The Volt’s new, efficient propulsion system will offer a General Motors’-estimated total driving range of more than 644km and with regular charging, owners are expected to travel more than 1,609km 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.
Among the 2016 Volt highlights:
> New two-motor drive unit is up to 12 percent more efficient and 45 lighter (45 kg) than the first-generation drive unit
> Two-motor design enables 19 percent stronger zero-to-48kph acceleration
> Battery capacity has increased to 18.4 kWh using 192 cells (96 fewer than current generation) with weight reduced by more than 9kg
> 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 5.7l/100km (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 set has 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.
Reuters reported that electric cars and plug-ins like the Volt account for less than 1 percent of the global vehicle market, and falling oil prices are widening the cost gap between electrified cars and petroleum-fueled internal combustion engine vehicles.
GM's current Volt has sold well below initial company projections and is a money loser, analysts say. The company doesn't disclose profits by model line. Last year, U.S. sales of the Volt fell almost 19 percent to fewer than 19,000 vehicles.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne last May asked consumers to steer clear of his company’s Fiat 500e.
"I hope you don't buy it because every time I sell one it costs me US$14,000 (around RM50,000)," he said.
Still, GM and its major rivals persist in their efforts because without “zero-emission” vehicles and ultra-high mileage hybrids, they could fall short of meeting government demands to more than double fuel efficiency by 2025. In addition, California has set its own quotas for zero-emission vehicle sales, and China is pushing the industry for more battery-powered vehicles.
Nissan Motor Co, maker of the all-electric Leaf, is the leading seller of mass-market electric cars, and CEO Carlos Ghosn has stood by his bet on battery-electric vehicles, even with gas prices falling. The Leaf, however, can travel only 135km between charges, according to government ratings. That distance is too short for many US drivers.
