Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2011. #2

My second choice for the most fuel-efficient vehicle of 2011 would be a *plug-in* hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by the GM's Chevrolet division, the Chevrolet Volt. This car has been on the sale in US market since last December. According to the EPA, it is the most fuel-efficient car with an internal combustion engine sold in the United States.

Suggested retail price for the Chevrolet Volt in US starts at 40 thousand dollars, and that is before the 7.500$ federal tax credit. Additional incentives are on the table depending on the location of the sale. Currently, Volt is being sold only in selected US markets and is expected to be available for purchase nationwide in the late 2011.
Why place Chevrolet Volt so high on the list?
Well, the reasons are numerous, but let us start with the most obvious ones.
According to General Motors, the Volt can travel 25 to 50 miles on its installed lithium ion battery. EPA approximates “electric” range at 35 miles, and the total range of 378 miles when fully charged.                                         

MPGe or (miles per gallon gasoline equivalent) of this vehicle in all-electric mode is 93, and 37 mpg in gasoline-only mode; for a combined fuel economy that is a rating of 60 MPGe.
EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) estimates  Volt`s tailpipe emissions in 84 grams of CO2 per mile, which puts Chevrolet Volt ahead of the Toyota Prius in terms of the amount of greenhouse emissions measured at the tailpipe.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt so far has been named “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Volt received the top ratings of "Good" for front, side crash test, rear impact, and on rollover protection.  

Full battery charge takes approx. ten to twelve hours from a standard US 120V, 15A household outlet, and about three hours from a 240 VAC outlet. When plugged in, recharging can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app.

After the Volt battery drops to a predetermined threshold from its full charge, a small 1.4 liter and 4cylinder IC engine with approx. 80 horse power takes over. It then burns gasoline to power 55 kW/74 HP generator to extend Volts range; the gas engine can engage mechanically to assist propulsion directly. The car also has a regenerative braking system. 

Power from the generator is sent primarily to the electric motor, with the surplus recharging the batteries. This process is dependent on the SOC ^ state of charge of the battery pack and the power demanded at the wheels.
It is important to notice that when additional power is needed, i.e. at higher speeds and loads, the gasoline engine can engage mechanically to the output at the transmission to assist both electric motors, taking the series' hybrid to a series-parallel hybrid.

With this plug-in hybrid, GM seems to be getting back on its feet as a serious contender in the automotive industry of the 21^st century.

- I traveled a lot in the last 48 hrs. Finally home in LA and will try to keep the daily operation going here. Thx so much to all of You that follow this Blog. Till next post :)

VenomFTM