Pros: The 2015 Chevrolet Volt is an electric car with range-extending technology that can cover up to 65 kilometres in zero-emissions mode, making it very clean and efficient. It's also a modern, comfortable vehicle with a convenient rear hatch. Provincial rebates for EV buyers and leasers make the Volt even more attractive.
Cons: While exclusively propelled by its electric motor, the Volt uses a small gasoline engine/generator to feed the motor whenever the lithium-ion battery runs empty, which adds considerable weight and noise to the car. Also, the brakes are touchy.
2015 Chevrolet Volt Price: A single trim level appears on the menu, and it starts at $38,845 (freight and delivery charges included). Of course, you can select various options. As for green car incentives, the Quebec government, for instance, gives a $7,865 check to every Volt buyer or leaser.
2015 Chevrolet Volt Fuel Economy: Obviously, as long as the gas engine sleeps, the Volt won't burn a single drop. On average, though, it achieves the equivalent of 2.4L/100km.
Improvements and Changes: New for this year is OnStar's inclusion of 4G LTE connectivity, with the ability to create an in-car Wi-Fi network to utilize the data plan. There are no other changes since the Volt will be completely redesigned for 2016. Look for it to appear at the NAIAS in Detroit in January.
2015 Chevrolet Volt Powertrain: Under the hood is a 149-horsepower electric motor that produces a V6-like 273 lb-ft of torque. As mentioned earlier, there's also a 1.4L 4-cylinder gasoline engine/generator whose sole purpose is to feed the motor whenever the lithium-ion battery runs empty. A continuously variable transmission completes the equation.
Cargo Capacity: The 2015 Chevrolet Volt's trunk can hold no more than 300 litres of gear.
Safety: Standard equipment includes ABS, electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control, OnStar assistance, and eight airbags. You can boost safety by adding a rearview camera, ultrasonic rear parking assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert.
Comparing the 2015 Chevrolet Volt: The Volt competes against fully electric cars such as the Nissan LEAF as well as plug-in hybrids like the Ford Fusion Energi and Toyota Prius Plug-in.