Skip advert
Advertisement

Chevrolet Volt: Electric Special: Chevrolet Volt

Plug-in hybrid due on sale in 2010

GM is further down the electric car route than BMW. We’ve already seen the Chevrolet Volt in concept form, but GM has now released teaser images of a production version, due to launch in 2010.

A plug-in hybrid, or ‘extended-range electric vehicle’ in GM-speak, it will be based on the same platform as the next Astra and will also be exported to Europe, where it will wear the Vauxhall or Opel badge. GM promises ‘a family resemblance to the concept’ and a 40-mile range on electricity alone following a seven-hour charge.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Volt will also feature the 1.4-litre petrol engine from the Vauxhall Corsa to help boost the range, improve performance and power the generator that can also recharge the battery. Development engineer Alex Cattelan says it will reach 60mph in nine seconds and max out at 100mph.

Weight could be a problem, though, given the lithium-ion battery pack weighs 180kg, but it’s mounted low and centrally for ideal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

Extra Info

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
Ferrari F80 2025 review – near-1200bhp tech tour de force tested on road and track
Ferrari F80 review
Reviews

Ferrari F80 2025 review – near-1200bhp tech tour de force tested on road and track

Maranello’s latest hybrid hypercar and successor to the LaFerrari blends mind-bending capabilities with deeply intuitive character
10 Jul 2025
New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo
Festival of Speed 2025
News

New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo

The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway. Here’s what’s in store from the biggest British motoring event of the year
11 Jul 2025