Chevrolet Volt Features Three Driving Modes

As the testing of Chevrolet's Volt plug-in hybrid continues, more and more details about the features of the car are being released. The latest in what will certainly be a long line of news about the Volt, Larry Nitz, General Motors electric and hybrid powertrain engineering executive director, revealed that the Volt features three driving modes - Normal, Sport and Mountain and two climatic modes - Eco and Comfort.

The Volt is currently undergoing testing in California. A fleet of vehicles have been driven from Lake Tahoe to Death Valley, Big Bear and Los Angeles, testing its performances on different types of terrain, altitudes and driving modes.

In mid-April, Chevrolet revealed the first results as far as driving performances go. According to the manufacturer, the first phases of the testing revealed the Volt can reach 39.9 miles in electric mode.

The Volt will be initially launched in late 2010 in California. It will come powered by lithium-ion batteries which will give it a range of up to 40 miles without the use of the internal combustion engine, which will increase its total range to some 300 miles.

GM adds that the Volt is right on schedule to begin mass production in the fourth quarter, after the various test versions of the Volt already clocked 500,000 test miles.

Pricing for the car has not yet been announced, but GM's CEO Ed Whitacre hinted the car might be priced under $30,000.