with this volt [battery/gas engine ] vehicle you have two propulsion systems to maintain. this is not too smart with my idea of an energy money saving vehicle. now the batteries and a gas engine will need work.
the LEAF is a vehicle with only batteries . most weather conditions you go 75 miles ona charge. in a metro area this is well with in the normal drive per day. the range does go to 110miles in 70 deg f temps on normal driving conditions.
with NO engine you have no tranny , fluid changes etc. just a gear box. not much to do except bring to the dealership every year for the charger/battery service/inspect/test . with regeneration built in the vehicles charging system turns on when your foot is off the throttle, this then charges the battery. therefore the brakes last a very long time.
with battery vehicles however mileage stated does drop over time.
if its 35 miles when new after 3 years will it be 20 miles ? the batteries are big bucks.
the LEAF for $40,ooo would be a better deal with no maintainence over the VOLT gas engine to repair/maintain.
MY friend has a LEAF, and he says $2.00 to go 80miles. that is quite a cheap ride. this is his daily ride.