Chevrolet: An Improved Volt And A Prototype Electric Bolt
Chevrolet invited some 50 original Volt owners to attend the unveiling of the new Volt, to be launched as a 2016 model. This is a complete redesign, trimmer and lighter by 100 kilos, that promises an increased all-electric range of 80 kilometres, which is 20 kilometres more than the original, thanks to a lighter and more powerful battery.
Volt owners will be able to take full advantage of this by means of a “Regen on Demand” feature that lets the driver control energy regeneration by the braking system, with enhanced recovery available via a convenient paddle on the back of the steering wheel, as already installed on the Cadillac ELR.
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The new Volt also boasts two lighter, more powerful motors for improved acceleration. The other very good news is the adoption of a new and much more modern internal combustion engine – “range extender” in GM-speak – that will doubtless be more efficient, smoother and quieter than the original.
The new direct-injection IC engine will increase the Volt’s range to about 700 kilometres. Chevrolet expects owners of the new model to go some 1,600 km between fill-ups.
The cabin of the 2016 Volt has also been thoroughly revised, and now has seating for five. The dash design is more straightforward, and the controls have been simplified. The unibody is also more rigid, promising improved comfort and a quieter ride, as well as better handling and driving enjoyment.
Chevrolet has at last revised and improved the charging cord set, which is now more compact and more conveniently stored in a bin on the left side of the Volt’s rear cargo area, above the load floor.
That was not all. After the new Volt, General Motors CEO Mary Barra presented the prototype Bolt, a concept for a small, fully electric vehicle that looked quite attractive in its gold metal flake.
The objective is to develop a compact car offering an electric driving range of over 320 kilometres and a $30,000 USD price tag, or about $35,000 CAD at the current rate. Let’s hope that the production version is already on its way.