Difference between revisions of "Chevrolet Volt"

The '''Chevy Volt''' is a [[hybrid car]] produced by [[GM]].  Like the [[Toyota Prius]], the Volt emits harmful radiation <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/automobiles/27EMF.html?pagewanted=all Motoring - Fear, but Few Facts, on Hybrid risk] Montavalli, Jim, April 27, 2008, The ''New York Times'', retrieved August 20, 2011</ref>and is likely to electrocute its passengers or rescue workers in the event of a crash. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/automobiles/27EMF.html?pagewanted=all Motoring - Fear, but Few Facts, on Hybrid risk] Montavalli, Jim, April 27, 2008, The ''New York Times'', retrieved August 20, 2011</ref> Unlike the Prius it uses a different technology and can run on only the electric motor for an extended period.  The tiny gas engine is not hooked up to the wheels and functions as a generator to charge the batteries.  This is a highly inefficient system as there are losses in both the charging of the battery and in the electric motor which would not exist if the engine was connected to the wheels with a transmission and drive shafts. The government is subsidizing the purchase of the Volt through factory rebates.