That was my thinking when I traded up from a base 2014 to a loaded 2017. I wanted the faster gen2, and I wanted to support GM's EV development effort but part of my justification was someone getting a good deal on my 2nd hand gen1.
Before the Volt, I typically bought late model used cars, and then kept them until ~100k miles or so. But I would like to think the Gen2 will fit my lifestyle needs for an efficient two person car for work and travel till it too has >100k miles.