Nov. 16, 2015

If you are in the market for a snazzy electric vehicle with the security of a gas-powered range extender, then the 2016 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid might be for you. The 2016 is an upgraded, second generation model that offers 53 miles of EV range and about 420 miles of total driving range. Price starts at $33,995.

It’s the second-generation Voltec extended range electric vehicle's propulsion system that is the power behind the 2016 Volt’s increased all-electric driving range, promising Volt fans not only greater efficiency, but stronger acceleration too. 

The engineering is based on the driving behaviors of first-generation 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,” said Andrew Farah, vehicle chief engineer. “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.” 

Farah added too, “We established a precedent when the original Voltec propulsion system debuted and this newest iteration sets the EV technology bar even higher.”

At 100 pounds lighter, the Voltec system technology includes the battery, drive unit, range-extending engine and power electronics. Also worth noting, GM’s industry-leading battery technology has been re-engineered for the next-generation Volt making it even better.

The 2016 Volt will use an 18.4 kWh battery system featuring revised cell chemistry. While overall system storage capacity has increased, the number of cells has actually decreased from 288 to 192 as the result of this 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 now 21 pounds lighter.

“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.”

With a new 1.5L range extender, this feature was designed to use regular unleaded fuel and the 120V portable cord set has a simpler, compact design with more convenient storage location along with an illuminated charge port.

As for the charging, the Volt’s new GPS location-based charging hits a high note since owners can 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.  

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt’s technology and range advancements are also complemented by a design that blends sculpted, muscular proportions with aerodynamic efficiency. Key changes in the design include the new active grille shutters, which helps to balance design with efficiency, carved body sides and fenders that blend into the hood and a front-end that, while retaining the iconic Volt identity, also offers brighter upper and lower grille pads.

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt’s interior now has seating for up to five passengers and heated rear seats are available along with blue ambient lighting and the 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 is where the Chevrolet MyLink system can be found with smartphone projection technology and featuring Apple CarPlay capability.

For safety, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt’s new body structure means easier crash-avoidance and passenger protection capability with a standard rear-vision camera, 10 standard air bags that includes driver and front-passenger knee air bags and 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.

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

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