President Barack Obama test drives the Chevrolet Volt, says it’s ‘pretty smooth’

Posted: Jul 30, 2010

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President Barack Obama test drives 2011 Chevrolet Volt

During his visit to three plants in Michigan today, President Barack Obama stopped by GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant and took a spin in a black 2011 Chevrolet Volt and took a 40 feet test-drive in the new electric-vehicle with extended range capability.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

“Pretty smooth,” the President said as he stepped out of the Volt to resume his tour of the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

“Now, I have to tell you some of you saw me drive a Volt about 12 inches. They don’t let me drive much these days,” Obama said. “But the Cadillac that I drive in is made right here. I got to admit the Secret Service soups it up a little bit.”

Secret Service and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that it was highly unusual, though not unprecedented, opportunity for Obama. The President last drove a private vehicle three to four months ago at a Secret Service training facility.

Click here to read our first drive impressions of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by 16-kWh, “T”-shaped lithium-ion battery that powers the electric drive unit, which allows it to drive 40 miles on battery power alone. According to GM”s preliminary specs, the system puts out 150-hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft, allowing the Volt to go from 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 100 mph. The battery can be re-charged by plugging into a household outlet and takes less than 3 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 8 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries a 1.4 4-clyinder engine that allows the five-door, FWD sedan to travel additional miles while averaging a fuel-economy of 50 mpg. A fully charged battery and full tank of gas will allow the Volt to travel 300 miles.