According to GM, the Volt can be fully charged by plugging it into a 110-volt outlet for approximately six hours a day. When the lithium-ion battery is fully charged, the Volt can deliver 40 city miles of pure electric vehicle range. When the battery is depleted, a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine spins at a constant speed, or revolutions per minute (rpm), to create electricity and replenish the battery.
The engine runs on E85 (a fuel blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). Using E85, fuel economy of 150 mpg would translate into more than 525 miles per petroleum gallon. The Volt can get 50 mpg by using the engine to convert gasoline into electricity and extending its range up to 640 miles.
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