A leading auto industry commentator has cast doubt on General Motors' (GM) claim that its upcoming Chevy Volt electric vehicle will offer a huge 230mpg for city driving.

The Detroit giant is aiming to give the car a hard sell in an attempt to win back American consumers concerned over its recent fast-track bankruptcy and takeover by the Treasury.

However, Jonathan Linkov, who directs auto coverage for Consumer Reports, explained in an interview with Reuters that such a lofty boast has yet to be proved by official tests.

He told the news provider: "Misleading announcements like this aren't helping anyone and they create risks when real-world tests are eventually performed. What if the Volt doesn't live up to the hype?"

The issue of fuel economy standards is particularly pertinent in the current financial climate and cars in American showrooms now feature stickers with their mpg capacities.

However, it is unclear at this stage how rechargeable vehicles such as the Volt will be measured for their green credentials, particularly as they depend on the national grid.

"The sticker problem has not been solved yet," Felix Kramer, Head of California-based CalCars.org, a non-profit advocacy group for plug-in electric vehicles, told Reuters.

At present, most industry figures agree that the Toyota Prius is the most economic electric vehicle, with a combined city and highway driving rating of about 50mpg.

However, GM maintains that cars such as the Volt - which runs for 40 miles on its battery before a generator is required to boost power - could easily surpass 100mpg.

"We have a commitment to being transparent. This is something we probably would not have done before," GM Product Chief Tom Stephens told the news provider.

Nissan has made a similar claim about its all-electric Leaf compact, suggesting that it will be able to achieve a huge 367mpg in combined city and highway driving.

Source:

Electric car sticker shock awaits U.S. consumers (16/08/09)

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