The new generation of Chevrolet’s hybrid Volt has been officially rated by EPA, scoring 106 MPGe and 53 miles of all-electric range.

This represents a 40 per cent improvement over the original Volt with Chevrolet now expecting new owners to solely use the electric juice for more than 90 per cent of their trips. This improvement comes thanks to the bigger 18.4-kWh lithium-ion battery.

“We listened to our customers,” said Andrew Farah, vehicle chief engineer, “They were very clear when they told us that they wanted more range, and a fun driving experience behind the wheel. We are confident that the 2016 Volt delivers both.”

The new Chevrolet Volt uses a 101hp 1.5-litre petrol engine as a range extender with the combined output rated at 149hp and 294lb ft of torque (398Nm). Fuel efficiency of the petrol engine alone is rated at an EPA-estimated 42mpg US and a combined 106MPGe.

Chevrolet says that the new generation of its hybrid Volt can travel up to 1000 miles between gas fill ups, if charged regularly. Fully-fueled and fully-charged, the new Chevrolet Volt offers a range of 420 miles.

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