2016 Chevy Volt Given the Green Car of the Year

The 2016 plug-in hybrid, redesigned Chevy Volt was given the 2016 Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show.

In a report by Forbes, Green car Journal editor and publisher Ron Cogan said, "Chevrolet 's all-new Volt is a milestone, building on an already-technologically advanced 'green' car and delivering what buyers have longed for, including an impressive 53-mile driving range on a single charge."

According to Electric Cars Report, this is the second time the General Motor's car received the award. Its 2011 model, which debuted in 2010, also got the Green Car of the Year award. Volt's expansive range, innovative propulsion system, and unique design are the major features that the Green Car Journal loves about the car. The winner is determined based on fuel efficiency, performance, affordability, and Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certifications. Availability and accessibility is also part of the criteria. The Volt was up against Audi A3 e-tron, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Prius, and Honda Civic, which were all finalists of the award.  

According to the judges the new 2016 Volt has a sleek and sporty design. It has more energy efficient batteries. The Environment News Wire reported that the car features quicker acceleration and it has new electric motors. The 2016 model has a 1.5-liter engine-generator that generates electricity to power the car's motor for up to 420 miles. It has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 42 mpg highway. The car can run up to 1,000 miles per gasoline fill-ups.

The 2016 Volt, as well as the upcoming 2017 model is lighter. It also has better regen technology. It can go up to 53 miles of all-electric range, while its predecessors can only go up to 38.

According to a report by Forbes, the car is faster and more quiet compared to its older versions when driven using gas engine.