Chevrolet Charges Up Hybrid Car Market With New Battery Range

Chevrolet reported Tuesday that its next generation electric hybrid, the 2016 Volt, can reach a 53 mile range using only its lithium-ion battery power, according to the official figures from the EPA. When the gasoline powered engine kicks in the car can then travel up to 420 miles in total. The almost 40 percent increase in battery life from the original model means that most car journeys won't require any gas at all. Chevrolet estimates that around 90 percent of car journeys will be completed using only the battery charge, alleviating much of consumers' 'range anxiety'. General Motors (GM) announced that Chevrolet's 2016 Volt will hit the market this fall costing $33,995 but drivers will be entitled to a federal tax credit. Outside California the price could drop to $26,495 when government incentives are applied.