2013 Chevrolet Volt Hybrid Total Car Score Analysis

The 2013 Chevrolet Volt Hybrid earns an above average Total Car Score for the Hybrid & Electric Cars segment. 
 
Now in its third year of production, the Volt remains the only vehicle in the hybrid segment to turn the typical gas/electric propulsion system on its ear. While most hybrids are driven by a gas engine and get a varying amount of assist (depending on the model) from the electric motors on board, it’s the motor that drives the Volt’s front wheels, and the gas engine is there to charge the lithium-ion battery (except for a few circumstances that call for both to work in tandem). The battery can also be charged via 120- or 240-volt outlets when the Volt is parked.  
 
For 2013, Chevrolet has added a Hold mode to the Volt’s drive system, which allows the driver to engage the gas generator to charge the battery when convenient -- during a long stretch of highway miles, for example. That way the battery will be topped up when the car leaves the highway for city streets and can make better use of the electric propulsion system.  
 
Chevy is also offering a PZEV spec for the Volt that allows drivers in California and New York to earn the sticker that allows them to drive in the carpool lane no matter how many passengers are in the car.  
 
Along with a new Silver Topaz Metallic exterior color and Pebble Beige interior color, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt will be easy to spot thanks to the new body-color roof and decklid.

2013 Chevrolet Volt Hybrid Model Line-Up

The 2013 Chevrolet Volt is a four-door four-passenger front-wheel-drive hatchback with a plug-in gas/electric powertrain.  
 
Unlike other hybrids on the market, the Volt is powered by an electric drive system that produces 149 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque and is fueled by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The internal combustion engine on board, a 1.4-liter 84hp four-cylinder, serves as a generator to recharge the battery.  
 
The Volt is offered in a single trim level with standard features that include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with a USB port.  
 
Available options, which are bundled in packages, include an upgraded audio system, navigation, heated front seats, a backup camera, park assist and leather upholstery.  
 
The EPA has has rated the 2013 Chevrolet Volt in gas-only mode as achieving 35 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined. The Volt also earned a 98 mpg-e rating.

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