Chevrolet Volt 2012

The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by General Motors. It is also sold as the Holden Volt in Australia, as well as the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera in Europe. Volt sales in selected U.S. markets began in mid-December 2010 and in international markets since September 2011. Customer deliveries of the Opel Ampera in Europe began in February 2012.

The Volt is the most fuel-efficient compact car with a gasoline engine sold in the United States, as rated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).[3][4] The Volt operates as a pure battery electric vehicle until its plug-in battery capacity drops to a predetermined threshold from full charge, at which point its gasoline engine powers an electric generator to extend the vehicle's range. The Volt's regenerative braking also contributes to the on-board electricity generation. In order to improve performance, the internal combustion engine may at times be engaged mechanically to assist both electric motors to propel the Volt.

The Chevrolet Volt has won numerous awards such as the 2009 Green Car Vision Award, 2011 Green Car of the Year, 2011 North American Car of the Year, 2011 World Green Car and 2012 European Car of the Year, but there has been some controversy and concerns in the media. These include the extent of the federal government participation in the Volt development during General Motors' 2009 government-led bankruptcy and concerns about the battery pack fire risk after a crash.