| | The '''Chevy Volt''' is a hybrid car produced by [[GM]]. Unlike the Prius it uses lithium-ion batteries and can run on only the electric motor for an extended period.<ref>"[http://www.chevrolet.com/volt-electric-car/specs/trims.html 2014 Volt Models & Specs]"</ref> The 149 HP electric motor can propel the vehicle to 101 mph and after the 16 kWh battery is depleted the engine switches on to provide energy for the motor and can couple itself to the wheels directly when above 70 mph.<ref>"[http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/1010_2011_chevrolet_volt_test/ First Test: 2011 Chevrolet Volt]", ''Motor Trend'', Dec. 2010.</ref> The Volt, like any automobile with a 16 kWh battery or larger, is eligible for a $7,500 tax rebate when purchased.<ref>http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Plug-In-Electric-Vehicle-Credit-(IRC-30-and-IRC-30D)</ref> | | The '''Chevy Volt''' is a hybrid car produced by [[GM]]. Unlike the Prius it uses lithium-ion batteries and can run on only the electric motor for an extended period.<ref>"[http://www.chevrolet.com/volt-electric-car/specs/trims.html 2014 Volt Models & Specs]"</ref> The 149 HP electric motor can propel the vehicle to 101 mph and after the 16 kWh battery is depleted the engine switches on to provide energy for the motor and can couple itself to the wheels directly when above 70 mph.<ref>"[http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/1010_2011_chevrolet_volt_test/ First Test: 2011 Chevrolet Volt]", ''Motor Trend'', Dec. 2010.</ref> The Volt, like any automobile with a 16 kWh battery or larger, is eligible for a $7,500 tax rebate when purchased.<ref>http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Plug-In-Electric-Vehicle-Credit-(IRC-30-and-IRC-30D)</ref> |
| − | With weak sales, GM may never recoup the car's $1.2 billion development costs.<ref>"[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/09/10/Insight--GMs-Volt---The-ugly-math-of-low-sales--high-costs GM's losses up to $49,000 on each Volt]", Reuters, 10 Sep 2012.</ref> Like similar projects by other major car companies, the Volt is a response to California state regulations rather than to consumer demand.<ref>"[http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323894704578115153704768888 California Spurs Electric Cars]", ''Wall Street Journal'', Nov. 19, 2012</ref> | + | With weak sales, GM may never recoup the car's $1.2 billion development costs,<ref>"[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/09/10/Insight--GMs-Volt---The-ugly-math-of-low-sales--high-costs GM's losses up to $49,000 on each Volt]", Reuters, 10 Sep 2012.</ref> a claim GM vehemently denies. <ref>http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/gm-fights-report-chevy-volts-rolling-away-49-173205445.html</ref> Like similar projects by other major car companies, the Volt is a response to California state regulations rather than to consumer demand.<ref>"[http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323894704578115153704768888 California Spurs Electric Cars]", ''Wall Street Journal'', Nov. 19, 2012</ref> |