Media Europe

Chevrolet Volt ushers in a new era of worry-free electric driving

2011-09-19

Back to overview

Print   |  Word   |  Add This   | 

• Volt is electrically driven at all times
• Up to 500 kilometers of driving on a full battery charge and full tank of gasoline
• Pure-electric range of up to 80 kilometers
• Recharging is quick, reliable and safe
• Sleek, refined exterior and futuristic interior underscore Volt's innovative statement
• Instant torque and aerodynamics to match Corvette

The Chevrolet Volt opens a new chapter in the history of electric motoring. By virtue of its fundamental design, it places drivers in a position where they can literally have their cake and eat it. The Volt enables them to enjoy the benefits of no-emission driving as well as the performance and practicality that are associated with conventional automobiles. No matter whether you are out in the countryside or bogged down in a traffic jam, the Volt will get you home.

Equally important, the Chevrolet Volt feels tightly tuned and delivers confident road command. 370 Nm of instant torque from the electric drive unit, an acceleration time of a 3.1 seconds from 0-50 km/h, and a top speed of 160 km/h mean that the Volt is as nimble as any passenger car.

In April 2011, the Volt added the World Green Car Award to its long list of prizes. On a single battery charge, the car is capable of covering 40 to 80 kilometers, using solely its internally stored electrical energy. Independent studies have shown that this is sufficient to meet the daily needs of 80 percent of European drivers.

In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, motive power from a generator is seamlessly inverted to the electric drive unit.

"The Volt is the first mass-produced car that combines the efficiency and carbon footprint of an electric vehicle with a range an degree of flexibility previously unthinkable in this segment," said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "The Chevrolet Volt is the best solution on the planet today for worry-free electric driving."

A sample of early Volt customers taken in the U.S., where the car has been on sale since late 2010, suggests that they drive 1,609 kilometers (1,000 miles) before filling up the gas tank. In Europe, meanwhile, the Volt qualifies for government subsidies in many countries and cities. The U.K., for instance, allows Volt purchasers to deduct £5,000 from the car's price. The car will also be exempt from the congestion charge in London, which can save owners up to £2,000 per year.

The Volt's appearance and design reflect its technological sophistication. With its grounded stance, a distinctly sculpted shoulder line and finely crafted head and tail lamps, the Volt looks and feels like an upscale, sporty compact car. It is no coincidence that the Volt ranks among Chevrolet's most aerodynamic vehicles. With a drag coefficient of 0.28, it is, in fact, on par with the Corvette's aerodynamic performance.

One of the Volt's key interior features are the two large screens that replace conventional instruments in front of the driver. They provide essential information and help the driver use the Volt and its unique propulsion system as efficiently as possible and depending on individual needs.

Thanks to its extremely strong body-frame-integral structure, the Volt ensures outstanding occupant protection. In 2011, the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Chevrolet Volt its "Top Safety Pick" while the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the car a five-star rating.

Pioneering Voltec electric propulsion system

The heart of the all-new Chevrolet Volt is its unique Voltec propulsion system that makes it the world's first electrically driven, extended-range vehicle. The Volt’s 150-hp electric drive unit consists of two electric motors, three clutches and a planetary gear set that improve overall efficiency by reducing the combined rotational speed of the electric motors. Crucially, the drivetrain includes an onboard generator that extends the vehicle's range to a total of over 500 kilometers.

Being electrically driven at all times, the Volt offers between 40 and 80 kilometers of battery-powered electric driving, depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature.

It is its capability to operate after the battery's energy has been used up, that sets the Volt apart from other electric vehicles. The Volt's over 500 kilometers of extended range comes from an advanced 1.4-liter, 86-hp gasoline-powered engine. Once the battery's energy is exhausted, power is seamlessly inverted to the electric drive unit from the generator.

The Volt can be driven in town or across the country in all climates, without compromise. Its drivetrain delivers a zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time of 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. A choice of four driving modes – "Normal", "Sport", "Mountain" and "Hold" –

assists the driver in maneuvering the Volt through a variety of driving situations. "Hold" mode enables the driver to preserve the full energy stored in the battery pack. This is particularly valuable when driving into restricted emissions zones, such as urban areas and city centers, where emission charges may apply.

High performance battery pack

The Volt's T-shaped, 198 kg lithium-ion battery pack has a storage capacity of 16 kWh and comprises 288 prismatic cells. It is positioned in the center tunnel of the vehicle, and is protected by ultra high-strength Martensite steel. Because batteries can be sensitive to temperature changes, the Volts' battery pack is climate-controlled via an active liquid control system that is designed to provide reliable operation at temperatures as low as -25°C and as high as +50°C.

A six meter long 230V charging cable is standard and conveniently stowed under the rear cargo floor. Using a standard 230V/16A power outlet, owners can fully recharge the battery in less than four hours. For additional flexibility on various electrical circuits where current may be limited, the charging cable can be adjusted to four levels of charging current: 16A, 13A, 10A or 6A.

Based on the electricity rate schedule, electricity rate preference, and the programmed departure time, the Volt is able to calculate the charging. The vehicle will use the cheapest rate to achieve a full battery charge by departure time.

The battery pack is included in an eight-year/160,000-kilometers warranty which covers the Voltec propulsion system.

A smooth, streamlined silhouette

The Chevrolet Volt proves impressively that a cutting-edge electric vehicle can turn heads. Its refined appearance is created by wide front and rear tracks of 1,546 and

1,573 mm, a wheelbase of 2,685 mm, and large, 17 x 7-inch, five-spoke, flow-formed alloy wheels. The stretched upper daylight opening is accentuated by a single arc roofline, delivering a sleek upper body appearance.

The Volt sports the Chevrolet dual-port grille that has been closed for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. Horizontally shaped headlamps are inset into the forward corners of the car’s front section and incorporate piano black bezels, ice-blue LED daytime running elements and halogen projector lamps.

A distinctive, glossy, piano black shoulder line dives slightly as it runs forward, incorporating the mirror post and culminating in the front fender where it carries the Volt nameplate.

By reducing the energy needed to overcome air resistance, Volt aerodynamicists contributed an estimated 13 kilometers of electric range, and 80 kilometers of extended range.

The cabin of the Volt reflects the pioneering nature of its propulsion system and offers the space, comfort and convenience that customers expect of a technologically highly advanced passenger car. The interior features Chevrolet's signature dual cockpit layout, black leather seats and white cabin accents.

Replacing conventional instruments in front of the driver is the Driver Information Center, a reconfigurable graphic display. Designed for maximum ease of use, it is teamed with a full-color, touch-screen display in the top of the center stack, which is the primary interface for all infotainment, navigation, climate control, power use and charging functions.

Among the cockpit highlights is a driving efficiency display alongside the speed read-out in the Driver Information Center. It depicts a revolving ball, which moves up or down and changes color according to vehicle speed, acceleration and braking. Keeping the ball in the center of the display denotes optimum power usage.

The Volt offers five-door flexibility, comfortable accommodation for four adults, and a seat up/seat down load carrying capacity of 310/1005 liters.

State-of-the-art comfort and infotainment systems

The Chevrolet Volt is equipped with single-zone automatic climate control with an electric cabin heating and air conditioning system. The air conditioning compressor is electrically powered at all times, obviating the need for a belt drive from a running engine. Heated front seats are also fitted as standard in the Chevrolet Volt.

In Europe, every Volt comes with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. The AM/FM stereo and CD player is MP3 capable, includes steering wheel controls, an Aux-in connection The system seamlessly connects, charges and controls iPods and other MP3 players through the standard USB port.

For customers who seek additional infotainment content, the optional satellite navigation system, along with a Bose^® Energy Efficient Series Sound System, will fit the bill. The seven-inch touch screen navigation system includes European map coverage, voice recognition, DVD-ROM compatibility and DVD playback capability (while parked). The upgraded infotainment system comprises a 7-speaker Bose sound system, a 60GB hard drive and a Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) tuner that is also optional with the standard radio.

Confident road command, outstanding safety

Thanks to the rigidity of its solid foundation and its low center of gravity, the Volt delivers confident road command and driving comfort. Its 17-inch wheels are made of forged aluminum and weigh a mere 8.1 kg each. Special low rolling-resistance tires were developed specifically for Europe, for optimum electric vehicle range, noise, feel, and dynamic performance.

The electro-hydraulic brake system contributes to recharging the vehicle's battery pack during braking. It enables 100 percent regenerative braking, 100 percent friction braking (traditional disc braking), or any combination of each.

The Volt provides outstanding occupant safety. The backbone around which the car's safety architecture is built consists of an extremely strong body-frame-integral. About 80 percent of the body structure is constructed of high-strength, advanced high-strength or ultra high-strength steels.

A number of dedicated tests were performed to ensure the safety of the 16 kWh lithium-ion battery, including its water tightness. In the event of an emergency, the battery pack, which is protected by ultra high-strength Martensite steel, can be easily disconnected by rescue services.

Eight airbags are fitted in the Volt, alongside an array of further active and passive protective measures that contribute to the car's excellent safety performance. Since the Volt is extremely quiet when being driven on battery power, the driver can activate chirping sound that to warn pedestrians of its approach.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is General Motors' largest global brand with annual sales of about 4 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet cars combine passion, bold design and practicality. They provide outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. In 2010, Chevrolet grew its market share in Europe to 2.5 percent, selling 477,194 cars. Chevrolet has a network of more than 2,700 dealers and service points in Europe. The Chevrolet line-up includes the Spark city car, the small Aveo, the compact four-door Cruze, the Captiva SUV and the legendary Corvette sports car. In 2011, Chevrolet is launching seven new cars: the all-new Orlando family van, the new Captiva SUV, the Corvette Grand Sport Coupé, the all-new five-door and four-door Aveo, the five-door Cruze, the Camaro coupé and convertible and the award-winning extended-range Volt electric car. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Turkey. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is celebrating its centenary in 2011. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevroleteurope.com or media.chevroleteurope.com.