NAIAS 2015: A Clearer View For The 2016 Chevrolet Volt
Fuzzy photos from the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show are one thing, official photos of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt are definitely another [Live photos now available – CA].
The second-gen five-passenger PHEV gets its motivation from a 1.5-liter DOHC I4 paired up with two electric motors that are 12 percent more efficient and 100 pounds lighter than the first-gen’s single motor unit. Electrical power comes from a new 18.4 kWh battery pack composed of 192 cells — 96 less than the previous pack — with weight reduced by 21 pounds. Zero to 30 is achieved in 2.6 seconds, while nought to 60 arrives in 8.4 seconds.
Charging can now be set to exclusively occur at home via GPS, where owners can arrange 120V charging levels (either eight amps or 12), have charging occur immediately or at another time, and set a departure time for every day of the week. The settings only need to be entered once, and the Volt will default to those settings upon arrival at the home garage, which should take 13 hours at 12 amps; 240V charging reduces the time to 4.5 hours.
Range is 50 miles on electric-only driving, 420 miles when the 1.5-liter is in play. Fuel economy is 41 mpg, jumping to 102 mpg-e with the electric motors.
Other features include: Chevrolet MyLink; rearview camera; increased use of high-strength steel throughout the body; on-demand energy rengeneration; illuminated charging port; and a redesigned portable 120V cord.
The 2016 Volt is set to arrive in showrooms during H2 2015.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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Curious about the leasing deals that will be offered on these. I agree it's pretty risky to own a PHEV at this point, with the technology moving so fast, but I might consider leasing one rather than buying another of the enthusiast sleds I usually dream about -- if the price were right. I like electric motoring - so quiet and tranquil, and when you do floor it you don't get any dirty looks.
Curious about the leasing deals that will be offered on these. I agree it's pretty risky to own a PHEV at this point, with the technology moving so fast. But I might consider leasing one rather than buying another of the enthusiast sleds I usually dream about -- if the price were right. I like electric motoring. So quiet, smooth, and tranquil, and when you do floor it you don't get any dirty looks.