EPA will rule soon on how Volt, Leaf will be rated

[Chuck]

The EPA rejects GM's claim the Volt is not a plug-in hybrid or the sticker should have 230 miles per gallon.

Nick Bunkley, Bill Vlasic - NYTIMES - Oct 14, 2010

"Only techno-geeks care" about the Volt's drivetrain? If you spent $41,000 you probably would. --Ed.

Detroit — About two months before two new plug-in cars go on sale in the United States, the federal government is struggling with how to rate the fuel economy of mass-market plug-in vehicles.

How the Environmental Protection Agency rates the two cars, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, could have a big influence on consumers’ perceptions of vehicles that run on electricity. General Motors, which makes the Volt, and Nissan are anxiously awaiting the agency’s decision as they start production of the cars and complete marketing plans for rollouts in December.

Providing the customary city and highway miles-per-gallon information would make little sense for the Volt, which can drive 25 to 50 miles on battery power before its gas engine kicks on, and even less so for the Leaf, which is powered by only a rechargeable battery.... [Read More]

[Nevyn]

The E.P.A. has already weighed in on that topic. Its Web site classifies the Volt as a “plug-in hybrid” while calling the Leaf simply an “electric car.”

Thank goodness for that! Keep it simple.

[xcel]

Hi All:

With the Volt hitting the lots this week or next, something had to be decided on it already??? A Monroney sticker devoid of FE data is illegal I think?

Wayne