The Chevrolet Volt has been making waves in the USA since it’s official launch in December last year. As you can see from the pics it’s more than just your average electric car.
Capable of up to 50 miles on a single charge, this is more than enough for 75% of peoples daily use) you then just recharge it once you’re home ready for tomorrow.
But here is the clever bit.
If you need to go any further, (like the other 25%) a 4 cylinder internal combustion engine takes over and powers the car. This increases your total range to approx 379 miles.
If it wasn’t for the slight increase in engine noise and dashboard info you’d be unaware of it happening, what’s more, any excess energy it creates can go back into re-charging the battery.
Very clever.
The special light weight Li-ion batteries are guaranteed for 8 years or 100,000 miles during which time production costs are expected to greatly reduce.
Sales have been solid in the USA and all being well the Volt could be built at the Vauxhall factory in Ellesmere Port, good news for British manufacturing.
It wont be cheap, expect a £25-30,000 price tag although it should be eligible for Government grants to knock the price down a bit.
If you ask me it look pretty slick, so you can be green AND wear sunglasses.
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