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Chevrolet has welcomed the UK
Government’s commitment to a
£5,000 grant for customers
buying plug-in electric cars.
The manufacturer behind the
world’s first extended-range
electric vehicle, which cleverly
combines pure electric
propulsion with an on-board
range-extending generator in its
innovative ‘Voltec’ drivetrain,
is delighted at the Government’s
recognition of the car’s zero
tailpipe emission capability.
Chevrolet UK Managing Director,
Mark Terry, said: "we are
extremely pleased that the
Government has accepted the Volt
within its grant programme - as
the first car in the world of
its type, it means we can really
hit the ground running when it
arrives in the UK. Volt is an
incredible car that has already
changed the game in its home
market - with its innovative
range-extender motor, it's the
first no-compromise electric car
that completely alleviates the
range anxiety felt by users of
pure electric vehicles, yet has
the capacity to operate at all
times with zero tailpipe
emissions"
Unlike most plug-in electric
cars, the Volt has an overall
range in excess of 300 miles, up
to 50 of which can be covered on
pure electric alone. Once the
battery reaches a limited state
of discharge, a petrol-powered
generator kicks in to sustain
battery charge until the car can
be plugged in and recharged.
Even with the motor running, the
electric motor continues to
drive the wheels, making it
significantly different to
hybrid electric vehicles.
Research by GM in Europe shows
that over 80 per cent of drivers
will be able to use the Volt for
their daily commute without
having to use a drop of petrol,
or create any tailpipe
emissions. But unlike other
plug-in electric cars, the Volt
can still be driven long
distances, or operate in areas
where it is impossible to plug
the battery in and recharge it.
“No other vehicle answers the
electric car conundrum as well
as one equipped with Voltec,”
added Mr Terry. “It’s an
electric car you can use without
having to make any significant
changes to your lifestyle, and
we believe that’s the key to
making customers accept such
innovative technology.”
The Volt is due to arrive in the
UK in Spring 2012. Full
specifications and prices will
be announced nearer to its
official on-sale date.
Eligible cars and
availability dates
-
Mitsubishi
i-MiEV: Jan 2011
-
Smart fortwo
electric drive: Jan 2011
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Peugeot iOn: Jan
2011
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Nissan Leaf:
March 2011
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Tata Vista:
March 2011
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Citroen CZero:
Early 2011
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Toyota Prius
Plug-in Hybrid: Early 2012
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Chevrolet Volt:
Early 2012
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Vauxhall Ampera:
Early 2012
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