2012 Chevrolet Volt
Electric vehicles are a source of controversy, with experts and opposing interests alternately predicting the death of the segment and an upcoming sales boom, depending on the day.
In March, Chevrolet suspended production of the Volt due to overstocked inventory. By the end of June, sales of the plug-in Volt had beat out Nissan LEAF sales for five consecutive months. Maybe the difference is in pure electric versus electric with a gas generator. Whether it is consumer fear of total commitment to electricity or an actual competitive edge, the Chevrolet Volt sold 1,760 units in June, compared to just 535 for the Nissan LEAF.
The Chevy Volt in the first six months of 2012 sold more units than in all of 2011. Sales of the Nissan LEAF, on the other hand, have decreased 19 percent from the first half of last year.
Meeting another milestone in June, the Chevrolet Volts around the world have driven a total of more than 100 million miles, with over 60 percent of those purely powered by electricity. This tally is possible through tracking by the OnStar system integrated into each vehicle. The 63 million miles traveled by the Chevy Volt on electricity have saved over 3.3 million gallons of gasoline.
The Chevrolet Volt is generally the favorite hybrid car among expert reviewers. It is praised for the gas engine that takes over when the battery is low, alleviating the range anxiety that often plagues electric cars. Reviewers are positive about electric motors in the Volt, happy with the EPA-estimated 35-mile range, satisfied by the power provided, and pleased with the smooth, quite ride.
To learn more about the Chevrolet Volt, or other Chevy, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicles, visit Don Ledford Automotive Center online or in person at the dealership in Cleveland, Tennessee, near Chattanooga. You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter for latest updates on the Volt and other General Motors cars, trucks, and SUVs.
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