Chevrolet Volt Wins Green auto Of The Year Award

The General Motors plug-in electric vehicle won the same award when it debuted in 2010.

The new version of the sedan that won the 2016 award goes about 40% farther on a single electric charge than the original model, according to EPA tests – about 53 miles after a full charge, compared to 38 miles for the previous model.

This was the first time a Green vehicle of the Year award has been awarded in two succeeding model generations, making the win a sweet one for Chevrolet.

The fuel economy of the gasoline engine also been improved to about 42 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

From the ground up, Volt is created to turn heads and stand out from the electric vehicle field. This new, more powerful and lightweight gas engine is quieter and smoother when it engages to keep the Volt moving after the battery pack is depleted, allowing you to seamlessly continue your journey with no compromises.

The Green auto of the Year is selected through a majority vote by an jury that includes Jay Leno, plus leaders of noted environmental and efficiency organizations including Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, board member of Global Green United States of America; Dr. Alan Lloyd, President Emeritus of the worldwide Council on Clean Transportation; Mindy Lubber, President of CERES; and Kateri Callahan, President of the Alliance to Save Energy.

The award was presented at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, where the 2016 Volt beat out contenders such as the Audi A3 e-tron, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Prius.

The hybrid gas-electric Volt was honored Thursday at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Green vehicle Journal editors point out that the 2016 Volt has improved in virtually every way, with a sleek and sporty design, more energy-dense batteries, new electric motors, and quicker acceleration.