I had a 1995 Honda Civic with a 5 speed that got 50 mpg on the highway. This doesn't seem like that much progress to me. At least not $41,000 worth.

Don't forget that this is in extended range mode. The average driver can go through the whole week without using a drop of gas. Assume one drives 40 miles round trip 5 days a week and it takes $1.00 to $1.5 to charge each night...that would be $20 a week in gas, but $7 in electricity. That's assuming 30 mpg and $1.50 per night in power;using broad numbers, that's equivilent to approx. 90 mpg!

Cars like the Leaf speak of "someday" having the infrastructure to charge anywhere, but
the Volt is bringing its own infrastructure with it until that "someday" arrives. At that time, there won't be a need for the gas engine (at least for most) and they can replace the motor with more batteries.

Makes sense to me, anyway...

well, 39 mpg after initial electric miles doesnt sound very impressive. even the current prius 2010 is 49-51 mpg. with prius coming up with plugin next year, GM will have to make it better to make someone buy this car. another drawback they are not mentioning is that volt is 4 seater unlike prius which is 5 seater.

yes i saw it. basically your figures add the pure electric miles. i am just comparing the hybrid miles. its like this

total volt hybrid miles = 350 - 40 = 310 (40 is pure electric miles)
mpg after battery discharged = 310/9 = 34.4 (based on 9 gallon volt tank).

so you see its actually somewhere around 34 MPG based on conditions. its a good car for short distance pure electric drive. but not a good one after that.

" Go Chevy "