The Volt electric car has a backup engine to extend its typical 35-mile electric range. It is quick, quiet, and responsive, with a taut ride. Once the lithium-ion battery is depleted, the 1.4-liter engine acts as a generator to extend the range an additional 315 miles. Recharge times are 4 hours on a 240-volt supply and 10 hours on 120 volts, taking in almost 13 kilowatt-hours on a charge. We got 2.93 miles per kWh overall (99 mpg equivalent) and 32 mpg overall on gas mode. Visibility is so-so. The four-seat capacity limits practicality. Reliability has remained above average.
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