Second Generation Chevrolet Volt

wdwmagic

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DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled 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 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.

“The 2016 Chevrolet Volt provides our owners with a no-compromise electric driving experience,” said Alan Batey, president of GM North America. “We believe our engineering prowess combined with data from thousands of customers allows us to deliver the most capable plug-in vehicle in the industry.”

The 2016 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.

“According to independent surveyors, Volt owners are the most satisfied in the industry and they were our compass for developing the next-generation model,” said Batey.

2016 Volt highlights:

  • New two-motor drive unit is up to 12 percent more efficient and 100 pounds lighter (45 kg) than the first-generation drive unit
  • Two-motor design enables 19 percent stronger zero-to-30 mph acceleration
  • Battery capacity has increased to 18.4 kWh using 192 cells (96 fewer than current generation) with weight reduced by more than 20 pounds
  • Regen on Demand™ feature enables driver control of energy regeneration via a convenient paddle on the back of the steering wheel
  • New 1.5L range extender, designed to use regular unleaded fuel, offers a combined GM-estimated fuel efficiency of 41 mpg (EPA estimate pending)
  • Stronger body structure and quieter ride
  • New braking system with improved capability and blended Regen feel
  • New, five-passenger seating with available rear heated seats
  • Location-based charging capability
  • 120V portable cord sethas a simpler, compact design with more convenient storage location
  • Available illuminated charge port
The 2016 Volt goes on sale in the second half of 2015.

Sleeker, sportier designThe 2016 Volt has an all-new, muscular design that incorporates Chevrolet performance vehicle DNA inspired cues refined in the wind tunnel.

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.

Inside, 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.

New Voltec propulsion systemAn all-new, second-generation Voltec extended range electric vehicle (EREV) propulsion system is the power behind the 2016 Volt’s increased all-electric driving range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration. It was engineered based on the driving behaviors of first-gen Volt owners.

“Volt owners complete more than 80 percent of their trips without using a drop of gasoline and they tell us they love the electric driving experience. Putting that experience at the center of the new Voltec system’s development helped us improve range, while also making the new Volt more fun to drive,” said Andrew Farah, vehicle chief engineer. “We established a precedent when the original Voltec propulsion system debuted and this newest iteration sets the EV technology bar even higher.”

The Voltec system includes the battery, drive unit, range-extending engine and power electronics.

GM’s industry-leading battery technology has been reengineered for the next-generation Volt. The 2016 Volt will use 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 have 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 (9.8 kg) 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 (45 kg) 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). GM engineers designed the Voltec electric motors to use significantly less rare earth materials. One motor uses no rare earth-type magnets.

More convenient location-based chargingUsing real-world experiences of today’s Volt owners, Chevrolet made the charging system in the next-generation Volt more convenient for customers to recharge the battery – and to check the charge status.

The new and enhanced features include:

GPS location-based charging“Owners will now be able to set their charging preferences exclusively for “home” charging and the vehicle will automatically adjust to that setting when it is at “home” based on GPS data,” said Farah, the chief engineer. “The new Volt will give owners greater flexibility for charging on their terms and make public charging easier.”

This will allow owners to pre-set their 120V charging level (eight amps or 12 amps) and whether they wish to charge immediately, set a departure time for each day of the week, or set a departure time and a utility rate schedule to charge only at off-peak rates. These setting will only have to be programmed once and the Volt will default to them when the vehicle return to its home location.

New, more intuitive charge status indicatorsThe next-generation Volt makes it easier for owners to confirm their Volt is charging and gauge charge status. The new status system features a specially designed tone that indicates when charging has begun, with additional tones for delayed charging. It will even indicate if the charge port door was left open after unplugging but before entering the vehicle.

With a glance through the windshield, an updated charge status indicator light on the on the top of the instrument panel will show the approximate charge level through a series of flashes. An available illuminated charge port makes it easier to plug in after dark.

Portable cord set enhancementsA new 120V portable cord sethas a simpler, compact design with more convenient storage location. The storage bin for the cord is now located on the left side of the Volt’s rear cargo area, above the load floor, for improved accessibility.

Safety featuresThe new Chevrolet Volt offers new standard and available safety features that work with an all-new body structure to provide crash-avoidance and passenger protection capability. Highlights include:
  • Standard rear-vision camera
  • Ten standard air bags, including driver and front-passenger knee air bags
  • Available active safety features offering lane keep assist with lane departure warning, side blind zone alert with lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert with following distance indicator, front automatic braking, and advanced park assist with front and rear park assist (semi-automatic parallel parking)
  • Expanded use of high-strength steel throughout the body structure improves strength and reduces weight
  • More effective structural load paths in the frame, along with reinforced rocker panel structures and side structure reinforcements
The new, active safety technologies and structural enhancements build on the Volt’s legacy of top safety performance, which include a 5-Star overall New Car Assessment Program rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the current model.

ManufacturingGM is investing $435 million in the production of three products, including the next-generation Chevrolet Volt, at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant and future battery technologies at the Brownstown, (Mich.) Battery Assembly Plant, where the Volt’s lithium-ion battery pack is produced.

The new drive unit will be manufactured at GM’s Powertrain plant in Warren, Mich., and the 1.5L engine will be manufactured at GM’s Toluca, Mexico engine plant for the first year of production, then shift to the Flint, Mich. engine plant.

Since its introduction in late 2010, the Volt has established southeast Michigan as the hub of vehicle electrification development and manufacturing. The next-generation Volt will feature approximately 70 percent U.S. and Canadian components within its first year of production, a nearly 20-percent increase from the first generation.
 

wdwmagic

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Second Generation Volt photos

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wdwmagic

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DETROIT –The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Volt’s contemporary passenger environment is designed to be fresh and inviting, with intuitive technology interfaces and attention to detail conveying an upscale ambience.

“The 2016 Volt maintains the high-tech interior design aesthetic of the first-generation Volt, but has more user-friendly elements creating an inviting balance between ambiance and functionality,” said Crystal Windham, Chevrolet Interior Design director. “The new interior will appeal to existing owners, but also to those who will be new to the Volt family because of its integrated, yet familiar technology.”

Like the exterior, the Volt’s cabin flows with sculpted cues, visual jewelry and a greater emphasis on form. The instrument panel, for example, flows into the door panels, while the center portion of the instrument panel flows almost seamlessly into a more ergonomic center console.

New colors, blue ambient lighting and softer materials surround occupants and enhanced acoustic performance provides a quieter and refined environment.

Additional customer comfort and convenience features include:

  • Standard rear-vision camera
  • Enhanced charge status indicators – including a light on top of the instrument panel that can be viewed at a glance from outside the vehicle
  • Center armrest that is longer and higher than the current model
  • New storage bin in the front console
  • Available heated rear seats
  • Available heated steering wheel
  • Available wireless smartphone charging
The Volt retains its signature dual digital color displays, with larger, eight-inch-diagonal screens – one in front of the driver for the instrument cluster and driver information center, and the other in the center of the instrument panel that controls the Chevrolet MyLink system and other apps.

The center stack is simple and intuitive, projecting approximately one-third fewer icons, and offering separate climate control knobs. Buttons below the center display offer a clear and convenient operation. Most of the features can be controlled with a single rotary and four buttons.

Returning technologies and new amenities include:

  • OnStar 4G LTE with three years of service and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial)
  • Siri Eyes Free and text message alerts (requires compatible iPhone)
  • Bluetooth phone connectivity
  • Automatic climate control
  • Keyless access and ignition
  • Auxiliary 12-volt power outlets and dual USB ports
  • Remote start
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Premium cloth seats and available leather-appointed seating
  • Available Navigation and Bose® premium audio
  • Heated driver and front passenger cloth seats
  • Available safety awareness includes front and rear park assist, forward collision alert and lane-departure warning
Seating and trim

A new bench seat design in the rear provides seating for up to three passengers. When the middle seat is not in use, the outboard rear-seat passengers can fold down an armrest.

The standard cloth seats feature a distinctive hexagonal pattern that blends a high-tech appearance with natural biometrics, similar to the pattern at the center of a sunflower. Lighter, natural color tones complement the seats and reinforce the cabin’s warmth.

The available leather-appointed seating features a Volt-exclusive, warm brandy color with jet black accents.

The upscale look and feel of the Volt is reinforced with three interior color choices: jet black, light and dark ash gray and jet black and brandy.
 

wdwmagic

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WARREN, Mich. – When the next-generation Chevrolet Volt debuts at the North American International Auto Show in January, it will feature an all-new Voltec extended range electric vehicle (EREV) propulsion system substantially developed from Volt owners including data collected on their driving behaviors.

The Voltec system includes the battery, drive unit, range-extending engine and power electronics. The new system will be more efficient and offer greater EV range and fuel economy compared to the current generation.

“Our Volt owners truly love the EV driving experience, with more than 80 percent of all trips being completed without using any gasoline. We’ve used their real-world experiences to define the next generation Chevrolet Volt,” said Alan Batey, head of global Chevrolet. “By putting our Volt owners at the center of what we do and leveraging our electrification engineering leadership, we’ve been able to raise the bar and will exceed their expectations with the new Volt.”

Enhanced Battery System Capability

General Motors’ industry-leading battery technology has been improved for the next-generation Volt. Revised cell chemistry, developed in conjunction with LG Chem, increases storage capacity by 20 percent on a volume basis when compared to the original cell, while the number of cells decreases from 288 to 192. The cells are positioned lower in the pack for improved (lower) center of gravity and the overall mass of the pack has decreased by almost 30 pounds (13 kg).

Approximately 20 million battery cells have been produced for the more than 69,000 Chevrolet Volts on the road today with industry-leading quality levels of less than two problems per million cells produced.

The battery system continues to use the Volt’s industry-leading active thermal control system that maintains electric range over the Volt’s life.

“The current generation Volt’s battery has proven to provide our owners exceptional performance when it comes to quality and reliability,” said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM Powertrain’s electrification engineering team.

Based on a GM study of more than 300 model year 2011 and 2012 Volts in service in California for more than 30 months, many owners are exceeding the EPA-rated label of 35 miles of EV range per full charge, with about 15 percent surpassing 40 miles of range. Current generation Volt owners have accumulated more than 600 million EV miles.

“It would have been simple for us to tweak our existing battery to provide nominally increased range, but that’s not what our customers want,” said Nitz. “So our team created a new battery system that will exceed the performance expectations of most of our owners.”

EV range estimates will be revealed in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

GM will manufacture the Volt battery pack at its battery assembly plant in Brownstown, Mich.

Drive Unit Focused On Improved Efficiency

Like the battery system, the next-generation Volt’s drive unit was reengineered with a focus on increased efficiency and performance, improved packaging and reduced noise and vibration characteristics. The two-motor drive unit operates approximately 5 to 12 percent more efficiently and weighs 100 pounds (45 kg) less than the current system.

The Traction Power Inverter Module, which manages power flow between the battery and the electric drive motors, has been directly built into the drive unit to reduce mass, size and build complexity while further improving efficiency.

The boost in performance comes from both motors operating together in more driving scenarios, in both EV and extended-range operation. The ability to use both motors helps deliver more than 20 percent improvement in electric acceleration. GM engineers designed the Voltec electric motors to use significantly less rare earth materials. One motor uses no rare earth-type magnets at all.

The new drive unit will be manufactured at GM’s Powertrain plant in Warren, Mich.

New 1.5L Range Extender

Energy for extended-range operation comes from an all-new, high-efficiency 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. The engine features a direct injection fuel system, high-compression ratio of 12.5:1, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a variable displacement oil pump. The Voltec range extender runs on regular unleaded fuel.

“Using the 1.5L engine as the range extender assures owners they can go anywhere, anytime without having to worry about whether they have enough power to go through the Rocky Mountains or on a spontaneous weekend getaway,” Nitz said. “It’s all about keeping the promise that the Volt is a no-compromise electric vehicle.”

The 1.5L engine will be manufactured at GM’s Toluca, Mexico engine plant for the first year of production, then shift to the Flint, Mich. engine plant.
 

wdwmagic

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DETROIT –The 2016 Chevrolet Volt with an all-new bold and flowing design makes a strong visual statement and contributes to its driving performance by maintaining an efficiency-enhancing profile with sportier, more aggressive proportions.

“Customers were loud and clear: they wanted a sporty design that also allows for great EV road performance,” said John Cafaro, executive director, Chevrolet Global Design. “The new Volt delivers greater presence on the road and is exciting to drive.”

Sculpted and toned shapes were inspired by endurance athletes. Greater attention to detail in the design cues, materials and colors also lend a more premium, contemporary aura to its appearance.

“The new Volt’s design is all about windswept surfaces so everything flows together,” said Cafaro. “It’s a theme captured from the flowing lines of the fenders into the hood, to the carved body sides which are aerodynamically tuned and aligned with Chevrolet performance DNA.”

The new face of the Volt – its front fascia – suggests a sportier demeanor, but one that is still identifiable at a glance. Wave patterns are etched into bright upper and lower grille pads, which are flanked by aggressive-looking set back headlamps that flow into the front fenders, which blend into the hood.

A “NACA Duct” style roof adds to Volt’s design. The signature Volt logo is incorporated on the upper front fenders, just ahead of the outside mirrors – a carryover cue from the first-generation model.

The new Volt retains its hatchback versatility, but incorporates a sportier, tapered rear-end appearance characteristic of premium sports sedans. The rear panels flow into the black lower rear fascia, extending the sporty lines of the car. The Volt logo is positioned prominently at the center of the rear end, between the stylized tail lamps.

The lightweight alloy cast wheels echo the Volt’s body cues with a graphic pattern in the painted five-spoke design for the base model’s 17-inch wheels. The up-level model’s 17-inch wheels take on a higher-tech appearance with a split-Y design featuring ultra-bright, machined-face appearance with silver-painted pockets.

Aerodynamic considerationsDesigners had to work with aerodynamic boundaries when crafting the Volt’s new form, ensuring the car would slip through the air as efficiently as possible to offer its General Motors’-estimated 50-mile all-electric range.

“With electric vehicles, such as the Volt, aerodynamics play a more important role in efficiency than conventional vehicles,” said Nina Tortosa, aerodynamics engineer. “The knowledge we took from the first-generation Volt and other recent Chevrolet cars allowed us greater leverage to work with a more flowing design.”

One of the key areas where designers paid close attention was the aerodynamic performance of the Volt’s rear end. While a longer, tapered tail generally means better aero performance, it can hamper cargo room and look slightly out of proportion.

However, the teams devised a rear end design for the 2016 Volt that incorporates aero-optimized side panels that flow smoothly into a more rounded rear section with pushed-out corners.

Additional aerodynamic enhancements and new features include:

  • A new shutter system behind the grille to manage airflow into the engine compartment, which enabled the designers’ desire for a shorter front overhang and wider grille opening – attributes that would typically add to aerodynamic drag. In typical highway driving when less airflow is required for cooling, the shutters close to block air from entering the engine compartment, reducing drag and enhancing efficiency
  • Sculpted tail lamps were shaped in GM’s wind tunnel to minimize airflow disruption that adds drag, based on lessons engineers learned with the Chevrolet Impala
 

wdwmagic

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I like the new look and specs. There is a very good chance that the Volt or something similar will be the next car that the wife gets.
Yep it looks really good. They did a great job with the look and the new specs. Wonder when we will see it at Test Track in the showroom and how much promotion they'll do of it there.
 

officialtom

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I had the original Volt for two days a couple of years ago and I despised it. The short range electric and small gas tank made it really unfit for anything other than quick trips around town. Maybe the 2G version will be better, but I doubt it'll change my overall impression. I think they still have a long way to go before taking any substantial piece of the consumer market. Worse yet, the rear seats didn't even have enough leg room for a toddler because the backs of the front seats actually touched the front edge of the rear seats.

That said, the new version does look about 100% better!
 
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Master Yoda

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Yep it looks really good. They did a great job with the look and the new specs. Wonder when we will see it at Test Track in the showroom and how much promotion they'll do of it there.
I can't imagine them not putting one there for at least a little while.
 

Master Yoda

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I had the original Volt for two days a couple of years ago and I despised it. The short range electric and small gas tank made it really unfit for anything other than quick trips around town. Maybe the 2G version will be better, but I doubt it'll change my overall impression. I think they still have a long way to go before taking any substantial piece of the consumer market.

That said, the new version does look about 100% better!
No question that your daily commute needs to be inside the vehicles electric range for you to get the benefit of it. That being said, even the Volt 1.0 would meet fit that bill for either the wife or I.
 

Jahona

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Personally to me that is a huge improvement in the looks department, inside and out. It's nice to see Chevy improving the Volt.
 

acishere

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The interior seems to be much better this time. The center console of the first generation looked too cheap for the price. More design cues they use from the Impala the better.

The new range also is pretty good for my current commute, but I'm looking to move to a more closer to NYC and it would depend on whether or not I find somewhere that has EV friendly parking.
 

Clamman73

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I had the original Volt for two days a couple of years ago and I despised it. The short range electric and small gas tank made it really unfit for anything other than quick trips around town. Maybe the 2G version will be better, but I doubt it'll change my overall impression. I think they still have a long way to go before taking any substantial piece of the consumer market. Worse yet, the rear seats didn't even have enough leg room for a toddler because the backs of the front seats actually touched the front edge of the rear seats.

That said, the new version does look about 100% better!
No wonder why I've only seen one, maybe two out in the wild.
 

TomHendricks

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Amazing what a second generation can bring. Reminds me of the Chrysler 300, the first generation wasn't that great. However that second generation and on, what a great looking car. We are looking to go electric with our next car, its something I believe in majorly.

It will be the wifes car and we're are holding out for the Tesla Model 3. We need the car to seat 5, so the original Volt was out of the question. With that large center channel that went front to back. While I haven't actually seen the backseats of the new Volt, I've heard that it's a real 5 seater now. We have arraigned our latest car purchase to time with the hopeful release of the Model 3. However with Tesla already pushing back the Model X twice, I'm getting a bit nervous about this. So the new generation of the Volt maybe the answer.

I'm really looking forward to the reviews of generation 2 of the Volt. I hope its all the original Volt was and more.
 

PhilharMagician

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I like the new look. I have been driving a 07' Prius and it's nearing the 120,000 mile mark so this volt may be it's successor. I'm curious as to what the pricing will come in at.
 

Master Yoda

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I like the new look. I have been driving a 07' Prius and it's nearing the 120,000 mile mark so this volt may be it's successor. I'm curious as to what the pricing will come in at.
From what I have heard, the Volt 2.0 will be in the high 20's low 30's range before any kind of subsidies.
 

wdwmagic

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From what I have heard, the Volt 2.0 will be in the high 20's low 30's range before any kind of subsidies.
Yep. And everything I've read seems to indicate lease deals in the US on the Volt are very good. No word yet on if its going to make it to the UK.
 

PhilharMagician

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Thanks guys. Looks like in NY there is also a $7500 tax incentive on the Volt and only $2500 on the plug-in Prius. It will be interesting on reading some reviews from people driving it. The $30,000 tag isn't that bad considering the 2015 was $34,000.
 

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