One Volt gets you the distance

CARMAKER GM Holden has launched a game-changing electric vehicle it says avoids the key drawback of "range anxiety".

CARMAKER GM Holden has launched a game-changing electric vehicle it says avoids the key drawback of "range anxiety", which has caused buyers to shun the technology.

The Volt, a Holden Cruze-size hatchback that reaches showrooms in November for $59,990, can run on batteries for more than 80km, but carries a small petrol engine to recharge on the run.

As the batteries deplete, the petrol engine powers a generator to extend the range to 600km, well beyond the limits of other electric vehicles, which typically go no further than 160km before needing recharging.

"Australians are spontaneous, often making plans at the last minute. With Volt they can hop in the car and head interstate if they want. You can't do that in a pure-EV (electric vehicle)," Holden chairman Mike Devereux said.

The Volt can recharge its 200kg of lithium-ion batteries from a standard socket in six hours for about $2.50. Official fuel consumption is just 1.2 litres per 100km, well below the best hybrids, but Holden says many commuters recharging overnight would use little fuel at all.

Holden believes the Volt, developed by parent General Motors in the US, will change the way people think about the brand and attract technically minded early adopters. With zero emissions in electric mode, it would also appeal to fleets with environmental guidelines.

So far electric vehicles have failed to excite much demand in Australia, with about 230 sold so far, mainly to fleets. Holden marketing chief John Elsworth said he expected modest sales, in the few hundreds per year.

The Volt has been controversial in the US, where it has failed to meet sales projections. This is despite buyers benefiting from a government tax credit of $US7500 ($7232) and a lower starting price of about $US40,000.

Mr Devereux said Australian Volts came fully equipped with every option, unlike those in the US, with features such as a collision warning system that was unavailable on other cars at the price.