2011 Chevrolet Volt - Review

By Robert Scardino

Robert Scardino

Author BIO

I'm a writer stuck in an engineer's brain with a debilitating case of autoholism. While studying at the University of Illinois I discovered my... More

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Lyle Dennis with the Chevy Volt Test Mule

Though the interior lacked the technological wizardry expected in the production Volt, it was reasonably roomy and functional, save for the battery taking up all the legroom a potential middle passenger in the backseat would have used.

Lyle put the Volt through its paces and it responded obediently to his input. Acceleration and handling impressed our EV fanatic despite the fact that this version of the vehicle isn't  refined for production. A mistaken driving configuration selection highlighted the Volt's capacity for regenerative drag. As Lyle took his foot off the accelerator while unknowingly in "L-mode," the vehicle slowed considerably as it recharged its battery. Greg noted that this selection could be used to drive with one pedal on city streets. With the "D-mode" selected, the Volt coasted similarly to a gas powered car minus internal combustion engine noise.

Whether crawling along, traveling at highway speeds or climbing a 16.5% grade, there was no shifting of gears, because, well, there are none. The Volt has no transmission. Oh how the driving purists must cringe, knowing that their stick shifts are nearing obsolescence.

GM didn't permit Lyle to experience the shift between pure electric power and gas generated electric juice. Apparently there's still some tweaking to be done, although Greg asserted that the transition is unnoticeable for most people ("most people" being GM employees as no one else has been allowed to try it).

And so Lyle's test drive came to an end after 15 short but telling miles. Even these preliminary versions of the Volt appear suited for every day driving. There's little compromise on interior volume (no one ever wants to sit in the middle of the backseat anyway) and the vehicle's range is on par with most other gas powered cars. Oh yeah, the first 40-miles use no gas at all. What's not to like?

Of course there are plenty of variables that still need to be defined to assure that the production-ready Volt will be a success: most notably, the price. However, early impressions of the Volt test cars are encouraging. GM is on to something here. We'll soon find out whether the final version of the Volt will deliver on the hype.