By David Booth, Edmonton Journal - Despite my repeated attempts to be as profligate as possible, the Volt eked out 67.8 kilometres in pure electric mode during a test run.That's more than the 64.4 km General Motors has been promising since the car's inception and, most importantly, more than most North Americans typically drive in their daily commute. This means the Chevrolet Volt - like a true electric vehicle - will consume no gasoline during regular use.
What sets the Volt apart from its EV competition is that, once its main battery depletes its supply of excitable electrons, the Chevrolet doesn't become a boat anchor and require eight hours of recharging before continuing on its way. Once the 16 kilowatt-hours of lithium-ion battery power are depleted, the on-board 1.4=litre Ecotec gas engine fires up and, powers a generator that feeds a big 11-kW traction motor without ever being connected directly or indirectly to the wheels - except under very specific circumstances.
The Volt certainly feels, drives and responds like a true electric vehicle. The electric motor is silent. And, despite being tied into the electric propulsion system, the brakes feel conventional, with none of the lurching common to the regenerative braking systems found in hybrids and EVs.
The traction motor's 111 kW translates into 149 horsepower. But, an electric motor's advantage is its prodigious low-end torque. In the Volt's case, 273 pound-feet is available from zero rpm. The result is an acceleration time to 100 km/h in less than nine seconds, perfectly in line with conventional sedans the Volt hopes to supplant. This Chevy is "more car than electric."
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