Second-generation Chevy Volt plugs in for 2016

[Zane]

By Zane Merva

Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com

1/12/2015

After lots of teasing and a small trickle of leaks, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is here. Unveiled at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show), the second generation "electric car with extended range" is sportier, sleeker, and more powerful than the outgoing Volt. It also goes farther on one charge than ever before; now 50 miles.

The 2016 Volt will now offer a driving range of over 400 miles, with the company expecting the typical owner to go 1,000 miles between fill-ups. The plug-in vehicle now features a more traditional interior with softer surfaces and more room for passengers.

2016 Chevrolet Volt basic rundown:

• All new design, inside and out
• EV range improved to 50 miles (last gen was 35)
• Volt now seats five passengers (last gen was 4)
• New two-motor drive unit is 12% more efficient and 100lbs lighter


• Zero-30mph acceleration is 19% "stronger" at 2.6-seconds


• Zero-60mph acceleration in 8.4-seconds, a 7% improvement


• Battery capacity has increased to 18.4kWh using 96 fewer cells than the last generation


• Battery weight has dropped by 20lbs and has a lower center of mass


• Regen on Demand feature adapted from Cadillac ELR allows driver to customize regeneration


• New 1.5L range extender gas engine uses regular fuel and achieves 41mpg on its own


• New brake system for better feel


• Stronger body structure


• Location (GPS) based charging preferences


• 120V portable charge cord is more compact with a better storage location


• Charge port is optionally illuminated


• Chevy MyLink with 8-inch LCD screen


• 8-inch LCD gauge cluster


• Standard rear-vision camera


• Ten standard air-bags


• Available lane keep assist with lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert, front automatic braking, and advanced park assist


• Goes on sale during the second half of 2015

"The 2016 Chevrolet Volt provides our owners with a no-compromise electric driving experience," said Alan Batey, president of GM North America. "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."

[truckofwinandawesome]

but My question is will the 2nd Gen Volt suffer the same Problem as the 1st gen Volt: its Prohibitively Expensive without the $7,500 PHEV Federal Tax Credit.

[Zane]

That's my question too. Let's hope the price doesn't increase much. It's already expensive.

[Daryl Z71]

I liked the look of the first Volt better. For the most part it didn't even look like an electric car IMO. I guess they need to evolve the look though or it'll look dated. This design does look modern.

[patriot]

Nice looking, but kill the tax credits for all these type of vehicles. If they can't make it in the free market, then they're not ready for prime time yet.

[truckofwinandawesome]

Nice looking, but kill the tax credits for all these type of vehicles. If they can't make it in the free market, then they're not ready for prime time yet.

 

the current prices of a volt are approaching the price of the old GMT900 Silverado Hybrid ($40K) if they keep pricing the Volt the same way they have been; the Volt will be relegated to being a Rich Person's Plaything.

[okfoz]

The biggest problem (Especially now) is the extra cost for a Volt or EV does not outweigh the extra fuel you would pay for in a similar sized Gas car.

 

It takes one heck of a long time to use $20,000 or $15,000 in fuel. Especially when you start to factor in the extra costs of higher insurance, more expensive license plates. It would be 156,000 miles you would break even at $4.00/gallon. Now that gas i $2.00 a gallon it would take at least 250,000 miles to break even on a volt, and that was under the assumption that you would never need gas (which it does use gas)

 

The concept is fantastic, and the technology is awesome, The styling is nice enough, but it is just too expensive right now to be practical for those of us who are frugal.

[Coppertone]

Man, I love tech. Strong, faster, smarter, lighter, cheaper, more efficient, etc.

[Silverado4x4]

The biggest problem (Especially now) is the extra cost for a Volt or EV does not outweigh the extra fuel you would pay for in a similar sized Gas car.

 

It takes one heck of a long time to use $20,000 or $15,000 in fuel. Especially when you start to factor in the extra costs of higher insurance, more expensive license plates. It would be 156,000 miles you would break even at $4.00/gallon. Now that gas i $2.00 a gallon it would take at least 250,000 miles to break even on a volt, and that was under the assumption that you would never need gas (which it does use gas)

 

The concept is fantastic, and the technology is awesome, The styling is nice enough, but it is just too expensive right now to be practical for those of us who are frugal.

 

Plus you have to add the higher electric bill for your home when you plug it in.

[truckofwinandawesome]

 

Plus you have to add the higher electric bill for your home when you plug it in.

 

that is true, what you normally spend in gasoline, has now been shifted to your home's Electric Bill.

[MikeNH]

 

that is true, what you normally spend in gasoline, has now been shifted to your home's Electric Bill.

Depends on your region. Especially in areas with lower off-peak rates. Then you have free charging stations available. As much as I'd love it you don't see free gas pumps at the airport next to the dedicated EV charging stations.