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    Categories: New Launch

2016 Chevrolet Volt Review

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

The all-new 2016 Volt electric car with extended range offers a sleeker, sportier design – along with 53 miles of EV range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration.

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

In fact, with its new, efficient propulsion system, the new Volt offers 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.

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

“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.

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

New smartphone projection technology on Volt’s MyLink system displays content from Apple iPhone 5 or later models on the multicolor screen through the Apple CarPlay feature. Supported apps for the system include phone, messages, maps, music and compatible third-party apps.

Everything on the 2016 Volt, from charging the battery and checking the charge status, to the intuitiveness of instrument panel controls, were designed for easier use.

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

“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 EPA-estimated 42 mpg
  • 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.

Sleeker, sportier design

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

The 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.

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

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.

MyLink with smartphone projection technology

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

New for Volt in 2016, Chevrolet’s new MyLink system with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay, which puts iPhone features (iPhone 5 and later) on the display in a smart, simple manner, allowing drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. That helps drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Using Apple CarPlay is simple. A “Projection” icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate CarPlay when a compatible phone is connected via a USB. Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using and Apple’s privacy statement and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

Apple CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.

While development and testing is not yet complete, Android Auto compatibility may be available later in the 2016 model year.

New Voltec propulsion system

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

An 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.

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

GM’s industry-leading battery technology has been re-engineered 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 charging

More convenient location-based charging

Using 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

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

“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 indicators

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

The 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 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 enhancements

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

A new 120V portable cord set has 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 features

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

The 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.

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

The new, active safety technologies and structural enhancements build on the Volt’s legacy of top safety performance, which includes a 5-Star overall New Car Assessment Program rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the current model.

Manufacturing

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

GM invested $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 drive unit is manufactured at GM’s Powertrain plant in Warren, Mich., and the 1.5L engine is manufactured at GM’s Toluca, Mexico, engine plant for the first year of production, then shifts to the Flint, Mich., engine plant.

2016 Chevrolet Volt © General Motors

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.

Price

Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $33,170

Model:


Chevrolet Volt


Body style / driveline:


front-wheel-drive, five-door/five-passenger hatchback extended-range electric vehicle


Construction:


single body-frame-integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders; hood, roof, door panels; one-piece bodyside outer panel; thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias


EPA vehicle class:


compact car


Key competitors:


Toyota Prius Plug-in, Ford C-Max energi, clean diesels, mid-luxury sport sedans


Vehicle manufacturing location:


Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, Hamtramck, Mich.


Battery manufacturing location:


Brownstown Township, Mich.


Battery Systems

Type:


rechargeable energy storage system comprising multiple linked modules 


Size/case:


5.5-foot-long T-shaped; glass-filled polyester structural composite with aluminum thermal radiation shield and steel


Mass (lb / kg):


405 / 183


Battery chemistry:


lithium-ion


Thermal system:


liquid active thermal control


Cells:


192 prismatic


Combined electric/extended driving range (miles / km):


420 / 676 (estimate including EV on fully charged battery and full tank of fuel


Warranty:


eight years / 100,000 miles (10 years / 100,000 miles in ARB states)


Energy:


18.4 kWh


Engines

Type:


1.5L DOHC I-4  


Displacement (cu in / cc):


91 / 1490


Bore & stroke (in / mm):


2.90 x 3.40 / 74 x 86.6


Block material:


cast aluminum


Cylinder head material:


cast aluminum


Valvetrain:


overhead camshafts; four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust cam phaser


Ignition system:


individual coil-on-plug


Fuel delivery:


direct injection with electronic throttle control


Compression ratio:


12.5:1


Output (kW / hp @ rpm):


75 / 101 @ 5600


Max engine speed (rpm):


5600


Emissions controls:


close-coupled catalytic converters; 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor


Fuel type:


regular unleaded


EPA-estimated fuel economy (combined city / hwy):


42 mpg

106 mpg-e


Electric Drive

Type:


electric, two-wheel, front-drive 


Motors (two);


twin-motor arrangement, 110 kW


Transaxle:


Voltec electric drive system


Power (kW / hp):


111 / 149


Torque: (lb-ft / Nm):


294 / 398


Charging Times

120 V:


about 13 hours (based on charge level and outside temperature)


240 V:


about 4.5 hours (actual charge times may vary)


Chassis / Suspension

Front:


independent MacPherson strut-type with side-loaded strut modules, specially tuned coil springs, direct-acting hollow stabilizer bar; hydraulic ride bushings


Rear:


specially adapted compound crank (torsion beam) with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rear; specifically tuned coil springs, hydraulic bushings


Chassis control:


four-channel ABS; all-speed traction control; StabiliTrak; drag control


Steering type:


rack-mounted electric power steering with ZF steering gear


Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:


3


Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):


36.4 / 11.1


Steering ratio:


15.7


Brakes

Type:


power four-wheel vented disc with ABS; electro-hydraulic; fully regenerative to maximize energy capture; dynamic rear brake proportioning


Brake rotor diameter front  (in / mm):


11 / 276; vented, single 60-mm piston w/ steel body caliper


Brake rotor diameter rear (in / mm):


10 / 264; solid; steel body caliper with single 38-mm piston, with park brake motor on caliper


Total swept area (cu cm):


front: 350

rear: 277


Tires / Wheels

Wheel size and type:


17-in. 5-spoke painted aluminum wheels

17-in. Split-Y Ultra Bright Machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets


Tires:


Michelin Energy Saver A/S 215/50R17 all-season


Exterior

  Wheelbase (in / mm):


106.1 / 2694


  Overall length (in / mm):


180.4 / 1481


  Overall width (in / mm):


71.2 / 1809


  Height (in / mm):


56.4 / 1432


  Track front (in / mm):


60.6 / 1540 (front)

61.8 / 1570 (rear)


Interior

Seating capacity

(front / rear):


2 / 3


Headroom (in  / mm):


37.8 / 961 (front)

35.8 / 909 (rear)


Shoulder room (in / mm):


56.5 / 1434 (front)

53.2 / 1351 (rear)


Hip room (in / mm):


53.7 / 1365 (front)

51.3 / 1304 (rear)


Legroom (in / mm):


42.1 / 1068 (front)

34.7 / 882 (rear)


Cargo volume (cu ft / L):


10.6 / 301


Capacities

Curb weight (lb / kg);


3543 / 1607


Generator cooling (qt / L):


7.4 / 7.0


Battery pack cooling

(qt / L):


4.5 / 4.25


Power electronics cooling (qt / L):


5.1 / 4.8


Fuel tank (gal / L):


8.9 / 33.7


Engine oil w/ filter (qt / L):


4.2 / 4


Drive unit fluid (qt / L):


7.1 / 6.7 (including cooling loop)


Steve Allen: