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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Chevy: Volt Will Get 230mpg Critics: Yeah, Right

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(Newser) – GM held a triumphant press conference this morning, announcing that, using newly devised EPA methodology, its 2011 Chevy Volt will get a whopping 230 miles per gallon in city driving, by far the highest fuel efficiency rating ever. No car has ever so much as sniffed 100mpg before; the Prius gets 51. But there’s ample cause for skepticism, Cars.com blogger David Thomas explains.

GM’s using a new EPA system for plug-ins, the details of which aren't yet known. The Volt can run for 40 miles on just electricity, and 300 thereafter, so if it had a 10 gallon tank, it would get 34mpg overall. But the new system assumes hybrids will travel more city miles on electricity alone. If the EPA assumes a low enough cycle between plug-ins—say 40 miles—it would lead to incredibly inflated results.

GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson addresses the media at GM's Tech Center in Warren, Mich. during a news conference regarding the Chevy Volt's 230 composite MPG rating Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009.
GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson addresses the media at GM's Tech Center in Warren, Mich. during a news conference regarding the Chevy Volt's 230 composite MPG rating Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gary Malerba)
The Chevy Volt's 230 composite MPG rating was announced at GM's Tech Center in Warren, Mich. during a news conference Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009.
The Chevy Volt's 230 composite MPG rating was announced at GM's Tech Center in Warren, Mich. during a news conference Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gary Malerba)
GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson addresses the media at GM's Tech Center in Warren, Mich. during a news conference regarding the Chevy Volt's 230 composite MPG rating Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009.
GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson addresses the media at GM's Tech Center in Warren, Mich. during a news conference regarding the Chevy Volt's 230 composite MPG rating Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gary Malerba)
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20 comments
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ruserious
Aug 11, 09 10:17 AM CDT
Wouldn't it be amazing if it really could get 230 mpg? I can't even imagine this. As much as I hate fueling up, I'd be in for it! Reply
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+5
Mr.C
Aug 11, 09 10:39 AM CDT
Other countries are so far ahead of the US when it comes to alternative fuels. You can power a car with water and not use electrolysis. Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
shonangreg
Aug 11, 09 11:38 AM CDT
Power by water without electrolysis? Details, or a url, please.
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+2
Yourself
Aug 11, 09 10:47 AM CDT
this is flat out lying to the consumers! with that said, people need to be looking at the new diesels, they get 50mpg and can be converted to run on vegetable oil. trust me, that's what my car runs on. Reply
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
tomodachi
Aug 11, 09 11:23 AM CDT
Ford currently makes a car that gets 65 MPG... and it's a diesel. they refuse to sell it in the US. Their reason: not enough people here would want to buy one. so they say http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_37/b4099060491065.htm?chan=autos_autos+--+lifestyle+subindex+page_top+stories
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