2017 Chevrolet Volt Named to WardsAuto 10 Best Engines List

The Volt engine hardly ever runs as the Volt runs on electric most of the time. When it does run its sole function is the charge the battery as you drive – only when the battery has run out of power.

Chevrolet adds another industry recognition to its lineup as the 2017 Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle (EREV) earns a 2017 Wards 10 Best Engines Award. This marks the second consecutive year that the Volt has won the award and the third time overall.

"The Chevy Volt propulsion system wins a spot on the Wards 10 Best Engines list for the second year in a row for three reasons," said WardsAuto Senior Content Director Drew Winter. "It has a torquey, fun-to-drive personality. It offers impressive electric-only range of 53 miles and efficient gasoline-powered range whenever you need it for anxiety free driving. That is flexibility unequaled in the automotive world. And despite imitations, it continues to be one of the most unique and innovative propulsion systems ever mass produced."

"Our Global Propulsion Systems engineers are humbled by this industry accolade. The team worked hard to give the Chevrolet customer more, including more EV range and more EPA-estimated fuel economy, than the previous generation Volt," said Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Propulsion Systems. “Winning this award for two consecutive years highlights our company’s efforts and success in providing customers with an innovative and industry-leading propulsion system."

Starting at $33,220, the second-generation Volt delivers a unique execution of a two motor drive unit with 294 lb-ft of torque, a 18.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an efficient Ecotec 1.5L gasoline range extender. Together, they provide an impressive EPA-estimated 106 MPGe, 53 miles of EV range and 420 miles of total driving range. Since the first-generation Volt came to market, owners have driven about 1.5 billion miles in EV mode, saving about 58 million gallons of gas. Data shows drivers use all-electric power more than 80 percent of the time.

In addition to the award-winning propulsion system, the 2017 Volt offers new, unique, built-in Teen Driver Technology that encourages safe driving habits and lets parents know how their teenager drove the vehicle. Full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Automatic Braking safety features are also available.