Test complete video: 2011 Chevrolet Volt - An electric car without range anxiety

Consumer Reports News: August 23, 2011 12:53 PM

Find Ratings

Small cars

Hybrids/EVs

See Dealer Pricing

We all knew from the moment General Motors unveiled the original Chevrolet Volt concept that this was going to be a special car. It is a purpose-built, plug-in hybrid that pushes automotive technology as far as it does electrified car range. While we have shared our impressions and incremental test findings since we bought our car many months ago, it took time to conduct a thorough, three-season test. And now, the results are in.

The Volt is an electric car for drivers who don't want to be limited by battery range. It will usually allow you to drive gas-free for 35 miles; that exact number depends on weather and driving style. Running the heater in cold weather significantly reduces electric range. When the battery is depleted, a gasoline engine will kick in to keep the electric motor running and allow you to keep driving for up to 315 more miles before refueling.

The Chevrolet Volt ($43,700 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 150-hp electric motor combined with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. Fuel economy depends on how far you drive and how often you charge the battery.

On electric power before the battery was depleted, the Volt averaged 2.9 miles per kWh for the first 35 miles. Counting overall energy used, that works out to a gas-mileage equivalent of 99 mpg. Fuel economy when running on gasoline alone is 29 mpg overall, on par with some typical gasoline-powered small sedans. The Volt has some practical shortcomings, including limited driver visibility and difficult-to-use touch sensitive controls. Plus, there are only seats for four, as the battery pack takes up the space where a center rear seat would be.

The Volt is amazingly inexpensive to run on short trips, but when the gas engine kicks in and trips reach 70 miles, traditional hybrids catch up in running costs. While the innovative combination of a large battery, electric motor, and gasoline engine works well, the Volt suffers from some practical shortcomings, as highlighted in the video.

See our full report from the October issue, and read the Volt road test and Full Track Report.