First off, I went with a BMW i3-REx and still enjoy the new car experience. However, Jeff Cobb is an expert in efficient cars and when he writes something, it is worth considering: Why The New Chevy Volt’s Sales Are Only So-So - GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site Some have hoped the revised Chevrolet Volt’s sales would break through a glass ceiling this year, but with 2016 nearing the halfway point, indicators are it will be fortunate to exceed the original Volt’s best sales year in 2012. The first-generation extended-range electric Volt was launched late 2010 for model year 2011 and sold just 7,671 units during a protracted rollout. Its peak sales in 2012 amounted to 23,461 units. In 2013, sales were flat with 23,094 units; in 2014 they dropped to 18,805 units, and in 2015 as word of the pending second-generation Volt spread, sales were just 15,393. Flash forward to today. The second-generation Volt is here in all its anticipated glory. It is altogether improved, and there’s been half a decade for the general public to have gotten the memo on the Volt’s value to them. . . . I know good Prius friend, @john1701a has posted frequently about the merits of the Volt but I really didn't (and still don't) have a dog in that fight. But I respect Jeff Cobb's insights. His original article, June 9, 2016: Why The New Chevy Volt’s Sales Are Only So-So . . . Its critical EV range is nearly double the next-nearest competitor, and supporters yet hope that as the car itself has improved, sales will also. Good thing the BMW i3-REx is not a competitor or I might be disappointed. Bob Wilson
i still say there are a number of factors at play here. there is nothing wrong with the volt, but there is a limited market for a car that size, and of course, gas prices. edit: also, has gm done anything about 'obstinate' dealers? how about more marketing, advertising, promotion? extolling the virtues of electric driving? how about battery warranty for as long as you own the car?
And no more CA HOV stickers since they ran out in December. And yet the Volt is selling at close to 2,000 per month with the national rollout not quite finished and I see many on the road in the SF Bay Area without HOV stickers. The BMW i3 sales have plunged along with LEAF perhaps because people don't want to pay ~$44,000 for about half the EV range of next year's Bolt, Model 3 (and possibly updated LEAF).
I only buy new cars every decade or so. I love new cars but I have to consider retirement as well, and I also kinda like eating and sleeping indoors. Still, I will often consider what I would buy if I needed to make a car purchase....today. The G2 Volt is very highly highly placed on my short list, along with a new leftover or very low mileage 2015 G3 Prius. With gas at $1.95 a gallon, and the ability to charge at home and at work, and the tax kickback the Volt seems to be the winner.....today. Tomorrow... Who knows? Maybe a Bolt. My truck is only 7 years old.
I would have predicted total collapse of PHEV market without CA green HOV stickers. But California has previously pledged to do "whatever it takes" to make plug-ins successful, so therefore my actual prediction is that CA will extend the green HOV sticker program. My guess is the only reason Volt has sold so many in 2016 is sell-off of Volt1 inventory and anticipation of more green HOV stickers. Meanwhile the call has gone out to (blue states and Michigan) that more state Plug-in incentives are needed, and quite a few states like NY have recently added plug-in incentives to try to help CA sell these. Last year 2015, 65% of PHEV were sold in CA. Down to 55% first quarter 2016, but we should hear soon about re-start of the CA green HOV sticker program.
