A. Volt is a full–performance and full–speed electric vehicle with extended range. In its simplest form, Volt operates two ways – in EV mode (battery powered) and extended–range (gasoline powered) mode. With a fully charged battery, in moderate conditions and depending on the temperature, terrain, battery age and how you drive, Volt offers an initial electric range of 35 miles† – totally gas–free and tailpipe –emissions free. After that, you can drive for a total range of up to 375 miles† with the extended–range mode until you can plug it in or fill it up again.

A. Energy is stored onboard in a 16–kWh, T–shaped lithium–ion battery. The battery powers the electric drive unit, which is capable of meeting full vehicle speed and acceleration performance while driving the car electrically for an initial range without using a drop of gas. And when Volt's electric range has been used up, a gas engine works with the electric motors to keep you going. So whether you want to go crosstown or cross-country, you're free to drive wherever you want, efficiently. And even though Volt plugs into any standard 120 V household outlet, if you don't have a chance to charge it, all you have to do is fill it up just like you do with your car now.

A. While Volt has been designed to be the most efficient when it's plugged in daily, it will run efficiently without being plugged in for days, weeks or even months. With Volt, you don't have to plug in every day if it doesn't accommodate your schedule.

A. Those who've had an opportunity to test drive Volt have noticed how easy it is to use. Steve Parker, blogging on Huffington Post, commented on what it's like to drive Volt: Push the "Start" button and Volt springs into life All in all, it's an intuitive area for the driver The car is quiet, smooth and fast off the line (electric motors have all their torque at start–up, unlike gas engines which need time to build power). On top of that, Volt can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about nine seconds.

A. Volt is an innovative, never–been–done–before car that exists alone, in a brand–new category of cars. Volt is a full–performance electric vehicle with extended range.

A. Hybrids are not designed to travel extended distances in EV mode. Hybrids generally use battery power while stopped or at low speeds, and also cannot typically operate at high speeds while being powered by electricity alone. Volt is designed to travel longer distances and at all speeds (up to 100 mph on a test track) in EV mode. Once the battery is depleted, Volt uses the gas–powered, range–extending generator to drive hundreds more miles.

A. Volt is an electric car with the flexibility that most American drivers need. We heard from American drivers that the current cars on the market aren't giving them what they want. They want freedom from the gas pump and freedom from the charging station. And that's why we built Volt as a better electric car. Volt can be your only car. A car that gives you freedom from gas and freedom to drive anywhere you like.

A. Part of the allure of Volt is the ability to drive gas–free and tailpipe–emissions–free. However, that means the gasoline in the tank might sit there for an extended period of time.
There are two modes that help make this process worry–free.
Automatic Engine Maintenance: Volt will alert you, as required, about every 6 weeks to run the engine to keep it properly maintained and lubricated. Note: This only occurs if the engine has not been used for the last 6 weeks.
Automatic Fuel Maintenance: Volt will alert you that the engine will run to use up some of the older gasoline in the tank (over one year old). If the fuel in the tank is over 365 days old, the Volt will also alert you to add some fresh gas (gas will stay good in Volt's pressurized tank for approximately 365 days).
I guess if you've got that problem, it means you've managed to stay gas–free and tailpipe–emissions–free for one heck of a long time. Good job!

A. With a fully charged battery you can go 35 miles† on the electricity stored in the battery – totally gas–free and tailpipe–emissions–free.

A. On a full electric charge, most people can commute gas–free and tailpipe–emissions–free for an average of $1.50 of electricity per day†. The battery combines the power of 288 lithium–ion battery cells. Each cell is about the size of a 5–inch by 7–inch photo frame, less than a quarter–inch thick, and weighs about a pound. The battery monitors the voltage and current of groups of cells.

A. Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. When a vehicle slows or stops, this energy must be dissipated, which is usually accomplished through a conventional braking system, which converts the kinetic energy to heat. But this energy, which is typically lost, can be recaptured in Volt, which instead converts it into electricity, helping make Volt even more efficient to drive.
Here's how it works: Volt accelerates using its electric motor by converting electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy. When you step on the brakes, even slightly, the electric motor reverses this process, converting mechanical energy from the motion of the vehicle back to electric energy into the battery to be reused later.

A. While the published EPA EV range for Volt is an estimated 35 miles, the electric range that customers actually experience may be higher or lower than 35 due to the driver's technique, the terrain, battery age and the outdoor temperature. On a full charge, most customers under moderate conditions will experience an estimated 25 to 50†miles of EV range. The high range of 50 miles is based on ideal circumstances – conservative driving using no air conditioning in mild outdoor temperatures. The 25–mile range represents a slightly more aggressive driving style using the heater in ECO setting in cold outdoor temperatures of 25 degrees F.

A. There are a few ways to help with the extended range.

• In terms of driving behavior, Volt has an efficiency gauge to help you drive smarter and more efficiently. You can optimize your efficiency by keeping the ball green and in the center of the gauge while you drive.
• Control your cabin temperature settings. You'll get the most EV range with the heat and air conditioning turned off. To aid with this, there are three climate modes to choose from: Fan-only (most efficient), Eco and Comfort.
• When you are done driving, take a look at the screen where Volt rates your driving style and climate settings to see how your last drive was rated for efficiency.

A. The electric range of Volt may be higher or lower than expected due to the driver's technique, the terrain, and/or the outdoor temperature. In other words, driving and braking aggressively, driving in areas with large elevation changes, or driving in extreme outdoor temperatures will impact the electric range capability. While electric–only range may vary based on these factors, the range extender feature is always available for hundreds of miles of additional driving.

A. The EV Range displayed in the vehicle is a projection based on recent driving conditions. It is normal for the displayed value to adjust while the vehicle is driven, as this estimate is constantly being recalculated. Adjustments are based on recent driving history for the vehicle. The displayed EV Range can vary from season to season, week to week, day to day and even drive to drive.

A. Yes, when vehicle power is ON, the engine may start to provide energy for heating and cooling, independent of the vehicle being plugged in or completely charged. Some other conditions that may also cause the engine to start include: Propulsion battery charge is low

• Propulsion battery temperature is hot or cold
• Cold ambient temperatures
• Hood is open
• Engine and Fuel Maintenance (occur only if engine has had very limited operation over a long period)
• Operating in Mountain Mode

A. In cold temperatures (around 25 degrees Fahrenheit and lower) the engine will start to help warm the interior cabin and the electric drive unit. This will occur even if the vehicle was plugged in prior to driving and if the driver has the heater turned off.
The vehicle will turn the engine on and off as needed to control the temperature. The driver will be alerted these changes based on the cluster changing displays from EV mode to extended–range mode.

A. "L" position provides more coast–down regenerative braking. When in "L," you can feel the vehicle decelerate more aggressively when you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal. "L" can be useful for maintaining speeds on hilly roads.

A. On a full charge, Volt's initial electric range is an estimated 35 miles(1). After Volt's electric range has been used up, a gas engine works with the electric motors to keep you going for up to 375 miles† of total range. So whether you want to go crosstown or cross–country, you're free to drive wherever you want, efficiently. And even though Volt plugs into any standard 120V household outlet, if you don't have a chance to charge it, all you have to do is fill it up with gas just like you do now with your car.

A. With the influx of new–technology vehicles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation are revising the fuel economy labels for 2013 that are required on all new cars and light–duty trucks. Volt's fuel economy label for 2012 is based on labels required for 2013.

A. In–vehicle, the Volt displays MPG calculated from the total miles driven divided by the total gallons of gas used. This is how most consumers think about fuel economy today, but it does not match the MPGe figures. The fuel economy on the label provides the efficiency of the Volt using each fuel source, electric and gasoline. It shows that the Volt achieves 94MPGe for electric only operation, and 37MPG for gasoline only operation. To understand how much electricity and gasoline was used per fully charged battery, please refer to the Volt's Energy Efficiency screen on the center stack.

A. Current electric vehicles show EPA city and highway efficiency in units of kWh/100 miles. This makes it difficult for consumers to compare energy efficiency with more traditional cars and hybrids that are rated in miles per gallon. The 2011 Volt label shows that cars will be rated on a miles–per–gallon–equivalent (MPGe) scale, which converts alternative means of propulsion – such as electricity –based on its energy content relative to that of gasoline (for example, 33.7kWh = 1 gallon of gas). Vehicles that use electricity more efficiently (lower kWh/100 miles) will have a higher MPGe value.

A. On the official vehicle label, fuel economy for the Volt is calculated several ways.

1. MPGe (all-electric)
2. MPG (gas only) assumes you never charge the Volt
3. MPGe (combined) based on a blend of EV and extended range driving
4. Not shown on the label is the combined composite for both electric and gas–only based on EPA estimates, which is 60MPGe. This is the best in the compact car segment.

A. To use the power grid more efficiently, we recommend recharging Volt when overall energy demand is at its lowest each day. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this is usually from around 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. If you'd like to know whether reduced off–peak electricity rates are offered in your area, contact your local electric company†.

A. You'll probably spend more money on gas than you need to, but Volt will run just fine.

A. Every Volt comes standard with a 120V portable charge cord that can plug into most common household outlets and will fully charge a Volt in about 10 hours, depending on outdoor temperature. You can also have a 240V charging station (additional cost plus installation) professionally installed in your home that will reduce the charging time to about four hours.
Upon ordering a new Chevrolet Volt, discuss with your Volt Customer Advisor the benefits of installing a dedicated 240V home charging station. 240V Charging stations provide faster and more consistent charge times.
Chevrolet home charging service provider offers charging stations, installations, permits, inspections, as well as information on special programs and incentives. Visit homecharging.spx.com/volt for more information.

A. No, you can plug it into any standard 120V household outlet. In the case of a non–dedicated circuit, the current rating of the outlet circuit breaker could be exceeded and cause it to trip or open. It is recommended that you have your preferred outlet inspected by a qualified electrician to ensure it is properly installed with a minimum of 15 amp service for charging the Volt.

A. Using a 120V plug outlet, in about ten hours, depending on the climate, you'll have a fully charged Volt waiting for you, ready to go. You can also install a 240V charge station, which can charge Volt in as little as four hours. In very hot (95° F) or cold temperatures (25° F), charging times and energy usage will increase when using the 120V portable cord set. A 240V Charging Station is strongly recommended for consumers who plan to charge in extreme weather conditions (over 95° F or below 20° F) on a regular basis.

A. You won't have to worry about having enough time to fully charge Volt. A partially charged battery will work until it runs out, then the gas-powered electric generator will seamlessly kick in to provide electricity and extend your range for hundreds of miles.

A. Electricity is an extremely affordable transportation fuel. With a fully charged battery, most people can commute gas–free and tailpipe–emissions–free for about $1.50 per day†. That's about the same annual cost as running a common household appliance. To save even more, some utility companies offer lower electricity rates for vehicles charging during off–peak periods, such as nighttime.

A. Well before the first Volt was sold, Chevrolet was looking to what will happen to the vehicle's batteries at the end of the EV's life cycle. Used battery cells may help to increase the efficiency of the electrical grid in America. GM has signed a memorandum of understanding with ABB Group aimed at developing new projects just for the Volt batteries after they've lived out their useful lives in the extended–range EV.

A. The Li–ion battery holds its charge efficiently and has no memory effect, which means you don't have to run it down completely before recharging.

A. We recommend that you have the 240V charging station professionally installed in your home by a certified electrician. Visit homecharging.spx.com/volt for information regarding home charging equipment, installation and special programs.

A. You will need access to a minimum requirement of a 120V/15A dedicated outlet that is located no more than 15 to 20 feet from your vehicle. Extension cords should NOT be used. Check with your property manager to see if they can accommodate your request.

A. If you are using power the battery will deplete, it is just a matter of how much. For example, sitting in traffic without the heat or air conditioning on will cause minimal battery drain. However, using high heat on a cool day or high A/C on a hot day or the defrost function will cause the battery to drain more quickly.

A. When you compare lithium–ion and nickel metal hydride battery technologies, it's clear why lithium was picked to power Volt. As you can see in the charts, lithium is superior in terms of power density, energy density and cycle life.

A. A great battery is nothing unless it lasts. Each battery cell is encased in a polymer coated aluminum package to withstand harsh climates. It also uses meticulously developed anode, cathode and electrolyte chemistries to improve the battery life under high temperature conditions and a wide range of charge states. A liquid thermal cooling and heating system keeps the battery at a comfortable temperature as it's being charged and discharged.

A. Like all batteries, the amount of energy that the high voltage "propulsion" battery can store will decrease with time and miles driven. Depending on use, the battery may degrade as little as 10% to as much as 30% of capacity over the warranty period.

A. The Volt battery is designed for long life and to be reliable. Each battery pack is made up of 288 rectangular cells arranged in a series–parallel configuration. Computer systems monitor the battery cells to make sure everything is working correctly.

A. Here are a few tips to help you maximize the life of your battery: It is recommended that the vehicle be plugged-in when ambient temperatures are below 32F (0C) and above 90F (32C).

It is preferable to park out of direct sunlight to help stabilize any environmental effects. This is particularly important in very hot climates.

If long term, unplugged storage is required, store the vehicle with (50%) charge or less and always store it in an environment with temperatures between 15F (-10C) and 85F (30C). Like any vehicle the 12V battery may need to be supported during extended periods without driving. See the owner manual for how to keep the 12V battery from running down.

A. A great battery is nothing unless it lasts. That's why Chevy teamed up with LG Chem to design a durable and reliable battery. Each battery cell is encased in a polymer coated aluminum package to withstand harsh climates. It also uses meticulously developed anode, cathode and electrolyte chemistries to improve the battery life under high temperature conditions and a wide range of charge states. A liquid thermal cooling and heating system keeps the battery at a comfortable temperature as it's being charged and discharged.

A. Chevrolet backs it with a 100,000 mile/8–year Battery and Voltec™ Component Warranty†. In addition to the battery, the warranty covers the thermal management system, charging system and electric drive components.

A. Currently the federal government offers up to a $7,500 tax credit when you purchase a qualified plug–in electric vehicle such as Volt†. People who buy a residential charging station can also receive up to a $1,000 tax rebate†. Individual states may offer incentives on top of those as well. Check to see what's offered where you live.