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[[File:2012 Chevy Volt.jpg|right|250px]]

[[File:2012 Chevy Volt.jpg|right|250px]]

The '''Chevy Volt''' is a hybrid car produced by [[GM]]. Unlike the Prius it uses lithium-ion batteries and can run on only the electric motor for an extended period.<ref>http://www.chevrolet.com/volt-electric-car/specs/trims.html </ref> The 149 HP electric motor can propel the vehicle to 101 mph and after the 16 KWh battery is depleted the engine switches on to provide energy for the motor and can couple itself to the wheels directly when above 70 mph.<ref>http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/1010_2011_chevrolet_volt_test/</ref> The Volt, like any automobile with a 16kWh battery or larger, is eligible for a $7500 tax rebate when purchased.<ref>http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Plug-In-Electric-Vehicle-Credit-(IRC-30-and-IRC-30D)</ref>

The '''Chevy Volt''' is a hybrid car produced by [[GM]]. Unlike the Prius it uses lithium-ion batteries and can run on only the electric motor for an extended period.<ref>"[http://www.chevrolet.com/volt-electric-car/specs/trims.html 2014 Volt Models & Specs]"</ref> The 149 HP electric motor can propel the vehicle to 101 mph and after the 16 kWh battery is depleted the engine switches on to provide energy for the motor and can couple itself to the wheels directly when above 70 mph.<ref>"[http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/1010_2011_chevrolet_volt_test/ First Test: 2011 Chevrolet Volt]", ''Motor Trend'', Dec. 2010.</ref> The Volt, like any automobile with a 16 kWh battery or larger, is eligible for a $7,500 tax rebate when purchased.<ref>http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Plug-In-Electric-Vehicle-Credit-(IRC-30-and-IRC-30D)</ref>

With weak sales, GM may never recoup the car's $1.2 billion development costs.<ref>"[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/09/10/Insight--GMs-Volt---The-ugly-math-of-low-sales--high-costs GM'S Losses up to $49,000 on each volt]", Reuters, 10 Sep 2012.</ref> Like similar projects by other major car companies, the Volt is a response to California state regulations rather than to consumer demand.<ref>"[http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323894704578115153704768888 California Spurs Electric Cars]", ''Wall Street Journal'', Nov. 19, 2012</ref>  

With weak sales, GM may never recoup the car's $1.2 billion development costs.<ref>"[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/09/10/Insight--GMs-Volt---The-ugly-math-of-low-sales--high-costs GM'S Losses up to $49,000 on each volt]", Reuters, 10 Sep 2012.</ref> Like similar projects by other major car companies, the Volt is a response to California state regulations rather than to consumer demand.<ref>"[http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323894704578115153704768888 California Spurs Electric Cars]", ''Wall Street Journal'', Nov. 19, 2012</ref>  

==Popularity==

==Popularity==

From a list of the top best-selling vehicles sold during the 2012 model year, the Volt was ranked 133 out of 262.

From a list of the top best-selling vehicles sold during the 2012 model year, the Volt was ranked 133 out of 262.<ref>http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2012/09/august-2012-ytd-all-vehicle-rankings.html</ref>

<ref>http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2012/09/august-2012-ytd-all-vehicle-rankings.html</ref>

GM says the Volt is a niche car but will serve as a technological test bed for future advanced technology.<ref>http://gm-volt.com/2014/01/17/what-is-gm-doing-about-automotive-electrification/</ref>.

GM says the Volt is a niche car but will serve as a technological test bed for future advanced technology. <ref>http://gm-volt.com/2014/01/17/what-is-gm-doing-about-automotive-electrification/</ref>.

==Safety==

==Safety==

General Motors collaborated with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Illinois Professional Firefighters’ Association (IFPA), National Emergency Number Association (NENA), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to train first responders in handling the peculiarities of electric vehicle accidents. GM also created an emergency response guide for emergency professionals and public use.

General Motors collaborated with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Illinois Professional Firefighters’ Association (IFPA), National Emergency Number Association (NENA), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to train first responders in handling the peculiarities of electric vehicle accidents. GM also created an emergency response guide for emergency professionals and public use.<ref>http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/08/gmfr-20100827.html</ref>

<ref>http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/08/gmfr-20100827.html</ref>

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded the Chevy Volt does not constitute a fire safety risk and is quoted as saying, ‘no discernible defect trend exists’ after investigating a battery compartment fire that started two weeks after a Volt was destroyed in a crash test. GM has responded further by modifying existing and future Volts to better withstand crashes in the future.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded the Chevy Volt does not constitute a fire safety risk and is quoted as saying, ‘no discernible defect trend exists’ after investigating a battery compartment fire that started two weeks after a Volt was destroyed in a crash test. GM has responded further by modifying existing and future Volts to better withstand crashes in the future.