2016 Chevrolet Volt Will Debut At Next Edition of NAIAS

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

The first teaser shot of the Chevrolet Volt has emerged, with the car debuting at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. GM is investing nearly $450 million into production facilities for the next-gen Volt, which will remain at GM’s Hamtramck plant. The investment will be split between the plant and GM’s battery facility in Brownston Township, which will assemble a next-generation battery that should pack greater range than the current Volt’s 38 mile electric-only range.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • VCplayer VCplayer on Aug 07, 2014

    Forget EV range and ICE efficiency, what Chevy desperately needs is some new design language.

  • Colin42 Colin42 on Aug 07, 2014

    As a 2013 volt driver I'd like these changes for gen 2 (in this order) 1. An extra 2 kW of battery range over 2013 - now I didn't say a bigger battery. Mine has a 16.5 kWh battery but only uses 10.5 kwh or 63%. Toyota and Ford, Nissan & Tesla use much more of their battery capacity. 2 kWh would give between 6 and 10 miles extra range 2. Faster charging on 240 L2 charger. The volt is limits it charging rate to 3.8kW. Other EV can charge at double this rate 3. More rear leg room - 4 more inches should do it 4. Improved ICE efficiency - I can get upto 45 mpg at highway speeds but my average on gas is only 30 mpg. 5. Nicer interior - including rear AC vents 6. The included charger to be dual voltage - Chevy don't sell L2 chargers and the cost difference between an L1 or a dual L1/ L2 charger is minimal. S 7. Rear windscreen wiper 8. 5th seat 9. Lower lip to the trunk 10. No increase in price

    • See 1 previous
    • Colin42 Colin42 on Aug 08, 2014

      @seth1065 Well most of what is on my list design or calibration and therefore has minimal cost increase i.e. increase rear leg room. The engine could be improved by focusing on efficiency like Ford & Toyota with their atkinson cycle engine as the electric motor could handle the acceleration needs. I'm not sure what increasing the charging rate would cost but GM does it in the spark ev which sells for less. The combo L1/L2 charger has minimal cost increase - it more of a switch unit than a charger So the only piece that is likely to cost more would be the interior. Almost every other vehicle in the market manages to improve their interior with breaking the bank. So yes I want it all.

  • Cameron Aubernon Cameron Aubernon on Aug 07, 2014

    So long as GM doesn't present the new Volt with "The Chevy Volt Dance II: Electric Boogaloo," I'll be interested in this PHEV. Also: I can't seem to find anything on who was tasked to sing the Volt Song. Would the B&B happen to have any ideas?

  • Crabspirits Crabspirits on Aug 08, 2014

    Oh how I love the armchair engineering in these Volt/ELR posts. "Car is too small. Need more big." -Okay. So we'll make it bigger. It is now heavier, with worse aerodynamics. We're gonna need some more of those expensive batteries. Oh dear, now it's "too expensive". Maybe better to just slash the range and hope the public "gets it". That's worked in the past right? "Car is not geared for performance." -GM engineers look at each other, and then think about how they can improve performance on a car that sits in traffic all day. The solution is to offer a used C5 with every purchase. "The ICE is some cheap off the shelf thing that's not the latest tech/not diesel/not 3 cyl." -GM designs new dedicated engine. Price increases $4000. Marginal improvement of 3 miles of battery only range results. Fuel economy while running on the ICE improves to 40mpg, but nobody notices SINCE IT NEVER TURNS ON for most people/situations. Recalls result because new stuff. -GM engineer puts in diesel range extender. Same as above, but price is now $6000 more. No improvement in battery only range because heavier. Engine bay now cramped with emissions equipment and urea tank. Large portion of customer base (both knowledgeable and stupid for different reasons) instantly alienated by diesel engine. Car is ripped by the press for high NVH. Even more recalls. Engineer is sacked. "It's too much money." -GM decides to offer a free home economics course after test drives. Real world cost analysis is explored. Access to the internet, especially automotive forums, is strictly prohibited.

    • THE_F0nz THE_F0nz on Aug 08, 2014

      I think this might be my favorite post of all. +1x10^99

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