Driving the Chevrolet VOLT

I had the opportunity to take a tour of GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck facility which currently builds the Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and the Chevrolet VOLT. The tour itself was impressive and an eye opener seeing just how far we have come in the fifteen years since I last toured a vehicle assembly plant. After a very informative journey through the plant we received an open invitation to test drive many of the current models on the streets of Detroit.

Four VOLTs had been pressed into service for the longest line of drivers of all the vehicles available, everything from the Cruze to Cadillacs.

After signing up I took my place at the end of the line for the VOLT, and passed the time examining the 240v outdoor charging stations, which, to my surprise were powered by an array of solar panels forming the roof of the parking area.

When my turn arrived I almost jumped into the driver’s seat. With my better half riding shotgun and our guide in the backseat I stepped on the brake pedal and pressed the power button.

The instrument panel and center stack display lit up, shift lever to drive, foot off the brake, push the accelerator pedal and we were driving in pure electric mode!

As we pulled out into traffic, I was amazed by the ride and handling of the vehicle considering how rough the roads were. Loads of power available at the press of the accelerator (in sport mode) and yet, even in normal mode this car is a blast to drive!

Did I mention the absence of noise? This is one quiet machine that seats four comfortably with an abundance of cargo space.

As I (regretfully) parked the VOLT, our guide answered all of my questions and said no, I could not trade the VOLT for my wife’s Cobalt and drive back to Canada.

The Volt has been called a “Game Changer”, a “Moonshot” and other monikers. GM knew they only had one chance to get it right and I believe that they have succeeded.

Sign me up Scotty!