29.5.2012 Sponsored Video: Volt Zombie Film

Worried about being chased by Zombies and running out of petrol? Never fear: with the Chevrolet Volt Range-Extended EV (REEV) you will be able to drive for up to 50 miles on just the electric battery, and, if you have managed to fill-up with the scarce resource of petrol, a further 310 miles should see you out of the Zombie zone!

This is the message in the winning video in the Chevrolet competition to promote the benefits of the Chevrolet Volt, the soon to be launched range-extended electric car, to combat the idea of 'range-anxiety'. The winning video is shown below, and the next top 3 entries at the bottom of the page:

'Range anxiety' has become a major barrier to the uptake of all-electric vehicles – with relatively limited driving range, typically around 100 miles depending on driving conditions, and reasonably lengthy recharging times, electric vehicles don't exactly offer a stress free option for longer journeys. Until battery technology has improved to eliminate this problem, electric vehicles will only appeal to a limited market.

General Motors, the manufacturer of the Volt REEV dresses this issue by combining an electric battery and a small, on-board combustion engine which provides the benefits of pure-electric driving and the security of a 330 mile range if required.

Next Green Car is a big supporter of both the Chevrolet Volt and Vauxhall's Ampera (sister car to the Volt) – believing that the drive-train acts as a step towards the electrification of vehicles without making the immediate jump to pure-electric before the technology is sufficient to attract mass market appeal. Next Green Car honoured the Vauxhall Ampera by awarding it the Next Green Car Gold Award, for overall quality and environmental performance in 2011.

Although not quite ready for deliveries in the UK, the Chevrolet Volt can now be ordered for an on the road price of £29,995 after taking into account the government's £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant offer. The Volt will only be available in a single trim level, but has plenty of features and a couple of additional optional extras.

This post is sponsored by Chevrolet.