Chevrolet Volt Expects 230 mpg in City Driving
*First mass-produced vehicle to claim more than 100 mpg composite fuel economy
*Tentative EPA methodology results show 25 kilowatt hours/100 miles electrical efficiency in city cycle
*Plugging in daily is key to high-mileage performance
WARREN, Mich. - The Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle
is expected to achieve city fuel economy of at least 230 miles per
gallon, based on development testing using a draft EPA federal fuel
economy methodology for labeling for plug-in electric vehicles.
The Volt, which is scheduled to start production in late 2010 as a
2011 model, is expected to travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a
single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more
than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator.
"From the data we've seen, many Chevy Volt drivers may be able to be
in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas,"
said GM Chief Executive Officer Fritz Henderson. "EPA labels are a
yardstick for customers to compare the fuel efficiency of vehicles. So,
a vehicle like the Volt that achieves a composite triple-digit fuel
economy is a game-changer."
According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, nearly eight of
10 Americans commute fewer than 40 miles a day
http://tinyurl.com/U-S-DOTStudy .
"The key to high-mileage performance is for a Volt driver to plug
into the electric grid at least once each day," Henderson said.
Volt drivers' actual gas-free mileage will vary depending on how far
they travel and other factors, such as how much cargo or how many
passengers they carry and how much the air conditioner or other
accessories are used. Based on the results of unofficial development
testing of pre-production prototypes, the Volt has achieved 40 miles of
electric-only, petroleum-free<SPANSTYLE='COLOR:BLACK' driving in
both EPA city and highway test cycles.
Under the new methodology being developed, EPA weights plug-in
electric vehicles as traveling more city miles than highway miles on
only electricity. The EPA methodology uses kilowatt hours per 100 miles
traveled to define the electrical efficiency of plug-ins. Applying
EPA's methodology, GM expects the Volt to consume as little as 25
kilowatt hours per 100 miles in city driving. At the U.S. average cost
of electricity (approximately 11 cents per kWh), a typical Volt driver
would pay about $2.75 for electricity to travel 100 miles, or less than
3 cents per mile.
The Chevrolet Volt uses grid electricity as its primary source of
energy to propel the car. There are two modes of operation: Electric
and Extended-Range. In electric mode, the Volt will not use gasoline or
produce tailpipe emissions when driving. During this primary mode of
operation, the Volt is powered by electrical energy stored in its 16
kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
When the battery reaches a minimum state of charge, the Volt
automatically switches to Extended-Range mode. In this secondary mode
of operation, an engine-generator produces electricity to power the
vehicle. The energy stored in the battery supplements the
engine-generator when additional power is needed during heavy
accelerations or on steep inclines.
"The 230 city mpg number is a great
indication of the capabilities of the Volt's electric propulsion system
and its ability to displace gasoline," said Frank Weber, global vehicle
line executive for the Volt. "Actual testing with production vehicles
will occur next year closer to vehicle launch. However, we are very
encouraged by this development, and we also think that it is important
to continue to share our findings in real time, as we have with other
aspects of the Volt's development."About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is one
of America 's best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of
the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that go
from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevy has nine models that get 30
miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers three hybrid
models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have
been sold. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and
provides the best value in every segment in which it competes. More
information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com. For more information on the Volt, visit http://media.gm.com/volt/.
