The Chevy Volt was just named the 2012 European Car of the Year.
“Volt/Ampera offer is a mature product, after years of development and perfectioning by General Motors, and the first example of an electric vehicle with extended range,” reads CarOfTheYear.org.
“The concept, addressed to the fears of potential customers in front of an incipient recharging net of electricity for vehicles, implies energy generated on board, to continue the journey, once exhausted the rechargeable batteries.”
The car goes for around $31,645 and according to Cheverolet, has two sources of energy: an electric source that allows to drive gas–free for an EPA estimated 35 miles and an onboard gas generator that produces electricity for up to a total of 375 additional miles on a full tank of gas.
The Volt beat out the Volkswagen Up and the Ford Focus with 330 points. The Volkswagen Up received 281 points and the Ford Focus received 256. The Toyota Yaris was also notable in the competition, according to inhabit.com, received a nod, but with the jury noting that its “1.5 Hybrid version will come with outstanding emissions, but at a premium price.”
The Car of the Year competition is an international competition judged by a panel of senior motor journalists across Europe. The competition has been around for over 30 years and each year names the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the 12 months preceding the title.
Last year, the Nissan Leaf was named 2011 Car Of The Year, beating out the Volvo s60, Dacia Duster and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It was the first winner of its kind, the first time an electric vehicle became a winner.
