2011 Chevrolet-Volt Perfomace Test

The makers of Volt refer to it as an Extended Range Electric Vehicle because of the vehicle's range-extending gasoline powered internal combustion engine. General Motors purposely avoids the term "hybrid" to describe the Volt. However, industry experts see it as a plug-in series hybrid because the internal combustion engine and electric motor is combined in a series rather than parallel.

It's good to see that General Motors is attempting to pioneer this technology rather than attempt to carve out a niche in the already crowded hybrid market. Detroit has been known for churning out the same types of vehicles year after year. Many critics say that this is part of the reason for the Detroit 3's recent financial woes. By undertaking a project as revolutionary as the Volt, GM has sent a clear signal to the world that it intends to stay on the cutting edge of technology. Let's hope it is well received by consumers able to afford that hefty price tag.

2011 Chevrolet-Volt Perfomace Test