2016 Chevy Volt Price = $33,995 Before Incentives
Originally published on EV Obsession.
When the 2016 Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid (PHEV) goes on sale later this year, starting prices for the model will begin at $33,995, based on a press release from General Motors.
What that means, is that the 2016 Chevy Volt (including delivery) will be priced around $1,175 lower than the 2015 Chevy Volt was — despite the 2016 model possessing a notably greater all-electric range and fuel efficiency, amongst other things.
Considering that there had been some talk of the pricing for the 2016 model going as “low” as $30,000, I suppose that the actual number won’t make everyone happy (or make sense to everyone), but it is lower then the pricing for the 2015 model — so, in the right direction.
Of course, with federal tax credits (and state tax credits for some) factored in, the effective cost is a fair deal below $30,000 — but that’s still a fair chunk of change for many, likely leaving the model out of the reach of many who would otherwise be interested in driving an electric vehicle (EV).
In a recent press statement, the wording went like this: “Pricing will be as low as $26,495 after the full federal tax credit of $7,500. In California, the [Volt]’s largest market, residents of the state will be able to purchase the all-new Volt for as low as $24,995 after state and Federal incentives.”
Of course, potential buyers will still be paying the full ~$33,000 at the time of purchase — and large tax credits aren’t necessarily of great utility to everyone, depending on income levels.
So, in short, if I was to make a guess… I’m not expecting to see huge sales for the 2016 model. Good, yes — but nothing beyond that.
It’s too bad that a truly “affordable” PHEV (or EV) of this quality still seems so far off — because the market is very likely there, if pricing was to fall a bit more.
Image Credit: Chevrolet
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The problem with an EREV long term is the assumption that the cost of adding an ICE generator and associated systems is less then the cost of adding a sufficiently large battery to avoid the generator. We may be reaching the point where that will no longer be true within the next year or so. This may seem obvious but the cost of both systems prevents the Volt from ever being a low-cost car.
That makes sense to me. Hopefully battery prices keep falling and this is proven quicker rather than later!
Well, for now the PHEV model is cheaper since the Volt is much cheaper than any 200+ mile pure EV.
And it will probably remain true for a while with larger plug-ins that are heavy & not-so-aerodynamic (SUVs, pick-ups, minivans, etc.)
Personally, I’m a pure EV guy. But I want lots of good PHEVs available because I think most people are more likely to adopt those than pure EVs.
The all electric market starts at $30,000 (leaf and Tesla 3). The Volt seems to be a better value – it covers the majority of commutes with 50 mile range and completely eliminates range anxiety. In other words it covers requirements for the weekly commute and provides the freedom of weekend requirements. Further, if you use some of Tesla’s “take $10,000 off for gas savings” plus logic then you are down to way below $20,000 after rebates for a large market…not perfect but the best value in the market? At least until batteries get to the next level of cost performance.
It does not eliminates the use of fossil fuel, which should be priority one for every industry, government, assossiation etc. by now!
If they offered a Diesel engine, now that would be cool. Esp if you have access to HPR diesel!
It doesn’t capture the low maintenance of a pure electric, so the ownership costs will be significantly higher for a Volt than a similarly priced BEV. That said, for single-car families, the Volt will remain the more practical choice until the price of Tesla-like ranges drops to Volt levels and full supercharger build-out is complete.
Good point on cost (and hassle!) of maintenance and related complexity of ICE and transmission. But, kinda like you said, until the perfect car we all imagine (400 mile range, electric, sedan, can charge in 10 min and costs $30k) arrives the Volt looks best available for general purpose.
The problem is GM, committed to chasing government drip feeds for money rather than designing and building cars of highest quality and best value. GM should have gone bankrupt.
What? They did go bankrupt. And this is a high-quality and high-value car.
You are being too harsh. The Volt is a fine car. The price is less than the current model for a better performing car, and there is no range anxiety. Give them credit when credit is due.