2011 Chevrolet Volt

Although the Chevrolet Volt – the first vehicle of its kind to be mass produced – has only been on the market for a year, Chevy already making a few changes to its most technologically advanced vehicle ever.

Changes for the latest model year include expansion of availability from limited markets to the entire U.S. by the end of the year. When orders are placed, customers will also notice a price drop of nearly $1,000 compared to the previous model year, despite more standard content than before.

Physical changes to the car include two new interiors and exterior colors, expansion from three to seven option packages, now standard keyless access with passive locking, OnStar Turn by Turn navigation standard for three years, Chevrolet MyLink including Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones (late availability), standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback and 7-inch diagonal color touch-screen display and available 17-inch sport alloy wheels with black inserts (late availability).

The new interior accent colors are white and spiced red, while Summit White and Blue Topaz Metallic have been added to the exterior palette.

The Volt – known as a series hybrid for its electric-only propulsion that is regenerated through the use of a four-cylinder gas generator – comes in a single form, a five-door hatchback, similar in size to the Toyota Prius. More precisely, the Volt measure 177 inches long, making it a little shorter than the recently discontinued Cobalt.

The electric drive unit (utilizing a 220-cell, 16 kWh lithium ion battery) puts out 150 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque and tops out at 100 miles per hour. This powertrain allows the vehicle to travel 40 miles on electric power only, while for longer trips, the Volt’s generator will kick in to provide for additional range.

The engine generator is able to generate additional electricity to power the car for about 300 miles before the need to refuel or plug-in to recharge the battery.

Chevy says the Volt is especially quiet to drive thanks to both the electric motor and extensive sound insulation.

Styling for the Volt comes from a balance of aerodynamic performance and conventional styling. The fascia features a rounded and flush style with a closed grille.

The mirrors continue with an aerodynamic design, including a spoiler designed to allow the air to stay attached and then detach quickly at the rear in order to minimize drag.

The interior of the Volt is relatively conventional, an intentional move to make the transition from gas-powered vehicles to the Volt less dramatic.

The center stack features a 7-inch touch screen that functions as both a navigation unit and a vehicle information display point.

The climate controls are are touch-sensitive, but lack (mostly) traditional push buttons or turning knobs. The Volt features an optional hard drive for added storage of music and maps, and comes standard with Bluetooth functionality that Chevrolet says can be used for phone and music use.

When considering true cost of ownership, one should also consider the cost of the fast charger. The quick home charger will cost $490, plus a $1,475 installation charge. This will drop the average charge time from a substantial 10 hours to a much more reasonable four hours.