General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt range-extending hybrid has been getting some extra publicity lately, but the front-drive hatch won’t be getting any more range, according to GM sources. The Volt was originally slated to come equipped with a 12-gallon fuel tank, but GM has decided to go with a smaller unit for production.
The 12-gallon tank would have given the Volt a range of 600 miles – in addition to the lithium-ion battery pack’s range of 40 miles – but GM decided the 12-gallon unit was a bit of over kill, according to Kicking Tires.
GM has yet to announce what size tank the Volt will come equipped with, but the Detroit-based automaker is shooting for a range of 360 miles – meaning a tank of about 7-gallons is likely. The average car today has a range of between 300 and 400 miles.
The smaller tank may mean less of a range, but it will also reduce the Volt’s curb weight, as well as its price tag.
