Even though last summer’s high gas prices have dropped significantly, gas mileage is still a major consideration for Dallas residents purchasing a new car. Whether DFW consumers are buying an exotic vehicle or a simple commuter car, gas mileage is no longer just a number on the window sticker. That’s where the Chevy Volt comes in.
Image of Chevy Volt at the Detroit Auto Show by Kevin Ward. See more of Kevin’s photos in his Flickr Photostream. Image licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Only Share A Like License.
General Motors recently announced that the new Chevy Volt will get the equivalent of 230 miles per gallon. This announcement immediately drew criticism from some auto industry analysts. The math used to reach the figure has come under fire, and a new system for determining gas mileage will be required to get an accurate number.
Yahoo Autos recently ran a story on this new Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) and the method for computing fuel economy. The EPA has refused to back up GM’s claim of 230 miles per gallon.
To understand the difficulty, you first have to have a handle on how the Chevy Volt operates. The car functions on electric power until that power is used up. The expected battery range for the Volt is about 40 miles. At that point, the vehicle transitions to the gasoline engine, experts predict will get about 35 miles per gallon.
All of this means that figuring gas mileage for the Volt is going to be somewhat problematic. A mile per gallon rating will have to take into account the number of miles the car is driven. If you drive 40 miles, you’ll get infinite gas mileage, since you’ll be using all battery power. When the gasoline engine comes into play, things get trickier.
Regardless of the official number, there’s no doubt that the Chevy Volt and other EREVs offer an interesting alternative to gasoline engines and standard hybrid technology. No matter how the mileage is computed, these cars will help Dallas residents save gas while driving.
Besides driving a new hybrid or EREV, Dallas residents can save gas in other ways. You can drive a commuter car to work and then rent an exotic vehicle on the weekend. This scenario represents a significant gas savings, since you are only driving the exotic vehicle for part of the week.
Another alternative to owning an exotic car is joining an exotic car sharing club. Member of exotic car clubs share an entire garage of exotic vehicles and can use membership points to drive the exotic cars whenever they wish. Inventory can include Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and other amazing cars.
For Dallas residents, fuel efficient options like the Chevy Volt may help make it possible to drive an exotic vehicle.
Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.
