The EPA economy ratings for green cars are the equivalent of power and torque figures for ordinary cars. They are almost always the first thing potential customers consider. The Agency has now announced the official rating for the new 2016 Chevrolet Volt, and they ought to make GM very happy.

The numbers are not that brilliant, but on average 2016 Chevrolet Volt is about 40 percent more efficient than its predecessor. That is the result of listening to customers, says Andrew Farah, vehicle chief engineer, who wanted more range and more electric miles.

So the new Volt delivers a satisfying 53 miles of pure electric drive, thanks to its new 18.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, and is rated at a combined 106 MPGe. The gas-powered generator (the 1.5 liter gasoline range-extender engine) is rated at 42 mpg and has a range of 420 miles, which means using the combination of gas and electricity you can travel well over 1,000 miles between gas fill ups. These are all good numbers and combined with the fancy new looks and advanced features, they put the 2016 Chevrolet Volt at the top of the list for any electric car buyer who can’t afford a Tesla.

“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.”