GM Announces 230 MPG for Chevy Volt

Using official EPA methodology, GM revealed on Tuesday that their upcoming Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car earns 230 mpg.

Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? After all, such a figure is more than 4-times more efficient than the current reigning hybrid vehicle (Toyota Prius, 50 mpg). And yet, even GM admits that such a figure is a bit of an overstatement.

The 230-mpg mark for the Chevy Volt pertains only to city driving.  As such, the figure benefits from the Volt’s ability to travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone. Throw in higher, more demanding speeds and extended travel times, and the astronomical fuel efficiency quickly plummets.

Still, GM officials are confident that the estimated combined city and highway mileage for the Volt will top triple digits (so, think somewhere around 100 mpg). That’s still a heck of an improvement over the current competition.

However, the Chevy Volt shouldn’t be heralded as a run-away success just yet. Other electric cars are currently in the works at other automakers. Of the few that have reported mileage, the Nissan Leaf (slated for release in late 2010) creams the Volt with an estimated 367 mpg city driving.

Another potential pitfall of the Chevy Volt is a high base MSRP. Starting at $40,000, the Volt is nearly twice as much as the Honda Insight or Toyota Prius. When released in late 2010, will car shoppers be willing to shell at the extra dough for a boost in fuel efficiency? Only time will tell.