Chevrolet Volt (second generation)

The second generation Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid debuted at the 2015 North American International Auto Show to replace the original Volt, on sale since 2010.[7] Retail deliveries as a 2016 model year began in October 2015 in the U.S. and Canada,[8][9] and it was released in Mexico in December 2015.[10] Availability of the 2016 model was limited to California and the other 10 states that follow California's zero emission vehicle regulations.[8] It went on sale as a 2017 model year in the rest of the U.S. in February 2016.[11] Volt production ended on February 15, 2019.[12]

Chevrolet Volt
(second generation)
2017 Chevrolet Volt
Overview
ManufacturerChevrolet (General Motors)
Also calledBuick Velite 5 (China)
Production2015–February 15, 2019
Model years2016–2019
AssemblyUnited States: Detroit, Michigan (Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly)
China: SAIC-GM
DesignerJohn Cafaro
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car (C)
Body style5-door liftback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformGM D2UX platform
RelatedChevrolet Malibu Hybrid [1]
Powertrain
Engine1x 101 hp (75 kW) 1.5 L L3A I4 (gasoline) [2]
Electric motor
  • 1x 87 kW (117 hp)
  • 1x 48 kW (64 hp)
  • permanent magnet motor/generators
TransmissionVoltec 5ET50 Multi-mode electric transaxle
Hybrid drivetrainSeries hybrid/Parallel hybrid[3] GM Voltec
Battery18.4 kWh, 14 kWh usable [4]
Range420 mi (680 km)[5]
Electric range53 mi (85 km)[5]
Plug-in charging120 V (13 hours), 240 V (4.5 hours) AC [6]
Dimensions
Wheelbase106.1 in (2,690 mm)
Length180.4 in (4,580 mm)
Width71.2 in (1,810 mm)
Height56.4 in (1,430 mm)
Curb weight3,543 lb (1,607 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Volt (first generation)

Featuring a restyled exterior and interior, the Volt's revised battery system and drivetrain allow, under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, an all-electric range of 53 mi (85 km), up from the first generation's 38 mi (61 km). The EPA combined fuel economy in gasoline-only mode was rated at 42 mpg‑US (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg‑imp), up from 37 mpg‑US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg‑imp) for the previous generation. The official rating for combined city/highway fuel economy in all-electric mode is 106 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPG-e), up from 98 MPG-e for the 2015 first generation model.[5][13]

Specifications

The Volt's revised batteries and Voltec powertrain feature a larger 1.5-liter range extender engine tuned for regular gasoline instead of premium required by the first generation.[7][14] The new engine is rated for 101 horsepower (75 kW), representing approximately 20% more power than the engine used in the previous generation.[2]

As with the first Voltec iteration, the second generation battery pack uses battery cells by LG Chem. Their new chemistry reportedly stores 20% more electrical energy. The second generation battery pack uses fewer cells (192 vs 288), weighs 29 lb (13 kg) less and features a capacity increased to 18.4 kWh. The battery pack is projected to use a power controller integral to the motor housing with electric motors weighing 100 lb (45 kg) less while using less rare-earth metal.[7][15][16]

Voltec 1.5L gasoline-powered engine (left) and power inverter on top of the electric motor (right)

Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, the 2016 model year Volt all-electric range is 53 mi (85 km), up from the first generation's 38 mi (61 km). Total driving range is 420 mi (680 km). The EPA combined fuel economy in gasoline-only mode was rated at 42 mpg‑US (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg‑imp), up from 37 mpg‑US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg‑imp) for the previous generation. The official rating for combined city/highway fuel economy in all-electric mode is 106 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPG-e), up from 98 MPG-e for the 2015 first generation model.[5][13][17] The combined gasoline-electricity fuel economy rating of the 2016 model year Volt is 77 mpg‑US (3.1 L/100 km; 92 mpg‑imp) equivalent, 82 MPG-e in city driving and 72 MPG-e in highway. Both the all-electric range and fuel economy ratings are the same for the 2017 model year Volt.[18] As of March 2016, and excluding all-electric cars, only the BMW i3 REx has a better combined gasoline-electricity rating (88 MPG-e) than the Volt.[19]

Likewise, only second to the BMW i3 REx, the 53 mi (85 km) all-electric range is the second longest-range achieved by any plug-in hybrid car available for sale.[5] Chevrolet expects that many 2016 Volt owners will run on battery only for 90% of their daily trips, up from 80% for the first generation owners based on OnStar data and other studies.[5] To increase the electrically driven miles, the Volt would need better charging capabilities. The Volt's onboard charger can only handle 3.6[20] kW though, which is sufficient for overnight charging at the owner's home but falls short of the capabilities of public chargers. 7.2 kW charging system is standard on the 2019 Volt Premier. 7.2 kW charging system upgrade is a factory option on the 2019 Volt LT. The Volt also lacks a DC quick charging connector.

Comparison of fuel economy, out-of-pocket fuel costs and range for the two Volt generations
as rated by EPA as of March 2016 with MPGe and conventional MPG(1)
(as displayed in the Monroney label and the US DoE fueleconomy.gov website)
VehicleYear
model		Operating
mode		EPA rated
combined
fuel economy		EPA rated
city
fuel economy		EPA rated
highway
fuel economy		Fuel cost
to drive
25 miles		Annual
fuel cost(1)
(15,000 mi)		EV range
(miles)		Total
range
(miles)		Notes
Second-generation Volt[18][17]2016/17Electricity only
106 mpg‑e (32 kW⋅h/100 mi; 20.2 kW⋅h/100 km)113 mpg‑e (30 kW⋅h/100 mi; 18.9 kW⋅h/100 km)99 mpg‑e (35 kW⋅h/100 mi; 22 kW⋅h/100 km)$1.01$65053 mi (85 km)430 mi (690 km)Regular gasoline.
The 2016/17 Volt has a combined
gasoline/electricity rating of 77 mpg-e
(city 82 mpg-e/hwy 72 mpg-e).[19]
Gasoline only42 mpg‑US (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg‑imp)43 mpg‑US (5.5 L/100 km; 52 mpg‑imp)42 mpg‑US (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg‑imp)$1.17
First-generation Volt[21]2013/15Electricity only98 mpg‑e (35 kW⋅h/100 mi; 22 kW⋅h/100 km)--$1.14$75038 mi (61 km)380 mi (610 km)Premium gasoline.
The 2013/15 Volt has a combined
gasoline/electricity rating of 62 mpg-e
(city 63 mpg-e/hwy 61 mpg-e).[22]
Gasoline only37 mpg‑US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg‑imp)35 mpg‑US (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg‑imp)40 mpg‑US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg‑imp)$1.63
Notes: (1) Based on 45% highway and 55% city driving. Electricity cost of US$0.13/kw-hr, premium gasoline price of US$2.41 per gallon, and regular gasoline price of US$1.96 per gallon (as of 18 March 2016). Conversion 1 gallon of gasoline=33.7 kW-hr.

Real-world driving reports from some Volt owners show they have been able to achieve maximum all-electric range of up to about 70 mi (110 km), depending on driving style and conditions, well in excess of the EPA estimate.[23][24][25] However, many gasoline vehicles, including performance oriented ones, report similar increases to the EPA's estimate when driven in an efficient manner.

Performance
2016 Chevrolet Volt
  • Top speed: 101 mph (163 km/h) (as tested)[26][27]
  • Acceleration:
    • 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): 7.1[28]–7.8 s[26]
    • Standing 1/4 mile: 15.6 s @ 85.7 mph[28] – 16.1 s at 86 mph[26]

Production and sales

The second generation Volt debuted at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.[7] At the Volt's debut, GM engineers said the second generation Volt was developed using extensive input from first generation owners.[29][30]

Frontal view of the 2017 model year Chevrolet Volt.

Production of the 2015 model year Volt ended by mid-May 2015, while manufacturing of pre-production units of the second generation began in March 2015.[31] The 2016 Volt starts at US$33,170 before any available government incentives, plus US$825 for destination; this price is US$1,175 lower than the 2015 model year Volt.[32] The order books for the second generation Volt opened in California on May 28, 2015. Series production began in August 2015.[33] After California, initial deliveries of the 2016 Volt included Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont; these are the other states that follow California's zero emission vehicle regulations.[34][35]

Rear view of the 2017 model year Chevrolet Volt

Deliveries to retail customers began in the U.S. and Canada in October 2015 as a 2016 model year.[8][9] Availability in the American market was limited to California and the other 10 states that follow California's zero emission vehicle rules. GM scheduled the second generation Volt to go on sale as a 2017 model year in the 39 remaining states by early 2016.[8] A total of 1,324 units of the second gen Volt were delivered in the U.S. in October 2015, out of 2,035 units sold that month.[8] The second generation Volt was released for retail customers in Mexico in December 2015. Pricing starts at 638,000 pesos (~US$36,880).[10]

Manufacturing of the 2017 model year Volt began in February 2016, and the first units arrived at dealerships at the end of February 2016. The 2017 model complies with stricter Tier 3 emissions requirements and is available nationwide. Pricing of the 2017 Volt starts at US$34,095, US$100 more than the 2016 model, while the Premier package starts at US$38,445. These prices do not include taxes or any applicable government incentives.[11] The Premier model offers two optional Driver Confidence packages with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Collision avoidance systems, lane-keep assist, and intelligent high beams.[11] The 2017 Premier also offers an adaptive cruise control option.[36]

Chevrolet Volt charging at a Level 2 station

In July 2014, Opel announced that due to the slowdown in sales, the Ampera will be discontinued after the launch of the second generation Volt and that Opel planned to introduce in Europe a successor product in the electric vehicle segment.[37] In April 2015, General Motors confirmed that it will not build the second generation Volt in right-hand-drive configuration. As only 246 units had been sold in Australia by mid-April 2015, the Holden Volt will be discontinued once the remaining stock is sold out.[38]

The Buick Velite 5 was introduced at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, a rebadged second generation Chevrolet Volt tailored for the Chinese market. The "Velite 5" was planned to be manufactured in China.,[39] but in the event, the car was called the Buick Velite 6 by the time it was actually released into the Chinese market in 2019. This model is to be sold exclusively in China with the same powertrain.[40]

In November 2018, GM announced it would cease Volt production on March 1, 2019, as the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant is being closed. The Detroit-Hamtramck plant also builds the Chevrolet Impala, Buick LaCrosse, and Cadillac CT6.[41][42] Production of the Volt ended on February 15, 2019.[12]

Buick Velite 5 front
Buick Velite 5 rear

According to the US 2018 model year ordering guide, new for the 2018 model year (2017 calendar year):[43]

Deletions 
  (G1E) Siren Red Tintcoat exterior color
  (GA1) Citron Green Metallic exterior color
  (GA6) Heather Gray Metallic exterior color
  (GMU) Pepperdust Metallic exterior color
  (NUF) California ULEV125 emissions
New Features 
  (G9A) Green Mist Metallic exterior color
  (G9K) Satin Steel Metallic exterior color
  (GPJ) Cajun Red Tintcoat exterior color
  (UD7) Rear Park Assist; available on LT through the available (V7Z) LT Driver Confidence Package
  (V7Z) LT Driver Confidence Package, includes (UD7) Rear Park Assist, (UFG) Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and (UKC) Side Blind Zone Alert
Changes 
  Steering wheel and shift knob on LT model are now vinyl (NK5/KI2); leather-wrapped versions available through the (PDB) Comfort Package
  Heated steering wheel RPO changed to KI3 from UVD; automatically turns on when heated seats are activated

For the US 2019 final model year (2018-2019 calendar year), Chevrolet has added the following new features:[44]

  • 7.2 kW charging system standard on the 2019 Volt Premier. 7.2 kW charging system upgrade is a factory option on the 2019 Volt LT.
  • Option to defer automatic engine-assisted heating system for more all-electric operation. New threshold is minus 13 degrees F / minus 25 degrees C.
  • Option to configure Low and Regen on Demand profiles that enable increased regenerative braking capabilities. This improves electric vehicle range and reduces wear and tear on friction brakes.
  • New Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen. The Infotainment 3 system provides a new energy app as well as capabilities for over the air updates.
  • New digital rear-view camera replacing the previous analog system.
  • New driver-switchable Adaptive Cruise Control option.
  • Power driver seat standard on 2019 Volt Premier and optional on 2019 Volt LT.

Reception
Second generation Chevrolet Volt badge

Car and Driver praised the shape, longer EV range, addition of a regenerative paddle, efficiency and big trunk. The reviewer did not like how the car lost its distinctive styling, that the rear middle seat had little leg room, and, at the full price of the car with all its options, one could buy a BMW. And for the "lows", Less than comfortable front seats, useless back seats and odd cornering imbalance. Overall, Car and Driver thought the Volt has been brought to the next level.[26] The second-generation Volt was awarded the "2016 Green Car of the Year" by Green Car Journal at the 2016 LA Auto Show. The Volt became the first model to receive this award more than once.[45]

The second generation Volt scored a "Top Safety Pick+" rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The plug-in hybrid scored a "Good" rating in all of the IIHS crash worthiness tests.[46] The second-generation Volt was named one of the top ten tech cars in 2016 by IEEE Spectrum.[47]

See also

References
  1. "2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Leads Segment in Efficiency" (Press release). US: General Motors. 2016-03-21. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
  2. Pearley Huffman. "2016 Chevrolet Volt Dissected: Powertrain, Design, Chassis, and More".
  3. "2016 Chevrolet Volt Powertrain: How It Works In Electric, Hybrid Modes". Green Car Reports.
  4. "2016 Chevrolet Volt Battery System" (PDF) (Press release). US: General Motors. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
  5. Jeff Cobb (2015-08-04). "2016 Chevrolet Volt Rated For 53 Miles Electric Range". HybridCars.com. Retrieved 2015-08-05.
  6. "Volt" (Press release). US: Chevrolet. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
  7. Mike Millikin (2015-01-12). "Next-gen Chevy Volt EREV is more efficient, with 50-mile electric range". Green Car Congress. Retrieved 2015-01-12.
  8. Jeff Cobb (2015-11-03). "2016 Volts Account For 1,324 Sales Out Of 2,035 October Deliveries". HybridCars.com. Retrieved 2015-11-03.
  9. Klippenstein, Matthew (2015-11-06). "Plug-in Electric Car Sales in Canada, October 2015: The Wallet Ballot". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  10. Mark Kane (2015-12-26). "2016 Chevrolet Volt Now On Sale In Mexico". InsideEVs. Retrieved 2015-12-26.
  11. Loveday, Steven (2016-02-28). "2017 Chevrolet Volt Arrives At Dealerships, Deals Announced". InsideEVs.com. Retrieved 2016-02-28.
  12. Naughton, Nora (2019-02-22). "GM's Detroit-Hamtramck production extended to January 2020". Detroit News. Retrieved 2019-02-23. Production of the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Volt ended on Feb. 15, GM spokesman Dan Flores said
  13. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy (2016-03-18). "Compare Side-by-Side - 2016/2015 Chevrolet Volt". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2016-03-20.
  14. Carroll, Rory (2015-01-05). "2016 Chevrolet Volt revealed early at CES". Autoweek. Retrieved 2015-01-05.
  15. Matthé, Roland; Eberle, Ulrich (2014-01-09). The Voltec system-Energy storage and electric propulsion. Elsevier. pp. 151–176. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-59513-3.00008-X. ISBN 9780444595133.
  16. Holloway, Hilton (2015-01-05). "All-new Chevrolet Volt previewed". Autocar. Retrieved 2015-01-05.
  17. Eric Loveday (2015-09-01). "Detailed Look At 2016 Chevrolet Volt EPA Ratings". InsideEVs.com. Retrieved 2015-09-02.
  18. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy (2016-03-18). "Compare Side-by-Side - 2017/2016 Chevrolet Volt". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2016-03-20.
  19. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy (2015-12-04). "Fueleconomy.gov's Top Fuel Sippers (EPA Ratings, All Years)". fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2016-03-20. Excludes all-electric vehicles. Click on the tab "Top Fuel Sippers (EPA Ratings, All Years)" - The 2013-2014 Chevrolet Volt has a combined fuel economy of 62 mpg-e, while 2016 Volt has a combined fuel economy of 77 mpg-e. The BMW i3 REx has a combined fuel economy of 88 mpg-e, and ranks as the most efficient EPA-certified current year vehicle with a gasoline engine.
  20. "2016 Chevrolet Volt Gets 3.6 kW Charger". insideevs.com. Retrieved 2017-06-03.
  21. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy (2015-08-14). "Compare Side-by-Side - 2013/2014/2015 Chevrolet Volt". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  22. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy (2014-07-25). "Fueleconomy.gov's Top Ten EPA-Rated Fuel Sippers (1984 to present) - All Years". fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2014-07-26. Excludes all-electric vehicles. Click on the tab "EPA Rated - All Years. The 2013–2014 Chevrolet Volt has a combined fuel economy of 62 mpg-e.
  23. "EV Mileage Estimate at 71 Miles".
  24. "New High EV Range Today".
  25. "70 EV Range Starting to Occur".
  26. Aaron Robinson (September 2015). "The gas-electric Volt, now quicker and less eccentric, is the embodiment of New Age versatility". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2015-11-03.
  27. "2016 Chevrolet Volt". Top Speed. 1 October 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  28. Kim Reynolds (2015-08-31). "2016 Chevrolet Volt First Test Review". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2016-06-05.
  29. Lindsay Brooke (2014-10-28). "New Volt Will Have Improved Powertrain and Longer Range". The New York Times. Retrieved 2014-11-15.
  30. Mark Phelan and Greg Gardner (2014-11-01). "GM CEO: 2016 Volt gets U.S. drivetrain, Detroit debut". Detroit Free Press. USA Today. Retrieved 2014-10-28.
  31. Eric Loveday (2015-03-30). "Pre-Production 2016 Chevrolet Volts Now Being Built – Pricing Announcement Expected Next Month". InsideEVs.com. Retrieved 2015-03-31.
  32. John Voelcker (2015-05-03). "2016 Chevrolet Volt Priced From $33,995, Or $1,175 Lower Than 2015 Volt". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  33. 2016 Chevy Volt Mass Production to Begin in August to Meet Orders in the US. July 2015
  34. Jeff Cobb (2015-05-23). "2016 Volt Ordering Begins This Month for Fall Deliveries". HybridCars.com. Retrieved 2015-08-05.
  35. Chris Bruce (2015-05-27). "Chevy Volt orders start tomorrow". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  36. "Set your speed and go. Adaptive Cruise is now available to order with your 2017 Volt!". 2016-04-13. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  37. Staff (2014-07-23). "Opel plans 'electric' successor to Ampera plug-in hybrid". Automotive News. Retrieved 2014-07-23.
  38. Mike Costello (2015-04-25). "The Holden Volt is dead". Car Advice. Retrieved 2015-04-26.
  39. Ogbac, Stefan (2017-04-18). "Extended range plug-in hybrid to be manufactured in China". Motortrend. US. Retrieved 2018-12-02.
  40. Sean Szymkowski (2017-03-24). "Buick Velite 5 Teased Ahead Of Introduction In China". GM Authority. Retrieved 2017-03-27.
  41. Evarts, Eric C. (2018-11-26). "GM to kill Chevy Volt production in 2019 (Updated)". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 2018-11-27.
  42. Tracy, David. "Dead: Chevrolet Volt (Updated)". jalopnik.com. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  43. "2018 Chevrolet Volt Order Guide". US: General Motors. 2017-04-21. Retrieved 2017-06-04 – via GM Authority.
  44. "2019 Chevrolet Volt". media.gm.com. 2018-06-28. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
  45. Sebastian Blanco (2015-11-19). "2016 Chevy Volt wins Green Car of the Year". Autoblog Green. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  46. Loveday, Eric (2016-09-24). "2017 Chevrolet Volt A Top Safety Pick+ According To IIHS". Inside EVs. Retrieved 2016-09-24.
  47. Ulrich, Lawrence (April 2016). "Top Ten Tech Cars 2016". IEEE Spectrum. 53 (4): 36–47. doi:10.1109/MSPEC.2016.7439592. ISSN 0018-9235. S2CID 40265053.
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