G. David Felt
Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer
www.CheersandGears.com

 

Reviewing other green sites, I came across this story by Green Car Reporters about their experience with a Chevy Volt and Tesla in the same household.

 

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1094260_life-with-chevy-volt-3-years-35000-miles-later-its-over

 

To quote the story: "After three years of ownership, I've concluded that the Volt is a splendid vehicle. It's the only electric car I recommend to virtually everyone who asks."

 

The writers story about never wanting to own an American auto and trying to buy a Nissan Leaf and ending up with a Volt is good reading. His first year of ownership ends with his Volt giving 200MPG in driving. He goes on to say when his Tesla arrived, his 16 year old daughter got the VOLT and the only time he used it was for Long Road trips, which the Tesla was useless for.  Yet with using the VOLT for long distance trips, his Life Time Fuel Economy had fallen to only a Paltry 106MPG.

 

To Quote the Write up again, the reporter listed the following "Five Best Things About The Volt"

 

1) No Range Anxiety

2) Peppy Acceleration

3) Peppy deceleration

4) Snoothness

5) Efficiency

6) Cargo room

 

Course he apologizes but could not leave out the 6th. His reasoning in the write up are all very valid.

 

He does have his pet peeves with the car but they are minor by his Bottom Line closing.

 

Quote:

 

"The Volt is great car--smooth, efficient, nice riding, versatile, and in my case, virtually trouble-free.  It's in a class by itself: a full-performance electric car without range anxiety or compromised performance.

 

I heartily recommend it to anyone--and I mean anyone, not just early adapters willing to make the usual e-car compromises--contemplating a compact hatchback or sedan.

 

If the second-generation Volt, due out next year, can put three people in the back seat, hit 50 miles electric range, and 50 mpg in gas mode, its long-term future as the Electric Car For Everybody will be assured."

 

I found reading this reporters write up on his 3yr experience with the VOLT validates my own limited experience with the car in that GM started off right with what they have done and in the next generation we should see even brighter and better things.

Volt is the best of this type of car out there.