Stress Test: Chevy Volt

By Mike Schuster Apr 08, 2009 2:05 pm

Will the hybrid make its competition green with envy?

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General Motors (GM) recently announced plans to begin production of the 2010 Chevy Volt as early as June. And with an ousted CEO -- and the looming possibility of bankruptcy -- the change in direction comes not a moment too soon.

But will the Volt, which gets 40 miles per charge before switching to gasoline, have legs? Especially with stiff competition in the eco-friendly market from the likes of Toyota (TM)?

To find out, Minyanville pitted it against 5 other energy-saving modes of transportation.

Alternate Power Source	Value	Passenger Space	Design	Warranty

Volt: Chargeable battery should lead to personalized thank-you letters from local utility companies.	Volt: With an expected price tag of $40,000, the car should pay for itself by the twenty-seventh year.	Volt: The 4-door model will seat 4, but fuel-efficiency is negated by heavier loads.	Volt: In a rare move, GM elected to build a car smaller than the Chevy Astro or Hummer.	Volt: A high-priced experiment in green technology by an insolvent manufacturer of gas-guzzlers. Doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Toyota Prius: With the patented Hybrid Synergy Drive, battery is charged by braking and accelerating - and super-charged during rare eco-friendly drag races.	Honda Insight: At $19,800, cost can be recovered with a 6-month gig at a juice bar - with money left over for that trip to Burning Man.	New York Subway: Bench designed for 6 passengers can accommodate 3 men with knees akimbo.	Fisher-Price Power Wheels: Does the Volt come with handlebar streamers? I didn't think so.	GM PUMA: Joint venture between Segway and aforementioned insolvent manufacturer of gas-guzzlers. Your guess is as good as ours.
Edge: Toyota Prius	Edge: Honda Insight	Edge: Volt	Edge: Fisher-Price Power Wheels	Edge: Volt