It is shockingly different. That is why it is called the VOLT (I guess). I have just finished reading about the VOLT in the Caller Times. Here is some info they have about it:
It is NOT a hybrid. It is driven at all times by an electric drive unit. It does have a gasoline engine for the purpose of charging the 16 -kWh t-shaped lithium-ion battery. The electric engine is 150 HP and the gasoline engine is a four cylinder Voltec generating 84 HP.
What will it do? It will range from 50 miles to 379 with the gasoline-operation. With gasoline only it gives 37MPG, but 60 MPG with both systems. It is a four-person, front-wheel drive hatchback. The gas engine will decide on it's own when to kick in to give peak operation when needed.
At present there are only eight states with participating Chevrolet dealerships. (It is a chevy) Texas is one of those states. 45,000 units have been ordered for the 2012 year. The 2011 model started coming off assembly lines last July. An advance order is necessary. The battery has a 100,000 mile warranty. They have cruise,AC, remote, and Boze music/radio system
The estimated cost for operation is approximately TWO CENTS per miles electrically versus TWELVE CENTS per mile using gasoline. The window sticker price? (I thought you would never ask) MSRP for the 2011 starts at $40,280. Cash or charge?
