Kansas City used car dealers Chevrolet are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Chevy Volt.  Before they arrive on lots, a bunch of Volts were recently sent to Canada for testing in cold and snowy weather.  They are being driven and tested in a community 500 miles northwest of Toronto.

Why is this testing so important for General Motors?  There are several answers to the question.  Since this will be the “first mass-market extended-range electric vehicle ever attempted”, it’s crucial that GM does everything right!  In light of recent recalls for several brands and loss of income overall in the auto industry, they have to do every kind of testing they can to make sure the Volt is great!

In addition to cold-weather testing in Canada, the Volt has also cruised through the 100 degree temps of Death Valley and the mountains in Tennessee.  The testers will not only be looking at the performance of the engine/battery combination, but also things like opening and closing doors, glove compartment, and double checking the interior, just to name a few.  It’s important that many different areas of the car be tested, including those you might not think about having any issues with.  I have a former Kansas City used car that I wish had been as rigorously tested.  Lucky enough, it was not a Chevy model

The Volt is shaping up to be a great car.  It is a bit different from some other hybrids, though.  Since it’s an extended range electric vehicle, the wheels are always powered by electricity.  This electricity is given to wheels via an onboard battery or a gasoline engine.  According to Chevrolet higher ups, the Volt can go 40 miles when the battery only is powering the car.  But, when the engine powers the car, it’s said to travel nearly 600 miles.  Definitely a different driving concept than other Kansas City used car models.

What else does this hybrid have to offer the perfect owner?  It comes equipped with all the necessary safety amenities like ABS, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, anti skid system, and traction control.   A safe car that is also benefiting the environment sounds like a winner to me.

The Volt will be rolled out in several US states in late 2010, more as a test to see how they go over.  In 2011 calendar year, the Volt will likely arrive at your Kansas City used car dealers.