2012 Chevrolet Volt Road Test Review

by Martha Hindes

Our Top Pick of the Month - Most Earth-Friendly

For those suffering from that new "auto immune" syndrome plaguing some plug-in electric vehicle owners, take heart. "Range Anxiety" can't get you if you're driving a new, 2012 Chevy Volt.

The folks at Chevy were gracious enough to provide me with one of the first 2012 Volt five-door sedans out of the chute on a blazing late summer day. I took the keys only after a thorough initiation on what to expect from a Volt specialist. The fully charged electric-only range - as received - was about 50 miles, depending partly on how it was driven. Not to worry, I was told. The 9 or so gallons of premium fuel in the gas tank would power up an auxiliary engine that refuels the battery. But still, I had that sense of trepidation wondering if I'd do something incorrectly once the lime green energy bars of battery power disappeared from the navigation screen's display.

I started driving with the Volt's air conditioning keeping me chilled at 68 degrees. It handled easily and cruised silently along a local express road and city streets as I made several preplanned stops. When the gasoline engine finally woke up, it barely purred in the background, while the usage icon toggled into recharge mode with every slowdown or stop to extend the electric-only cruising. Full Review