The Problem with the Chevrolet Volt

    In 2007, General Motors showed a concept. That concept was named the volt. 3 years, one bankruptcy and countless millions of development dollars later, we have the production Volt. For those who may not know, the Volt is an extended range electric vehicle. This basically means that there IS a gasoline engine, but it acts as a generator (for the most part), recharging the batteries that feed the electric motor. The Volt has been looked upon as a spiritual successor to the stillborn EV1 program of the last century. Since its launch in late December, 2010, the volt has been lauded in much the same way the second generation Toyota Prius was in 2003. On a purely conceptual basis, the Volt appears to be a great candidate for commercial success. An American manufacturer building a technologically advanced, refined, extremely economical vehicle right here in the United States.....

    The current generation competitors to the Volt pose the greatest problem. The MSRP for the Chevrolet Volt is 40,280 dollars. This is roughly 19,000 dollars more then an equivalent Toyota Prius before the 7,500 dollar tax incentives that are being offered for the Volt. Unfortunately, the length of time and cost of developing the Volt dictates this high price. The Volt may be the better car. It may be more efficient in the long run. It may be built here in the United States, and it may be more technologically advanced then its competitors, but many Americans aren't concerned with those points. There will always be those people who buy American simply because it is American, but the typical American consumer isn't concerned with where the vehicle was built. Exceptionally conscious hybrid drivers may be willing to shell out extra money for their vehicle, but the majority of American motorists won't see the point. 

    Another problem has arisen as well. The EPA and General Motors have told two different stories about the efficiency of the Volt. Chevrolet stated that the Volt would achieve a much higher miles per gallon rating then the EPA reported during their testing. Several automotive publications have also reported major discrepancies during their testing. The general consensus seems to be that the MPG rating of the Volt is slightly ethereal. The number tends to vary much more drastically then in a normal gasoline vehicle, because the gasoline engine operates intermittently and under varying circumstances.

    There could be one more problem for the Volt. The American consumer is concerned with maximum miles per gallon for minimum out of pocket expense. The hybrid/efficient vehicle market is an established sector, where the Prius reigns king. The Prius has an almost automatic association with the "green" movement, regardless of its actual level of efficiency. The Volt also has a direct competitor. Nissan recently introduced the Leaf EV. The Volt outsold the leaf 3:1 during the first two months of its existence, but only time will tell whether that trend continues. The dark horse in the efficiency arms race is diesel. The current diesel offerings from the likes of Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes all offer outstanding fuel economy, while also offering a more involving, sporting driving experience then the likes of the prius. Speaking from experience, I would much rather drive a Jetta TDI then a Prius. The Volt is a walk on at try outs, and needs to prove itself to the veteran players.....