Following yesterday’s report by Edmunds.com, which indicated that the upcoming Chevrolet Volt may be more expensive to operate in electric mode than in gasoline mode, we have received a response from General Motors.

Monte Doran, spokesperson for Chevrolet wrote us in an email:

“Absolutely, the financial cost of driving a Volt will be predicated on your electric rates.

We believe for the vast majority of customers, driving electrically will be less expensive that gasoline. In fact, as Edmunds points out, the average base rate is $0.16 per kWh. Using Edmunds observed mileage results, driving the Volt on electricity would at $0.16 per kWh would be 60 percent of the cost driving on gasoline. At $3.31 per gallon, and 31.1 miles per gallon, Edmunds spent $10.64 to drive 100 miles. At $0.16 per kWh, and 39 kWh per 100 miles, Edmunds would have spent $6.24 driving on electricity.

That is why the Volt has several features to help you take advantage of lower electricity rates. For example, with the charge-delay feature, you can program your weekly schedule into the Volt, so it knows you need to depart on Mondays at 8:00 AM, and Tuesdays at 7:00 AM. Even though you plug in at 6:00 PM, the Volt may not start charging until midnight — based on how much energy the battery needs, and what type of charge outlet you are using. This allows the customer to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, without running out to the garage a midnight to plug in.

There are two items that are important to note.

First, this was over a period of time where Edmunds was conducting a full performance test of the Volt, including 0-60 mph acceleration, quarter-mile acceleration, and a slalom test. As such, their mileage results may be different from the average consumer.

Second, many consumers are motivated to the social and environmental benefits of using less gasoline, not just financial savings. A consumer purely motivated by saving money would be much better off buying a $2000 used car than a new  Chevrolet Volt, a Nissan Leaf, or a Toyota Prius”.

The message here is that cost-conscious consumers should absolutely watch and be aware of their electric rates, much like we are aware of gasoline prices. Electric rates can be a complicated matter – there are peak rates and off-peak rates. There are rates that may increase with your overall power consumption and as you add more electric device devices to your household you may hit those peak rates.

We agree with Monte Doran that electric cars are not just about saving money. However, the statement that those who question the cost of an electric car should simply by a junker may be a bit stretched. The purchase of a car is not equal to the purchase of an iPad. It is a major purchase decision, especially if the ticket to the Volt can approach $50,000 (excluding the federal tax credit of $7500). Cost will always be a factor in a market that is geared toward a mainstream buyer – and we have to be honest that the Volt is out of reach for many families who are looking for a commuter car or a small and efficient car to get around town. At $45,000 to $50,000, and you will have to come up with that amount initially for the Volt (including taxes), some may be considering a BMW 335d instead.

Our perception is that cost is a big factor in buying the Volt or discounting it as an expensive toy that needs to be $10,000 cheaper.

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