By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The key number for the new 2017 Chevrolet Volt is 53. Although the number 53 is only the beginning of the story for the second-generation plug-in hybrid, it is extremely important, especially if gas prices start heading north again. Fifty-three is the remarkable number of miles the new compact Volt can be driven in all-electric mode according to EPA measurements. That's an incredible number even in this age where 20-to-30-mile electric range on plug-in hybrids is the new norm.

Chevrolet calls the Volt — which first reached market in 2011 — a plug-in extended range vehicle. What you get is hybrid-like — two electric motors making 149 horsepower, and a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine/generator that charges the 18.4 kWh lithium ion battery pack.

The gas engine/generator will seamlessly take over to charge the battery providing unlimited electric range while realizing more than 40 mpg. There is also regenerative braking that helps to recharge the battery. In some situations, such as accelerating with a depleted battery, passing and climbing steep grades, the gas engine will assist the electric motors increasing performance.

In addition to Normal, Sport, Hold and Mountain drive modes, the new Volt has a "Regen on Demand" paddle on the steering wheel. The feature allows the driver to adjust deceleration and the amount of regenerated braking energy that can be sent back to the battery pack.



The battery is replenished by plugging it into a 120 or 240-volt outlet or charging station. It takes about 4.5 hours to recharge a fully depleted battery from a 240-volt source and about 13 hours from a 120-volt source. A full charge will get you 53 miles of gas-free driving, about 50 percent more than the first-generation Volt. After driving your 53 electric miles — range will vary based on your driving habits and weather conditions — the battery has approximately 20-percent reserve and that’s when the gasoline engine/generator kicks in to keep the battery above the reserve level, supplying the electricity for another 365 miles, or until you burn all the gas hence the extended range moniker.

The 101-horsepower gas engine is rated at 43 city, 42 highway and 42 mpg combined on premium gas. The EPA says this is the equivalent of 102 mpg (MPGe) in combined electric and gas driving with a total range of 420 miles. That's five mpg more than the first-generation Volt. During our test week with 320 miles of mixed driving we realized 61.4 mpg. And we had no problem completely recharging the battery each day using a standard 120-volt source.

One of our chief concerns with any new car in any category is how does it perform? While the original Volt had adequate acceleration, the new, lighter and more powerful version definitely takes it up a notch. We were impressed at the off-the-line surge as well as its merging prowess into fast-moving traffic. For comparison purposes, the 2017 Volt has been measured at 7.5 seconds from 0-to-60 and just a tick or two over 16 seconds in the quarter mile. That rivals virtually all four-cylinder mid-sized sedans on the market. Be aware, however, that aggressive driving yields less electric range.

While the interior and dashboard display (with the latest technology available including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Chevrolet MyLink) are generally well done with excellent fit and finish, there are still areas of hard plastic. And you must remember that the Volt is a compact car and while front seating is generally comfortable (there are no power seat controls) the rear seating can be somewhat tight especially for tall passengers who may find head room impeded by the rear hatch glass.

The Volt is sold in two trim levels. The base LT starts at $34,095; and the Premier goes out the door for $38,445, adding leather, Bose audio, bright-finished aluminum wheels, automatic parking assist, a heated outside mirror, and an auto-dimming inside mirror. In addition, two Driver Confidence packages at $495 apiece include features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning.

Although these prices may seem high, Chevrolet has reduced the original price of the Volt while adding more performance and a considerable number of features. And the federal government still provides a $7,500 tax credit effectively reducing the cost into the low 30 grand range. In addition, eight states offer credits ranging from $1,500 (Louisiana and Tennessee) to $5,000 (Colorado).

Our test Premier trim level with a couple of option packages carried a bottom line of $39,435. Edmunds says that car can be purchased for about $38,000.

Essentials
Base price: $34,095; as driven, $39,435
Engine: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 2 electric motors
Horsepower: electric motors, 149; gas engine, 101
Torque: 294 pound-feet
Transmission: continuously variable
Drive: front wheel
Seating: 2/3
Wheelbase: 106.1 inches
Length: 180.4 inches
Curb weight: 3,543 pounds
Turning circle: 36.4 feet
Luggage capacity: 10.6 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: 8.9 gallons (premium)
EPA rating: 53 miles electric; 42 mpg
0-60: 8.4 seconds (manufacturer)
Also consider: Prius plug-in, Ford Fusion Energi

The Good
• Best all-electric range among plug-ins
• Low fuel costs
• Latest in safety features
• Government tax credit

The Bad
• Tight rear seat

The Ugly
• Power front seats not available