Volts can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16.50-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.
DETROIT, MI- Chevrolet Volt owners collectively have driven more than 100 million all-electric miles since the vehicle went on sale two years ago, General Motors Co. recently announced.
Owners of the extended-range vehicles, according to the Detroit-based automaker, travel more than 65 percent of the time in pure electric mode as the car was designed – only using the gasoline-powered generator for longer trips.
“The best sign of a great product is when your customers are the most satisfied in the industry,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet Volt marketing director, in a statement.
Volts can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16.50-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.
The Volt, which recently topped Consumers Reports’ satisfaction survey for a second-straight year, has an EPA-estimated 98 miles per gallon equivalent that puts electric-only range at 35 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway.
“Volt owners have found the Volt is not only fun to drive, but provides technology and performance where consumers need it most,” Landy said.
Based on the EPA estimates and compared to the average new vehicle sold in the U.S., Volt owners are saving about $1,370 a year in fuel costs, according to GM.
Some Volt owners, including Northville Township' Farris Khan, have achieved savings of about $150 a month.
Through November of this year, GM sold 20,828 Volts, a 239.1 percent increase compared to the same time in 2011.
The vehicle, which starts at $31,645 after an up to $7,500 federal tax credit, will also mark its two-year anniversary this month.
According to a Chevrolet spokeswoman, GM measured the 100 million all-electric miles through its OnStar security, safety and navigation services division. Each owner is offered a free three-year subscription.
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