- 2011 Chevrolet Volt will require premium fuel.
- GM says the use of premium fuel in the Volt increases fuel efficiency by 5 percent or greater over the use of regular fuel.
- The current average price for a gallon of premium gasoline is 10 percent higher than the price of regular.
DETROIT — General Motors on Thursday confirmed the tiny 1.4-liter gasoline engine in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will require premium fuel — at a significant price premium over the cost of regular fuel.
The Volt hybrid uses a 111-kilowatt electric motor as its primary propulsion system. When the lithium-ion battery pack is depleted — typically after about 40 miles — the 80-horsepower gasoline engine kicks in to generate electricity to the motor and battery pack, extending the vehicle's effective range to 300 miles or more.
In the automaker's 2011 Online Order/Reference Guide for dealers, an entry under the reference code LUU states: "Engine, Range Extender, 1.4L Internal Combustion Engine (estimated: 80 hp [60 kW]), requires premium fuel."
GM spokesman Adam Denison on Thursday confirmed: "The Volt's unique architecture causes the onboard engine to act more like a generator. As such, premium fuel is required to maximize fuel efficiency. The use of premium fuel in the Volt increases fuel efficiency by 5 percent or greater over the use of regular fuel. Simply put, premium fuel optimizes this engine's characteristics. Basically, with reduced fuel consumption a key objective, premium fuel is the right solution for the Volt."
The national AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report on Thursday said the current average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the U.S. is $2.74. The current average price for a gallon of premium gasoline is $3.01 — 10 percent higher than the price of regular.
Inside Line says: With a premium sticker price and premium fuel, it appears that only premium buyers may be able to afford the new Volt. — Paul and Anita Lienert, Correspondents
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tbone85 says:
09:09 PM, 07/30/2010
It remains to be seen whether the techonology underlying the Volt can become mainstream or not. Anti-lock brakes, airbags, traction control, direct injection, etc. are all technologies that started out exclusively on high priced cars, but found their way into mainstream vehicles as demand and economies of scale dropped the price. The technology in the Volt faces significantly more technical challenges to allow these cars to be sold at a reasonable premium ($2-4k?) I hope they're able to get it done.
soultek1 says:
08:35 AM, 07/30/2010
mcrrt-
yet its just another example of how little sense the Volt makes in the real world. if the volt cannot become a mainstream technology, what's the point?
oh, that's right, exactly what Bob Lutz said it was always about, marketing. great job GM!
in the past GM stated that the BAS hybrid would make more economic sense to consumers than toyota's HSD. then they claimed that the dual mode hybrid powertrain was smarter. then that the Volt would make the Prius irrelevant.
they've been wrong every time.
any automaker can make a vehicle like the Volt, it's making one that's cost-effective that's the trick.
mkiisupradoop says:
07:50 AM, 07/30/2010
mdale007--
How do you figure 20k? I see 41k, minus 7.5k in federal kickbacks, equals 33.5k. Which does not equal 20k. You want a hybrid the size of a Sonata for 20k? Buy a Sonata Hybrid. Because the Koreans don't equal the Japanese.
cmike2780 says:
07:05 AM, 07/30/2010
hahahahahahah
mdale007 says:
05:41 AM, 07/30/2010
Give me a break. Who really cares about premium fuel in a car that goes 40 miles on pure electric power? Simple fact is that in order for this car to be a success gasoline prices must increase substantially.
I am a Volt fan because it trumps the Japanese hybrids. My guess is that the mainstream marketplace has already determined that a car the size of a Hyundai Sonata that gets 50 mpg and cost 20K wins.
veryhrm says:
10:41 PM, 07/29/2010
PLEASE stop buying into this "range extender" marketing stuff.
Depending on what aspect of the system you're talking about the Volt is a series hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. It's a concept that's been around for ages. According to the web, GE sold the first diesel-electric locomotive in 1918.
Yes, it's really nice that the Volt has batteries and it's a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and GM should be congratulated for bringing it to market. However, ANY PHEV can be called a "range extended electric vehicle"... please use the standard term and don't buy into their marketing speak.
Thanks.
gregbird08 says:
08:26 PM, 07/29/2010
I wouldn't mind paying for premium when a full tank of gas is only 8-10 gallons. Where I live, that would be less than $30 a fill up. Much rather pay $30 to go around 400 miles than $40-50 to go just as far in a similar vehicle. But then again I can't afford the car in the first place and I drive a '10 F150 that on average goes 400 miles on a tank and cost about $65 to fill up.
dbostondriver says:
06:33 PM, 07/29/2010
EPIC FAIL. GM sees the writing on the wall. That is why the lease is so cheap.
wgordon12 says:
04:24 PM, 07/29/2010
I think EV greenies are more interested in consuming 5% less gas than they are with paying the 10% difference for premium vs. regular. The point of this car is not to save money (obviously), it is to reduce/eliminate gas consumption. I think it is a great idea, but I can't see myself buying a Volt over a Prius. Then again, I can't see myself buying a Prius either. If the Prius had direct-injection & a twin-scoll turbo mated to an 8-speed ZF tranny, and a cosmetic overhaul, then I would reconsider.
davicho says:
03:36 PM, 07/29/2010
^^^ Or anyone who is dumb enough to dish out the $41K for this cr@p!