EPA May Label Chevy Volt First 100 MPG Car

Unless some breakthrough happens in the next two years, GM could have a major coup when it puts the Chevy Volt plug-in electric hybrid on sale in late 2010. According to company officials, the EPA has agreed to preliminary testing rules for the plug-in hybrid category that would translate to at least 100 mpg on the Volt’s sticker. 

Of course, anyone watching the news the past two days knows that any preliminary agreement can fall apart, but for now we’ll take GM’s word that the EPA is on board with the figure.

The decision is not an easy one because this is an all-new type of vehicle. However, the EPA did work with Honda to create a mpg rating for the FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered car. It used a conversion formula to come up with 72 mpg. Of course, that limited-production car didn’t use any gasoline, while the Volt uses a gasoline-powered generator to extend the range of the electric motor and battery power.

There has been no official word from GM on exactly how big the gas tank in the Volt will be, despite the official revealing of the production Volt last week. Originally slated at 12 gallons, we know that GM has downsized the tank. The overall range has been mentioned at 400 miles or more on a full tank of gas, which would include the 40 miles the car can travel on its fully charged battery. 

We’d assume the EPA has to have these figures in hand to come to such a decision on a mileage rating. We’d also have to assume that any other plug-in hybrid would get similarly high mileage ratings. Toyota, Ford and Chrysler are all working on similar vehicles. 

It would be slightly ironic if GM were able to claim the $10 million automotive X-Prize as the first company to develop a 100 mpg.

Let us know what you think. Will a 100 mpg rating make the Volt a hit?

GM Claims 100 Miles-a-Gallon Volt ‘Bragging Rights’ (Bloomberg)