Chevy Volt's Range-Extender Earns an International Engine of the Year Award

OXFORD, MAINE (06/21/2012)(readMedia)-- While most electric vehicles can only go for roughly 60 to 80 miles without a recharge, the Chevy Volt has differentiated itself with a gas-powered generator that increases its total range to 375 miles. That range-extending 1.4-liter powerplant was recently named Best Green Engine in the 2012 International Engine of the Year Awards, beating out the powertrains of Volt competitors like the Nissan LEAF and Toyota Prius.

Presented by Engine Technology International magazine, this year's International Engine of the Year Awards recognized 12 category winners selected by a panel of 76 automotive journalists from 35 countries. The Volt's compact engine topped a field of 45 contenders to earn the Best Green Engine Award, marking the first time that a range-extending powertrain has won in the awards' 14-year history.

"The Chevy Volt's range-extending engine gives it a big advantage over competitors because you never have to worry about being left stranded with a depleted battery," said Rick Smith, general manager of Oxford, Maine Chevy dealership Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford. "It has a long enough electric range to cover many drivers' commutes, but unlike most of its competitors, the Volt is also a solid option for road trips."

The Volt's electric range will be growing when its 2013 model goes on sale in August, thanks to slight revisions in its lithium-ion battery. By modifying the amounts of materials in the battery cell chemistry, Chevy was able to increase the 2013 Volt's all-electric range by three miles for a total of 38 miles. Those changes have also led to a higher miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), going from 94 MPGe in the 2012 model to 98 MPGe in the 2013 Chevy Volt.

During their modifications, Chevy engineers were also able to increase the capacity of the Volt battery from 16 kWh of energy to 16.5 kWh. Meanwhile, more than 150,000 miles of testing with the new cell chemistry have shown less battery degradation and an ability to perform in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even with its current battery, the Volt is proving to be a key converter for the Chevrolet brand. The automaker says that nearly seven out of 10 Volt buyers are trading in non-GM vehicles, with the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic and BMW 3 Series leading the list in that order. Perhaps more importantly, buyers have been highly satisfied after their purchase: A recent survey found that 93 percent of Volt owners would buy the car again.

"The Volt has not only been a game changer for the EV market, but for the Chevy brand as well," Smith noted. "No other electric vehicle offers the same amount of flexibility in its powertrain, and that has helped introduce a completely new type of buyer to Chevrolet."

About Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford:

A part of the Goodwin Motor Group that has served customers in New England since 1932, Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford is committed to delivering only the best automotive experience at its Maine Chevy dealership. They provide a relaxed atmosphere where car shoppers can browse an extensive inventory of new and used Chevy vehicles and have their questions answered by an expert sales staff. Call them at 877- 897-9716, visit them online at www.goodwinoxford.com or stop by their dealership, located at 1606 Main Street in Oxford. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinChevroletBuick.