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The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is the next generation in hybrid vehicles. With the ability to recharge the battery by plugging in at home you can start out your day with a fully charged battery. That full charge – with a full tank of gas for the onboard generator – will give you an estimated 410 miles of driving.
That range will depend on the conditions you’re driving under – stop and go traffic or hills will cut into the range available to you. Hybrid vehicles use an electric drive, which is powered by a battery. On the 2012 Chevrolet Volt the battery system is charged by plugging in or by an onboard gas powered generator. The gas powered generator is not connected to the drivetrain, it is only used to charge the battery.
When you press on the accelerator it has no effect on the gas generator, it only increases the electric current to the motor. The gas generator comes on to charge the battery when the battery reaches a certain level. The generator only runs at the level required to keep the battery charged it doesn’t run faster going uphill. This is how the 2012 Chevrolet Volt achieves the EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon. If you don’t drive more than 35 miles before you plug the Volt in you won’t be using the gas engine at all.
When you press on the accelerator the motor delivers 273 pound-feet of power straight to the tires. This power takes the 2012 Chevrolet Volt to 100 mph on the test track. You won’t drive that fast on the freeway, but you will have the power to get on the freeway and merge into traffic. The electric motor is very quiet – just a whisper – as you drive down the road.
A basic 2012 Chevrolet Volt will cost about $31,645 after the tax credits. The standard model includes performance and safety features that are available as options on other cars. Electric Power Steering, MacPherson strut front suspension and all-season tires give tight control of the vehicle. Safety features include 8 air bags, daytime running lamps and 3 years of OnStar Directions and Connections – including turn by turn navigation.
Your 2012 Chevrolet Volt can be controlled online through the owner website. You can communicate with the vehicle to start charging, precondition the interior – start the heater before you get in on a cold morning, lock and unlock the doors and program the charging schedule.
There is Bluetooth connectivity on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, allowing for hands-free cell phone usage. To start the car requires just a push on the power button. The instrument cluster is configurable and provides constant feedback about the vehicle systems – speed, charging level, current charge, total range left, and gas and oil levels. The display for the battery changes color from green when running on just the battery to blue when the gas engine is charging the battery.
The center stack has a 7 inch diagonal high resolution touch screen. This provides the interface for infotainment, climate control and the navigation system with voice recognition. This display provides real time information on energy usage and efficiency tips for your 2012 Chevrolet Volt.
There are apps for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt that helps you stay connected with a Motorola Android or Apple iPhone. This gives the same controls that you find at the owner website.
The infotainment system on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt is a Color Touch AM/FM stereo with CD player and SiriusXM Radio. The sound comes to you through a 6 speaker system. This is all controlled through the touch screen on the center stack. There is also a USB connection for your MP3 player or other device.
There are a wide range of available options for the Chevrolet Volt 2012. They include premium paint and trim packages. There is also a rear camera and park assist package, along with sport alloy wheels, Bose sound system and some dealer installed options.
Seating for 4 and 10.6 cubic feet of cargo space in this next generation hybrid means you can get the whole family on the road in your 2012 Chevrolet Volt and use less gas than ever before.