing the StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control is there to keep you on course.
During
If a moderate–to–severe collision occurs, Volt is designed to respond instantly with eight standard air bags16–including head– curtain side–impact air bags for outboard front and rear occupants, plus frontal side–impact and new knee air bags for the driver and front passenger. Meanwhile, the cabin is reinforced with high–strength steel throughout. But our protective measures don't end there.
After
Should a collision occur, crucial information can be automatically relayed to the OnStar® Command Center via OnStar® Automatic Crash Response10. There, trained OnStar Advisors utilize GPS technology to pinpoint your exact location and can request that assistance be sent right away— even if you're unable to respond. OnStar is standard for three years.
So advanced, it's simple
If you can drive, you can drive a Volt. Instead of turning a key, you push a blue button. Rather than looking at dials and needles, you check two interactive LCD screens for feedback based on your particular driving style.
"One thing I really love about the Volt is the cockpit. You sit in it, and you feel like you just stepped into the future," Says Volt owner Alex Fay. "You've got two really bright screens that give you all sorts of information about your car and your driving." The screens allow you to learn how to get the most out of each charge. For example, suppose you want to go from A to B in the most efficient manner possible. Volt is programmed to respond with a choice of three driving modes. Normal mode enables Volt to drive like a conventional car, only more efficiently. Sport mode gives drivers more aggressive feedback and heightened response. Mountain mode maintains a power reserve for climbing long, steep grades.
Charging for about $1.50 per day on average5
It doesn't get much simpler than that. For less than the cost of a latte, you can fully charge your Volt and drive an EPA–estimated 35 miles gas–free. Choose a standard 120V charging kit that allows you to plug into a conventional electrical outlet and fully charge the battery in about 10 hours, depending on climate. Or opt for an available 240V charging station that reduces your charging time to approximately four hours. Professional installation required. For more information, visit SPX Service Solutions.
Two apps, double the connectivity
Curious about your charging status? Download the OnStar RemoteLink™ mobile app6 and you can see the battery level and charge mode–120V or 240V–right on your smart phone. You'll be able to remotely verify that the car is plugged in and even schedule a future charging time. Text or email alerts tell you when the battery is fully charged or if there's a charge interruption. But suppose you want to schedule a service appointment online? Or create a photo reminder to help you remember where you parked your car? Download the myChevrolet18 app, which works with OnStar RemoteLink™6, to give you all the power you want— in the palm of your hand.
Instant torque @ zero
The connection is direct: head, right foot, motor, power. Without a traditional transmission, 273 lb.–ft. of low–end torque has nowhere to go except to the tires and pavement. This helps explain why a vehicle with an electric propulsion system can feel so powerful and exhilarating. No wonder Volt has the ability to reach a test–track speed of 100 mph. There's the smooth whisper–like quiet ride, perfect for expressing your astonishment. Out loud, of course.
Driving force
A 16kWh lithium–ion battery pack powers Volt for an EPA–estimated 35 miles on a full charge. If you also have a full tank of gas, the total driving range is up to 375 miles11. It's electric when you want it, gas when you need it. If the battery runs low, you don't have to worry because Volt automatically transitions to a unique gasoline range–extending capability.
"I love the ability of being able to not burn any fossil fuels at all for many of my trips," says Volt owner Jim Jonah. "Yet I still have the ability to go on a last minute road trip/vacation/travel soccer game and not worry about running out of battery range." Even if you never use it, you know you've got a backup plan. Chevy puts the same kind of confidence behind our 8–year/100,000–mile Battery and Voltec Component Limited Warranty12. Engineering in. Fun out.
Chevrolet MyLink
Stay connected with the latest information and entertainment. Bring Pandora®, Stitcher SmartRadio™and Gracenote along for the ride. Planned for Spring 2012, MyLink8 is designed to allow streaming content from select smart phones to converge on an available seven–inch diagonal color touch–screen radio.
Turn–by–Turn Navigation
Get to your final destination with fewer hassles thanks to Turn–by–Turn Navigation10, a feature of OnStar®Directions & Connections®10, standard for three years. Just push a button and a trained OnStar® Advisor will help guide you via the latest up–to–date routes. Take a complete tour of OnStar® capabilities.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio9
Goodyear® Assurance® Fuel Max® tires
Reduce friction. Drive on specialized Goodyear low–rolling resistance tires and get up to one additional all–electric mile when compared to ordinary tires.
Efficiency gauge
Enhance efficiency. Have a ball. Simply keep the ball green and in the center of the gauge to enjoy optimal battery efficiency.
Bose® Energy Efficient Series speaker system
Hear this. Get incredible sound from an available seven–speaker Bose® audio system with subwoofer that's 30% smaller, 40% lighter and uses 50% less energy than comparable Bose® systems.
All–over aerodynamic aesthetics
Chevy designers constantly talk about form and function but when it comes to Volt, Director of Design Bob Boniface will tell you that they didn't compromise aesthetics to enable function. The result? A vehicle that looks sporty, quick, smooth and modern, yet achieves an extremely low coefficient of drag.
Countless hours in the wind tunnel influenced the styling of many exterior components including mirrors, a closed grill, rocker panels and the rear spoiler. In fact, the vertical blades that go from the bottom of the spoiler to the bottom of the bumper were designed specifically to trick the air into separating from the bumper more quickly, giving Volt extraordinary aerodynamics.
Another spin on styling
Make a smart statement with available 17–inch polished alloy wheels. Or choose available 17" painted sport wheels, which come with the option for dealer–installed inserts available in Silver Ice Metallic, Viridian Joule or Cyber Gray Metallic.
Display advanced thinking
See everything that matters. Two interactive LCD color screens constantly provide feedback; like real–time info on energy usage and power flow. Efficiency feedback based on your driving style. Even how much charge remains in the battery. One screen actually allows you to program a charging schedule based on electricity rate plans. So if rates are lower at certain times of the day or night, you can program Volt to take advantage of every kilowatt.
Space surprises
Just like the exterior, Volt has an interior with a flow of its own. A unique design incorporates a full center console with sporty bucket seats for four. Cup holders, storage bins, door panel storage, cargo space13 —10.6 cubic feet to be exact— all the things you'd expect are there. What you don't expect is a dedicated umbrella pocket, another storage area for the standard 120V charging cord and available heated front seats.
Display advanced thinking
See everything that matters. Two interactive LCD color screens constantly provide feedback; like real–time info on energy usage and power flow. Efficiency feedback based on your driving style. Even how much charge remains in the battery. One screen actually allows you to program a charging schedule based on electricity rate plans. So if rates are lower at certain times of the day or night, you can program Volt to take advantage of every kilowatt.
Space surprises
Just like the exterior, Volt has an interior with a flow of its own. A unique design incorporates a full center console with sporty bucket seats for four. Cup holders, storage bins, door panel storage, cargo space13 —10.6 cubic feet to be exact— all the things you'd expect are there. What you don't expect is a dedicated umbrella pocket, another storage area for the standard 120V charging cord and available heated front seats.
Insert your style
For 2012, Volt offers a number of striking interior color combinations. Choose between available Jet Black leather–appointed seats with Ceramic White or Spice Red or Green inserts, which come with complementary interior accents. See the complete list of features and specs
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