2013 Chevrolet Volt

2013 Volt Photos
Plug-in hybrids such as the Chevrolet Volt offer the efficiency of an electric car and the certainty of a gasoline engine. The Volt can run on pure electricity, but it carries its own gas-powered generator, so when it runs out of juice, it can keep going. So unlike fully electric cars, it won't leave you on the side of the road wishing for an extension cord.

The Volt's four-seat, hatchback design makes it a very good all-purpose vehicle, and its electrified powertrain makes for very low operating costs. And we found the Volt fun to drive. However, its sticker price makes it a pricey investment up front, even after federal and state tax credits.

The 2013 Volt gets some improvements and additional features. Previously, the Volt automatically allocated its electric power depending on driving mode and style. For 2013, a new Hold button allows the driver to manually choose whether to use the Volt's available electric power immediately, or whether to save it for later use. This can help maximize electric range if the driver saves the electricity for stop-and-go city driving. The 2013 Chevrolet Volt also gets an EPA-estimated increase of three more miles on electric charge, to 38 miles. After that, the engine kicks in and you're driving a regular gasoline-powered car.

Options for 2013 include a new, lower-priced navigation system that replaces the old system and uses the Chevy MyLink interface, as well as a low-emissions package that gives Volt drivers in California and New York access to carpool and HOV lanes when driving alone. A new Comfort Package includes heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The optional Safety Package 1 includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear park assist and rearview camera. Safety Package 2 includes front park assist, forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

At the heart of the Chevrolet Volt is a 111-kilowatt electric motor that puts out the equivalent of 149 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It's powered by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery mounted under the center console and rear seat. The 435-pound battery has its own heating and cooling system to operate efficiently in extremes of temperature. The Volt will run solely on electricity until it's 70 percent depleted, then a 1.4-liter four-cylinder internal-combustion engine kicks in to power the electric motor.

The Volt gets an EPA rating of 98 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) and 35/40 mpg City/Highway using the gasoline engine.

Anyone who drives less than 30 miles a day should never have to put gas in the Volt, and drivers who can plug it in and charge it up while at work will double its plug-in range. We've talked to a number of drivers who do this and they say they use so little gas that they have to worry about it going bad in the tank.

Combined with the gasoline engine, the Volt has a total range of about 382 miles. With a 240-volt fast charger, the Volt can fully charge in about four hours. …
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Plug-in hybrids such as the Chevrolet Volt offer the efficiency of an electric car and the certainty of a gasoline engine. The Volt can run on pure electricity, but it carries its own gas-powered generator, so when it runs out of juice, it can keep going. So unlike fully electric cars, it won't leave you on the side of the road wishing for an extension cord.

The Volt's four-seat, hatchback design makes it a very good all-purpose vehicle, and its electrified powertrain makes for very low operating costs. And we found the Volt fun to drive. However, its sticker price makes it a pricey investment up front, even after federal and state tax credits.

The 2013 Volt gets some improvements and additional features. Previously, the Volt automatically allocated its electric power depending on driving mode and style. For 2013, a new Hold button allows the driver to manually choose whether to use the Volt's available electric power immediately, or whether to save it for later use. This can help maximize electric range if the driver saves the electricity for stop-and-go city driving. The 2013 Chevrolet Volt also gets an EPA-estimated increase of three more miles on electric charge, to 38 miles. After that, the engine kicks in and you're driving a regular gasoline-powered car.

Options for 2013 include a new, lower-priced navigation system that replaces the old system and uses the Chevy MyLink interface, as well as a low-emissions package that gives Volt drivers in California and New York access to carpool and HOV lanes when driving alone. A new Comfort Package includes heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The optional Safety Package 1 includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear park assist and rearview camera. Safety Package 2 includes front park assist, forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

At the heart of the Chevrolet Volt is a 111-kilowatt electric motor that puts out the equivalent of 149 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It's powered by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery mounted under the center console and rear seat. The 435-pound battery has its own heating and cooling system to operate efficiently in extremes of temperature. The Volt will run solely on electricity until it's 70 percent depleted, then a 1.4-liter four-cylinder internal-combustion engine kicks in to power the electric motor.

The Volt gets an EPA rating of 98 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) and 35/40 mpg City/Highway using the gasoline engine.

Anyone who drives less than 30 miles a day should never have to put gas in the Volt, and drivers who can plug it in and charge it up while at work will double its plug-in range. We've talked to a number of drivers who do this and they say they use so little gas that they have to worry about it going bad in the tank.

Combined with the gasoline engine, the Volt has a total range of about 382 miles. With a 240-volt fast charger, the Volt can fully charge in about four hours. …
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Retail Price

$39,145 - $39,145 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine
MPG Up to 35 city / 40 highway
Seating 4 Passengers
Transmission 1-spd auto
Power 149 @ rpm
Drivetrain front-wheel
Curb Weight 3,781 lbs
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