Of course, the new Volt is still a PHEV (and EREV) so it has a battery much smaller than you will find in a Tesla vehicle. It's now 53 miles of EPA range but considering that you can use all of that range without worrying about getting stuck on the side of the road it's equivalent to something more like 63 (no need to reserve a buffer to guarantee range). That's getting close to the range of some of the smaller battery BEVs. Most people drive less than 53 miles a routine day and more if you charge at work, for example. Based on existing Volt usage which is visible to them via OnStar records, GM figures about 90% of days will be gas free. That's a huge reduction in ICE and gas usage.
It's not gas-free but that won't work for everyone instantly with today's charging infrastructure and battery prices. Plus, many ordinary folks may find a car like the Volt is a useful transition stage to driving a BEV. For them, a Volt is somewhat like a Tesla or Bolt with training wheels. It sounds like that was true for you?
Volt-like cars are part of the solution. People should want to buy and drive them rather than feel they should or must drive a penalty box. The old Volt met many of those goals and the new one is even better. It's quicker, more efficient, and really a terrific compact commuter car that has flexible hatchback storage and is ready at any time for a long road trip. The new Volt drives better around curvy mountain roads due to 250 pounds less weight, somewhat better weight distribution balance and lower center of gravity, and good all-around LRR Michelin tires. When it must start up, the ICE is a lot quieter and and has a more pleasant sound. And Apple CarPlay with Android Auto coming as an update next spring. I liked it a lot. Nonetheless, as an existing Volt owner, I personally plan to make my Volt a secondary car and get a Model 3 when it comes out in the near future.
