Chevrolet Volt is Chevy's electric car model in the international market that goes on sale in the US this year. The model is one of the greenest and most eco-friendly car models in the Chevrolet product portfolio. General Motors is planning to offer 8-years battery guarantee or 100,000 kms whichever occurs earlier. Existing car models of GM come with 5-year guarantee or 100,000 kms whichever is earlier.
The warranty will cover all 161 battery components, said Tony DiSalle, marketing director for the Volt, as well as other electric-drive components and the battery’s liquid thermal management system, designed to heat or cool the battery while charging in a variety of weather conditions.
GM is seeking to use the Volt to challenge the high-tech image Toyota Motor Corp. won with the success of the Prius hybrid, said Jim Hall, principal of consulting firm 2953 Analytics in Birmingham, Michigan. Doing so will require GM to ensure the car performs and to stand behind it with a strong warranty, he said. “Toyota defined what a hybrid was with Prius,” Hall said. “GM can define an extended-range electric vehicle, but if the car doesn’t perform well, you have a fiasco.”
Chevrolet Volt’s final price is not out yet but the model is expected to be priced below $40,000 in the US market.
