Chevy Volt Test Drive

GM has been hyping the Chevrolet Volt for years and now Autoline has finally had a chance to drive the company's extended-range EV. Is it a game changer like GM says it is or does it fall short of the hype? Click "play" to find out.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• mcelroy
• autolinedaily
• cars
• Chevy
• Chevrolet
• Volt
• EV
• drive
• testdrive
• autos
• lithium
• ion

[Jedi2155]

@DvvdJD When the Volt reaches Charge Sustain mode (after 40 miles of driving), there are certain times where the gas engine will connect WITH the electric motor to provide help. So it "is" and it "isn't" propelled by the gas engine. It can't do it alone (without the electric motor), but it does help sometimes.

[piemanization]

@DvvdJD

I was referring to your statement about the Volt being never propelled by the gas engine. It actually is when activating the aforementioned Mountain Mode and when the batteries run dry. Other than that it is run 100% electric.

Hope this clears it up.

[geostorms37]

Solar panels needed on the car, or lower the cost of the car or battery so I can install some at my home.

[tvan718]

The motor never "hooks up to the wheels". The motor recharges the battery.

[315dwadeflash]

3:30 "..how ever if i REALLY floor it" (to 60 clicks).. why get someone to show off a car whos missing brunch?!

[cvunit]

but will it blend?

[urbex2007]

@joenewbie316 You misunderstand how the engine has a direct mechanical connection to the CVT gearbox. The 1.4 16v petrol engine can drive the vehicle with the battery disconnected, proving the direct connection. It is a HYBRID car using the same sort of methods as a Toyota Prius. Charging the battery uses a lot of KWh, but people forget to say this in reviews. It is more economical to run 2 diesel cars. CO2 produced making this car is huge and batteries last 3yrs & not included in warranties.

[urbex2007]

The Chevrolet VOLT/Vauxhall AMPERA is a *HYBRID* as there is a direct mechanical connection between the ENGINE and gearbox. In the UK there are strict codes on TV/radio adverts, so they can't call the 1.4 engine a "generator" or say it is "an electric vehicle". Trading Standards also stopped FALSE MPG claims. MPG can't be measured with the engine off, it needs to travel continuously on 1 gallon of petrol. The true figure is 28MPG in town, it also costs a fortune to charge up! £40K price tag!!!

[DDDDanDDDD]

@DvvdJD The Volt gasoline engine _does_ directly connect to the drivetrain in what is called 'combined' mode. The Volt is not a pure serial hybrid - it's a serial/parallel hybrid.

See: watch?v=IWSK8BR6LT8&feature=re­lated

[DDDDanDDDD]

@glbuls It's not a pure serial hybrid. The gas engine can just charge batteries, but it can also engage physically with the electric motor and help drive the wheels directly. It's more of a serial/parallel hybrid.