![2011 Chevrolet Volt - testing on Pike's Peak, October 2009 2011 Chevrolet Volt - testing on Pike's Peak, October 2009](https://images.hgmsites.net/med/2011-chevrolet-volt--testing-on-pikes-peak-october-2009_100230355_m.jpg)
2011 Chevrolet Volt - testing on Pike's Peak, October 2009
The Volt can power itself on full electric power for 40 miles and then after that it switches to a standard gasoline powered engine to propel the vehicle. In response to a question about how often the engine would start for the average Volt owner, Andrew Farah responded by saying that he believes the engine will turn on a minimum of once a month with normal use. Now, for those of us that live in a colder climate the engine could run more often because the engine is designed to turn on to warm the batteries.
![2011 chevy volt interior 011 2011 chevy volt interior 011](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2011-chevy-volt-interior-011_100188622_l.jpg)
2011 chevy volt interior 011
Of course, life is never that predictable, but if GM and the Volt team are being forth coming (and I believe they are) then the Volt could very well be a revolutionary vehicle for the average American. Who wouldn’t want a four-door car that is similar in size to a Prius that could run with out Petrol most of the time? Sure makes the Smart ForTwo EV that we reported on earlier a much harder sell for the average consumer here in the States.
Bottom line—GM is showing signs of catching up in the race for innovation and has a formula for a real winner. The only question left is will the innovation make up for the area that has historically plagued GM since the late ‘70s—Quality.
[Source: GM Fastlane Blog]