DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: 2016 Chevrolet Volt
Next-generation Chevrolet Volt electric car smarter, sexier, more efficientThe all-new 2016 Chevrolet Volt electric car will be quieter, more luxurious, more efficient and potentially more affordable, but will that be enough to sway the tens of thousands of Tesla owners to make the switch?
Up to 45kg lighter and around 12 per cent more efficient, the new Chevrolet Volt was revealed hours before its public debut at the 2015 Detroit motor show in the US, offering an electric-only range of around 80km (50 miles) from a fully charged battery, thanks to the more potent 18.4kWh Lithium-ion power cell.
The electric motor delivers stronger propulsion, now with faster acceleration and a top speed of almost 157km/h, or 100mph. Peak power is rated at 110kW and 400Nm of torque, and the battery takes 13 hours to charge on a 120V outlet or four and half hours with 240V. Unlike the Tesla Model S which is purely electric, the Chevy Volt makes use of a 1.5-litre petrol-powered engine, which Chevrolet calls a range extender.
The electric motor provides power to the wheels, while the petrol engine charges the batteries when the electric charge gets low. This is designed to reduce 'range anxiety' and allow a total cruising range of around 680km (420 miles), greater than most electric cars.
Former Holden boss and now president of GM North America Alan Batey said the new Volt will provide owners "with a no-compromise electric driving experience."
"According to independent surveyors, Volt owners are the most satisfied in the industry and they were our compass for developing the next-generation model," he said.
The new Volt also features a new exterior look and comes with three rear seats, affording accommodation for five – not four like its predecessor. Safety features, such as 10 airbags, autonomous emergency braking and several other driver aids, are also available.
"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," said Batey.
He also talked up the Volt's new sculpted, muscular design. However the interior no longer has a unique, high-tech feel, with the décor far more conservative this time round.
Chevrolet says the car will be easier to drive, charge and interact with, thanks to redesigned ergonomics and functionality. The car still has a detailed central control panel but there are fewer buttons now.
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt is scheduled to go on sale in the US in the second half of 2015 and global sales have totalled almost 90,000 units since it was launched in 2010. Due to slow sales in Australia however, the next-gen Holden Volt is no certainty to be sold here.
In December 2014, just one Holden Volt was sold, and the total year's sales were down by 42.6 per cent, from 101 in 2013 to 58 in last year. It's currently priced at $59,990.
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