GM Offers 8-Year Battery Warranty for Chevrolet Volt
General Motors will provide an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the Chevrolet Volt’s lithium-ion battery, aiming to address buyer concerns ahead of the car’s US launch.
General Motors has confirmed the Chevrolet Volt’s lithium-ion battery will be covered by an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty in the United States, as the company prepares to begin sales of its extended-range electric vehicle in 2011.
The warranty announcement came at GM’s Brownstown Township battery plant in Michigan, where the Volt’s battery packs are assembled. The company expects the move to reassure potential buyers about the long-term durability of the new battery technology, which is central to the Volt’s appeal and cost structure.
The Volt operates as a pure electric car for up to 40 miles before a petrol engine generator cuts in to maintain battery charge, allowing longer journeys without range anxiety. The battery warranty is among the longest offered for an electric vehicle at launch, matching or exceeding coverage from rivals at the time.
Warranty aims to boost buyer confidence
GM’s decision to back the Volt’s battery with an extended warranty reflects concerns about consumer hesitation over the reliability and replacement cost of lithium-ion packs. Battery degradation and potential failure have been cited as key worries for early adopters of electric vehicles. By offering eight years of cover, GM is signalling its confidence in the technology and seeking to position the Volt as a credible alternative to established hybrids such as the Toyota Prius.
The Volt will initially be available in selected US markets, including Texas, New York, Michigan, California and Washington, D.C. GM plans to build 10,000 units in the first year of production. The company is targeting buyers who want electric driving for daily use but need the reassurance of a petrol backup for longer trips.
Positioning against hybrid and electric rivals
GM is positioning the Volt to compete with both conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles. By offering a warranty that matches or exceeds those of competitors, the company aims to reinforce the Volt’s value proposition, particularly for buyers wary of battery replacement costs. The warranty terms are expected to become a key selling point as the model enters the US market.
For more on the Chevrolet Volt’s market performance and customer satisfaction, see Chevrolet Volt Tops Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction for Second Year.
