gas mileage

[Update: The EPA issued a statement to the folks at Edmunds stepping back from GM's mileage claim: "The EPA has not tested a Chevy Volt and therefore cannot confirm the fuel economy values claimed by GM. EPA does applaud GM's commitment to designing and building the car of the future - an American-made car that will save families money, significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create good-paying American jobs."]

General Motors calls the Chevrolet Volt an extended-range electric vehicle. That's because the only motive force comes from the electric motor; the gas engine only charges the batteries. In a press conference earlier today, GM's CEO Fritz Henderson said the Volt will have a city mileage figure of 230 miles per gallon--almost five times more efficient than a Prius. But considering the uniqueness of the Volt's powertrain, how did the EPA get that figure?

This week came news that Honda has dropped the hybrid version of the Accord from its lineup. If you find this sad, youve never driven an Accord hybrid. The regenerative braking system felt stiff and unresponsive, the car shook noticeably when the gasoline engine turned on and off, and it looked just like a boring ol Accord.

Driving in northern New Jersey on Sunday, I came upon this Kia Sedona minivan. Its driver was clearly very unhappy with the mileage he was getting in the thing and was advertising it on the rear windshield and side glass. I tried taking a shot of it with my Treo cellphone camera, but the results were disappointing. Anyway, the back glass says Kia says 12 mpg is normal! The side windows say Kia Gas Hog. He had evidently tried to sort out with Kia why he wasnt getting the 17 city, 25 highway that's advertised for the vehicle, to no avail. I wanted to chat with him to see what his experience has been and whether his driving style might be a factor, but he got on the highway right after I took this shot. Its a pity, though—people dont buy Kias because they look awesome and handle like sports cars. They buy them because theyre supposed to be economical, both to purchase and operate. Now hes stuck with a bland minivan that gets the gas mileage of a Lamborghini. —Eric Adams