Typically the first generation of any product, especially vehicles is one that is fraught with learning and planned improvements. It’s important for an automaker to take what they learned along with what worked well and create the second generation of a vehicle in such a way that it’s far and away better than the first one was. This is certainly the case with the Chevrolet Volt which comes to us for 2017 as the second generation model with a great range to enjoy and as an even better car than the original was, making it a car that can continue to compete with the Toyota Prius.

If you want a car that you can enjoy all weekend long without the need of an outlet to plug in your car, the Volt makes for a great choice. This car is affordable, giving you a federal tax credit and in some cases a state tax credit as well, and it is a car that makes for a great drive while being fuel efficient for you to have a car that will keep you away from the gas pumps. For 2017 the Volt is in its second year of the second generation, which means the kinks have been worked out, if there were any, and you can now enjoy the adaptive cruise control, the Teen Driver feature and the MyLink system that are all part of this new model.

The power for the Volt comes from only one powertrain, but it’s one you want to pay attention to. This car is powered by an 18.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack in the electric motor/generator to give you 149 horsepower and 294 lb.-ft. of torque while also using a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine which acts as a generator. The all-electric range of this car is 53 miles, but with the generator keeping the motors charged the car can actually travel 420 miles on a single tank of gasoline. Recharging this car takes about 4.5 hours on a 240-volt charger, making it a car you can charge at home overnight easily.

Style is a big part of the Chevrolet Volt. While the Prius continues to struggle with creating the style package we want to see the Volt has the looks of a typical four-door coupe making it sleek and attractive without giving up anything just to have it be more aerodynamic. Not only does this car look great it has an interior that you will fall in love with and enjoy with excellent tech features and the materials you want to enjoy in a car that feels like its premium even when it’s not. The digital display and multi-function features of the interior will give you a sense of pride in purchasing a car that is advanced.

Many EV models come well-equipped and the Volt is no different. This car offers you push button starting, remote starting, keyless entry, automatic climate controls, 4G LTE OnStar with Wi-Fi hotspot, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, a rearview camera, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a full menu of airbags for your safety.

Upgrading the Volt means you can add leather upholstery, a Bose audio system and the Driver Confidence Package to the car. This package adds lane keeping assistance, low speed automatic braking, adaptive cruise control and a navigation system. With these upgrades you will enjoy a car that feels much more expensive than what you’ve been asked to pay for the vehicle.

As for price the Volt LT starts out around $34,000 and the Premier will ask you to pay $38,500. These prices may seem a bit high, but when you consider the $7,500 federal tax credit you can see how this car comes in at a reasonable price. Not only do you get a great car for a reasonable price, you don’t have to drive around in a converted hatchback or a car that looks like a wedge, making you proud to have the Volt as your car of choice.

If you want a car that offers you the fuel efficiency and range that you need along with the look and feel of a typical car the Volt is the EV for you. No longer do you have to compromise to have a great electric car, the Chevrolet Volt is the right choice and gives you and better driving experience than many other EVs on the market.