Published December 6, 2012
By Jeff Cobb
As of this month, according to General Motors, Chevrolet Volt owners have collectively driven over 100 million all-electric miles since the car’s launch a couple years ago.
The first production model was delivered in December 2010 and was designed to meet a need of the average driver doing 40 or less miles per day.
Chevrolet says the Volt has largely been used in an all-electric capacity among those who keep their miles within limit or who replenish even with on-the-go charging somewhere.
On average, 65 percent of the miles are in electric mode “as the car was designed,” Chevrolet said, and the gas-powered generator is used for longer trips.
Many Volt owners are exceeding the EPA’s 98 MPGe rating and drive approximately 900 miles or one-and-a-half months between fill-ups.
We know many Volt owners have gone much longer, and GM does too, having collected a testimonial from a Volt owner in Los Angeles.
“Since my daily driving is all electric, I only really need to buy gas for long road trips,” said Andrew Byrne. “I drove over 1,900 miles on my last tank of gas.”
Chevrolet said, compared to the average new vehicle sold in the United States, and based on EPA estimates, Volt owners are saving about $1,370 a year in fuel costs.
“The best sign of a great product is when your customers are the most satisfied in the industry,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. “Volt owners have found the Volt is not only fun to drive, but provides technology and performance where consumers need it most.”
Tis true, and despite a setback in November from previous month’s sales numbers, word is getting out. It is also accurate to say its roughly $40,000-plus incentive-eligible price came in higher priced than GM had originally sought in its attempt to out-do the Toyota Prius.
Sales have been helped by some deals to be had here and there around the country, and the fact that tax credits can help offset the initial outlay. Once owners get the car, they have more than owners of any other model in the past couple of years become enthusiastic about the whole value proposition, ability to more frequently drive past gas stations, and the overall product.
The Volt is comparatively fun to drive, has racked up numerous awards, and has topped Consumer Reports' owner satisfaction survey for the past two years.
