Chevrolet Volt 2011

The Chevrolet Volt is a front-wheel-drive hatchback sedan that features a revolutionary electric powertrain with a built-in travel-insurance policy in the form of a gasoline-engine generator.

The Chevrolet Volt concept is simple. The onboard batteries power the electric motor for about 40 miles of combined city/highway driving, after which a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder, gasoline generator engine is used to charge the lithium-ion battery pack.

Since the Chevrolet Volt is electrically powered, there's no transmission per se, but it uses a single-speed controller to engage the drive wheels. However, the operator can select Normal, Sport or Mountain mode with the latter providing extra power on steep grades.


GM estimates that the energy consumed by recharging the batteries on a daily basis won't exceed the amount used by a typical refrigerator.

The Chevrolet Volt replaces typical instrumentation with a screen that, among other things, provides the driver with the total range remaining as well as battery life, fuel level and average fuel economy.

Beyond electric operation, the Chevrolet Volt is really just like any other car you might buy. Standard features include climate control, cruise control, premium Bose audio system, navigation package, and eight standard airbags.