The Next Phase: 2016 Chevrolet Volt electric sedan
Chevrolet has introduced the all-new 2016 Volt electric car with extended range, showcasing a sleeker, sportier design that offers 50 miles of EV range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration. The 2nd generation Chevrolet Volt’s technology and range advancements are complemented by a design that blends sculpted, muscular proportions with aerodynamic efficiency, and an all-new interior with seating for five and improved functionality. Everything from charging the battery and checking the charge status, to the intuitiveness of instrument panel controls were designed for easier use. New features, including active grille shutters, help balance design with efficiency.
Volt’s flowing dynamic shape is inspired by the toned physiques of athletes and even the natural shapes of wind-swept sands, with carved body sides and fenders that blend into the hood. The front-end appearance retains the iconic Volt identity, with bright upper and lower grille pads. Greater attention to detail in the design cues, materials and colors also lends a more premium, contemporary aura to its appearance. It also retains the distinctive Volt signature on the upper front doors, carrying over one of the first-generation model’s identifiers.
Available in LT and Premier trim levels, the Volt’s new, efficient propulsion system will offer a General Motors’-estimated total driving range of more than 400 miles and with regular charging, owners are expected to travel more than 1,000 miles on average between gas fill-ups. An all-new, second-generation Voltec extended range electric vehicle (EREV) propulsion system is the power behind the increased all-electric driving range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration. It was engineered based on the driving behaviors of first-gen Volt owners.
The Voltec system includes the battery, drive unit, range-extending engine and power electronics. The system uses an 18.4 kWh battery system featuring revised cell chemistry developed in conjunction with LG Chem. While overall system storage capacity has increased, the number of cells has decreased from 288 to 192 as the result of a revised chemistry. The cells are positioned lower in the pack for an improved (lower) center of gravity and the overall mass of the pack is 21 pounds lighter.
Like the battery system, the next-generation Volt’s two-motor drive unit delivers increased efficiency and performance along with reduced noise and vibration. The drive unit operates up to 12 percent more efficiently and weighs 100 pounds less than the current system. Both motors operate together in more driving scenarios, in both EV and extended-range operation. The ability to use both motors helps deliver a 19 percent improvement in electric acceleration from zero to 30 mph (2.6 seconds) and a 7 percent improvement from zero to 60 mph (8.4 seconds).
The new Volt rides on an all-new body structure engineered to provide crash-avoidance and passenger protection capability. The expanded use of high-strength steel throughout the body structure improves strength and reduces weight. The frame has been enhanced by more effective structural load paths, along with reinforced rocker panel structures and side structure reinforcements.
Inside the passenger cabin, the new Volt includes seating for five. Fresh colors exude an inviting upscale aura – complemented by blue ambient lighting – while the controls are more intuitively placed and simpler to operate. The Volt retains its signature dual digital color displays with an eight-inch-diagonal reconfigurable screen in the instrument cluster to relay driver information. An additional eight-inch-diagonal touch screen in the center of the instrument panel controls the Chevrolet MyLink system.
Fewer icons on the center dash make it easier to operate. Separate climate control knobs and buttons below the center display offer clear, convenient operation.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 106.1; overall length: 180.4; width: 71.2; height: 56.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 1.5L four-cylinder gasoline – 101 hp @5600 rpm; a two-motor electric drive – 111 hp and 294 lbs-ft of torque; and 5.5 ft, T-shaped steel base rechargeable energy storage system – 18.4 kWh.
Transmission: two-motor (electric) continuously variable (CVT)
Fuel Economy: 42 mpg/106 mpg-e
Cargo capacity: 10.6 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front/rear seat mounted side impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, dynamic rear brake proportioning, traction control, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system, battery run-down protection, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, power programmable door locks, remote keyless access, electronic push button engine start, OnStar communications system with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot, rear vision camera, panic alarm, remote engine start, engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring system, LED daytime running lamps, automatic headlamps, pedestrian safety signal, front recovery hook, and tire inflation kit. Premier adds automatic parking assist.
Optional safety features include side blind zone alert with lane change keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision alert, low speed front automatic braking, following distance indicator, and IntelliBeam headlamps.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile
Hybrid components: 8-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Chevrolet Volts starts from $33,170 for the LT and $37,520 for the Premier. Destination charges add $825.
