Provided by local dealer Frosts of Shoreham, the range-extender was considered the ideal vehicle to help keep the seaside city’s third full international marathon on track thanks to its ability to run for 50 miles without a single tailpipe emission.
Mark Terry, MD for Chevrolet UK, said: “With a full marathon lasting 26 miles and the Volt covering up to 50 miles on a charge, this event was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of emissions-free driving, especially in a city as eco-focused as Brighton, [which boasts the first-ever Green party MP].
“Most cars are at their least efficient and most polluting when driven through cities, especially when they’re driven at a stop-start pace. But this is where the Volt comes into its own – there’ll be quite a few runners who appreciated the lack of exhaust smoke during the marathon.”
Costing £29,995 (with the £5k Plug-In Car Grant), the Volt can cover up to 60 miles powered entirely by its 16kwh lithium ion battery with an impressive 0-62mph time of 9 seconds. When, or if, that battery becomes depleted, the car switches over to a 1.4L petrol engine to unlock a further 310 miles.
Mark Terry believes that systems like this will eradicate public reservations such as range anxiety; the “biggest barrier to public acceptance of electric vehicles” he explained.
“The Volt is the answer to this, as no longer do you need to worry that an electric car will leave you stranded,” Terry concluded.
“It’s the perfect no-compromise choice for motorists who want to do their bit for the environment without compromise.”
