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John Goreham Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com 2-28-2019 Today marks the official end to General Motors' most successful green vehicle, the Chevy Volt. The Volt went out as the current sales leader in the electric vehicle segment produced by GM. In 2018, the Volt outsold the Bolt, and for the past three sales years had stomped its original nemesis, the Nissan Leaf, into the compost pile, outselling it by 2 to 1 at certain points in that span, and handily outselling the Leaf for each of those years. The only other affordable electric vehicle to consistently outsell the Volt over the past couple of years was the Toyota Prius Prime. The Chevy Volt wasn't just a success in its own small world. Since its inception, the Volt outsold the EVs made by every German luxury brand, by Ford, by Toyota, by all of the FCA brands, by Mitsubishi, Mazda, Subaru, and many other important vehicles manufactures - combined. To call the Volt anything other than a smashing success within its segment is an understatement. If you are a political junkie, you may remember that former President Barack Obama once visited the plant that built the Volt and said that once he was done being President he'd buy one. He has not kept that promise. The Volt also broke through its green car status by being a Motor Trend Car of the Year, and an award winner in general vehicle categories by Car and Driver and Motorweek. GM has now discontinued building Volts, a fact that GM-Trucks confirmed with GM's Katie Minter. The 2019 Volt is still on sale until inventory is consumed. That could take a few months, possibly more. If we have any members who own Volts, perhaps they could offer their personal opinions on the vehicle.
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John Goreham Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com 11-3-2017 October was the month that the Chevy Bolt shot past the competition to be the number-one selling electric vehicle in America. With sales of 2,781 units, the Bolt led the pack with the Volt in number three overall with sales of 1,362 units. The Bolt outsold the entirety of Tesla's three models, which totaled just 2,115 units. This is the third straight month of Bolt sales above 2,000 units, and its ninth month of steady sales increases as the launch of the 238-mile affordable EV reaches its full potential. The Toyota Prius Prime was in second place for the month and the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Minivan was in fourth.
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John Goreham Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com 12-12-2016 For the first time ever, no V8 engines are on the Wards 10 Best Engine list. Wards is all about turbos and hybrids these days. Chevy picked up an award for the Volt's 1.5-liter EREV (extended range electric vehicle) engine. The Volt engine sports a 42 MPG rating when operating as a hybrid. GM's second-generation Volt motor is also 100 pounds lighter than the first generation and the Volt has an all-electric range of 53 miles (about 13 more than the EVangelists tell is all anyone who matters really needs). Wards says that the Volt engine is "...one of the most innovative and disruptive propulsion systems ever produced." Disruptive is all the rage these days. One thing we like about the Volt and its engine is that it is within striking range of being the top-selling EV in America this year with 21,048 units sold. Remember, iven if you are not a fan of EVs, every EV (and its ZEV credits) GM creates enables that many more V8s for Trucks, Camaros, and Corvettes.
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John Goreham Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com 8-1-2016 This morning, Chevrolet announced in a press release that its Chevy Volt has surpassed the 100,000 vehicle's sold mark. The upbeat press release sings the praises of the Volt, but are sales of 100K units since 2010 really reason for celebration? That depends on your viewpoint of green cars. The Volt began sales in 2010. However, production had not been fully worked out until about 14 months later in early 2012. By then, Chevy was capable of producing about 2,000 Volts per month if it chose to do so. Volt sales peaked in August of 2013 at 3,350 units sold. It was the only month that the Volt broke 3,000 units. Sales have plateaued for the Volt. This despite being transitioned to sales not just in the 11 CAR-compliant states that mandate EV sales, but in all states as of March of this year. Adding the other 39 states did not boost sales to previous highs. Chevy has not broken 2,000 units since October of 2015 (July sales numbers were not available at the time of this writing). The Prius presently outsells the Volt by about 5 to 1. EV advocates look at the Volt differently. First, there are the fanatical EVangelists who will decry that since it uses gasoline, the Volt is not even a green car. Others take a more pragmatic approach and will point to Chevy's argument that "Volt drivers have saved nearly 58 million gallons of fuel." That claim is based on a comparison to the average vehicle's 25 MPG fuel efficiency. Compare the Volt to the 50 MPG+ Prius or Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in and the results of the comparison are very different. Chevy (Bob Lutz in particular) deserves congratulations for thinking outside the box. EVs that have some sort of on-board gasoline range extender now outsell battery-electric EVs and the market has a clear preference for plug-in hybrids when affordability is considered. With the new, all-electric, 200-mile 2017 Chevy Bolt scheduled to begin production in two months, it will be very interesting to see how the Volt and Bolt do when sold side-by-side.
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The second engine is the 2016 Volt's new 1.5-liter range extender. I like it because to me, suffering range anxiety in an affordable car while trying to be green seems ridiculous. GM's Volt idea made sense when Lutz came up with it, and it makes a lot more sense now that electricity is more expensive as a fuel than is gasoline. Mr. Winter said of the Volt's "propulsion system", “General Motors has taken what already is the most innovative and disruptive propulsion system in the auto industry and made it lighter, stronger and a lot more fun to drive. In fact, the new Voltec system delivers the impossible: an exciting electric car with zero range anxiety.” How about that? Two stories in a week about engines and we still have not mentioned the Duramax - Oops! -
John Goreham Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com 12/15/2015 General Motors has scored two "Top Ten Engines" awards from WardsAuto. The first is a favorite of this writer, the 3.6-liter V6 found in the all-new Chevrolet Camaro. The 3.6-liter, normally aspirated engine has been around a while, but it has improved like a fine wine. Drew Winter, director, Content at WardsAuto said of the engine, “The 3.6 delivers the kind of power (335 hp) and lusty exhaust note you associate with a V-8 for the price of a V-6. Plus, it’s loaded with advanced technology, including fuel-saving cylinder deactivation.” Personally, I like it because it offers great power, torque and fuel economy and does not have a turbocharger. Even better, the specs you see, and the fuel economy numbers posted by EPA, all use regular unleaded as the fuel. The second engine is the 2016 Volt's new 1.5-liter range extender. I like it because to me, suffering range anxiety in an affordable car while trying to be green seems ridiculous. GM's Volt idea made sense when Lutz came up with it, and it makes a lot more sense now that electricity is more expensive as a fuel than is gasoline. Mr. Winter said of the Volt's "propulsion system", “General Motors has taken what already is the most innovative and disruptive propulsion system in the auto industry and made it lighter, stronger and a lot more fun to drive. In fact, the new Voltec system delivers the impossible: an exciting electric car with zero range anxiety.” How about that? Two stories in a week about engines and we still have not mentioned the Duramax - Oops!
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The Volt has its ups and downs in terms of sales. Mostly downs of late, but the new 2016 model is significantly improved in so many ways it is hard to ignore. For example, the Volt now has an EPA-rated range of 53 miles. That is a whopping 40% increase in range over the first-generation Volt. EV enthusiasts (EVangelists) like to state at any given opportunity, that most drivers don't drive more than 40 miles per day. Typically that argument comes up when EV fans are trying to explain why we should not have range anxiety. That has never been an issue for the Volt, since it can run on gas and gas is everywhere and takes less than five minutes to fill up a Volt. In July Chevy sold 1,313 volts, topping the Nissan Leaf's 1,174 units sold. The Volt therefore was either the top-selling EV, or the top-selling affordable EV. Tesla doesn't say what it sold month to month, so we are never sure until it is forced to report by SEC rules. Either way, the Volt had a hell of a month (for an EV). The Chevy Volt has increased its sales in each of the month of 2015 and its run rate is now almost triple what it was in January. The Leaf's sales have declined significantly since last year when it had four 3,000+ unit months. -
John Goreham Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com 8/4/2015 Love it or not, the Chevy Volt was a unique approach to meeting the demands by CARB and a tiny number of auto buyers that want cars that use less gas, or no gas. Many Volt owners consider their car an "Electric car." We don't disagree. GM tracks the miles of EV operation by Volt owners and says that it is at 80%. Most Volt owners use their car as an EV. The Volt has its ups and downs in terms of sales. Mostly downs of late, but the new 2016 model is significantly improved in so many ways it is hard to ignore. For example, the Volt now has an EPA-rated range of 53 miles. That is a whopping 40% increase in range over the first-generation Volt. EV enthusiasts (EVangelists) like to state at any given opportunity, that most drivers don't drive more than 40 miles per day. Typically that argument comes up when EV fans are trying to explain why we should not have range anxiety. That has never been an issue for the Volt, since it can run on gas and gas is everywhere and takes less than five minutes to fill up a Volt. In July Chevy sold 1,313 volts, topping the Nissan Leaf's 1,174 units sold. The Volt therefore was either the top-selling EV, or the top-selling affordable EV. Tesla doesn't say what it sold month to month, so we are never sure until it is forced to report by SEC rules. Either way, the Volt had a hell of a month (for an EV). The Chevy Volt has increased its sales in each of the months of 2015 and its run rate is now almost triple what it was in January. The Leaf's sales have declined significantly since last year when it had four 3,000+ unit months.
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John Goreham Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com 5/04/2015 This news story will come danger-close to an opinion piece, but we will try to stick the facts. Here is a fact: According to KBB, new vehicle prices are rising. However, not all segments are costing more. Truck prices are rising the most sharply. KBB says that new full-size truck prices are up 4.5% since this time last year. Mid-size trucks are up 3.5%. That means that if your buy-price for a new truck is $40K, you are paying $1,800 more for your new truck this year than buyers did last year. It is easy to shrug off that increase as being due to inflation. However, inflation is nowhere near that level right now. In fact, it is at -0.1%. That's right, things in general cost less this year than last. So why are you paying more for your truck? Meet the 2016 Chevy Volt. Sales have been in a tailspin for the past year. That is a big problem for GM. California and other states now mandate zero emissions vehicles and the Volt is GM's main way of dealing with that. Sales must increase. The new Volt is better in every measurable way. It will have better fuel economy, a longer range, more perky performance, is safer, and it even grew a seat! It is now a 5-passenger vehicle rather than 4. Amazingly, the price has dropped. New Volts cost $1,200 less than outgoing Volts. Surely that is due to breakthroughs in technology. The truck folks couldn't be subsidizing the Volt owners, right? The Volt also provides its owner with a $7,500 federal income tax rebate (assuming they have taxes to pay to be rebated). Even better, state revenues also go to Volt buyers in the form of instant rebates. In many states that rebate is up to $1,500. Stop and imagine what your latest truck would have cost you if instead of a price increase of $1,800, it went down by $1,200 and then you got a check back for $9,000 from your governments. What would you do with the approximately $12,000?
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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." -
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."
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Chevrolet has been leaking small details about the new (2016) Volt for the last month but this is the first time we've seen a completely undisguised photograph of the vehicle. This photo was posted to Facebook by a GM employee late last night. What we know about the second generation Volt so far: All new Voltec extended range system Increased electric range New battery pack is 30-lbs lighter and increases capacity by 20% by volume Two motor drive unit operates 5-12 percent more efficiently and weighs 100-lbs less All new 1.5L gasoline engine will act as range extender New charging system will use electric rates and GPS to determine location for best charging time and settings to use New charging status indicator will allow for quick reference without entering vehicle New charging cord is 25ft longer for increased access Look for more details and photos of the new Volt to surface soon! -
By Zane Merva Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com 11/20/2014 The next generation Chevrolet Volt has been uncovered. Above is the very first public look at the new extended range plug-in hybrid expected to officially debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in January. Chevrolet has been leaking small details about the new (2016) Volt for the last month but this is the first time we've seen a completely undisguised photograph of the vehicle. What we know about the second generation Volt so far: All new Voltec extended range system Increased electric range New battery pack is 30-lbs lighter and increases capacity by 20% by volume Two motor drive unit operates 5-12 percent more efficiently and weighs 100-lbs less All new 1.5L gasoline engine will act as range extender New charging system will use electric rates and GPS to determine location for best charging time and settings to use New charging status indicator will allow for quick reference without entering vehicle New charging cord is 25ft longer for increased access Look for more details and photos of the new Volt to surface soon! EDIT: Chevrolet has officially released these new teaser photos this morning
