By Chris Haak
The Chevrolet Volt – whose production is inching closer, for a fourth quarter soft launch – will see its batteries (including 161 related components such as the thermal management system, charging system, and electric-drive components) covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. This warranty is longer than what GM offers on any other passenger cars or light trucks, and was probably done out of necessity to convince hesitant potential buyers that they aren’t likely to have to spring for battery replacement on the car during their first few years of ownership.
GM also announced today that the Volt’s internal-combustion engine will carry at least the company’s typical 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, though that was not announced today.
Pricing for the Volt – which has been subject to rumors and speculation for months – has yet to be announced. Once pricing is publicized, don’t forget to subtract the $7,500 Federal tax credit that effectively reduces the purchase price by that amount. The tax credit will make a big difference to the Volt’s prospects, because if the rumored $40,000 pricetag comes to pass (which would be about double what Toyota asks for a basic Prius), and will effectively cut the car’s price to $32,500 if the MSRP is $40,000. The Volt will likely be worth more than a Prius, but costing more than $10,000 more than Toyota’s green machine does could limit its appeal with customers.
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