Forget the 230 mpg Chevrolet Volt rating, feds working on new formula

2011 Chevrolet Volt

To those who were standing firm behind the Chevy Volt based on the 230 mile per gallon forecast, think again. That figure was calculated using a government formula that never got final approval.

“We just don’t know right now” what the new number is likely to be, Micky Bly, executive director of global electrical systems for GM, said Wednesday at GM’s battery factory in Brownstown, Mich.

There are ongoing talks on exactly how to go about calculating an mpg-equivalent index for plug-in electrics, and they will probably continue to go on until the time the first Volts are to roll off the line. GM executive Tom Stephens has said that GM is working closely with the EPA to come up with a figure for the Volt.

“We’ve been working collaboratively with the EPA and the industry to come up with a number that gives our customers something they can feel comfortable with,” said Tom Stephens, GM’s vice chairman of global product operations.

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.

First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: DriveOn