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Fuel Economy Label Created for Volt

Chevrolet and the federal Environmental Protection Agency have come together to create a new fuel economy label to show consumers the miles-per-gallon equivalent of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The new sticker also shows you how the Volt compares under different charging scenarios.

Stick with us as we try to explain the new fuel economy label. The MPG equivalent (MPGe), according to a Chevrolet news release, "is determined by measuring electricity use and converting it based on the energy content in a gallon of gasoline. This MPGe rating allows consumers to compare the Volt’s efficiency to other cars in its segment." In the case of the Volt, the MPGe would be 93.

The gas only number is pretty self explanatory and is 37 mpg combined (city is 35 mpg and highway is 40 mpg). Basically, you would fill up a car with a full tank, drive it, and divide the distance by the gallons of fuel used.

The fuel economy label also shows what type of fuel economy you get based on how often you charge the Volt, which can be recharged at home. Drive 45 miles between charge and your fuel economy number works out to 168 mpg. At 60 miles, it is 89 mpg and at 75 miles it is 69 mpg. Your electricity and fuel cost is also computed on the new label. At 45 miles between charges, it is 5 cents, at 60 miles it is 6 cents and at 75 miles it is 7 cents.

The Chevrolet Volt has piled up numerous Car of the Year awards, yet will initially only be available in six states when it hits dealerships. It has come under criticism from some for its limited availability and high tax breaks.

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