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May 17, 2012
We drive the Volt!
Philippe Crowe
The Chevrolet Volt is an electrically driven vehicle designed and engineered to operate in all climates, with a range of up to 580 km. We had the opportunity to drive the Volt during GM’s fleet event in Palm Springs last month. While the drive was short – about ten minutes – it did allow us a good first contact with this important car in Chevrolet’s stable.
According to General Motors, “the Chevrolet Volt is not a hybrid. It is a one-of-a-kind, all-electrically driven vehicle designed and engineered to operate in all climates, with a range of up to 580 kilometres. Powered by GM’s revolutionary Voltec propulsion system, it consists of a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit that provide pure electric range between 40 and 80 kilometres, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature.”
A 1.4L gasoline-powered engine extends the range up to an additional 500 kilometres on a full tank of fuel by operating the vehicle’s electric drive system until the car can be plugged in and recharged or refueled. This distinguishes the Volt from electric-only vehicles, which cannot be operated when recharging is not immediately available – such as during a power interruption or on a long-distance trip.
“The Chevrolet Volt makes the electric driving experience as productive, efficient, intuitive, safe and fun as any premium vehicle its size in the market today,” said Marc Comeau, vice-president of sales, service, and marketing.
Electric drive – the Volt way
The heart of the Chevrolet Volt is its Voltec propulsion system, which combines pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending engine.
The Volt’s long-life battery consists of a 1.67 m, 198.1 kg (5.5-foot, 435-pound) T-shaped, 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It supplies energy to a 111-kW (149-hp) electric drive unit. Using only the energy stored in the battery, the Volt delivers between 40 and 80 kilometres of electric driving, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature.
When the battery energy is depleted, the Volt seamlessly transitions to extended-range mode. Power is inverted from a technically advanced, 1.4L 63-kW (84-hp) gasoline-powered onboard engine to the electric drive unit to provide up to 500 additional kilometres of range.
The Volt reaches its goal by driving and feeling like any other car, aside from the lack of engine noise when in pure electric mode. GM’s statement to the fact the drive can be spirited is entirely true. No sports car, but the high torque of the electric engine allows for brisk accelerations.
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Photo courtecy of GM Canada
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More importantly for fleets, the Volt is a very practical car. Four adults will fit comfortably and the trunk is spacious, more than enough for anyone spending most of his or her time on the road – a travelling salesperson for example.
Charging the Volt’s battery is simple and intuitive, and can be done through 120V conventional household electrical outlets, or through a dedicated 240V charging station. The vehicle is completely rechargeable in about four hours using a 240V outlet and 10 to 12 hours in a 120V outlet.
In addition to the eight-year/160,000 km limited warranty on the Volt’s 16-kWh lithium-ion battery, Chevrolet offers the following coverage in Canada:
• Three-year/60,000 km bumper-to-bumper coverage
• Five-year/160,000 km roadside assistance and courtesy transportation
• Five-year/160,000 km limited gas engine coverage
• Six-year/160,000 km corrosion protection coverage.
Chevrolet dealers in the marketing areas for Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Oshawa, Ottawa-Gatineau, Montreal, and Quebec City are currently taking orders for the Volt, with an MSRP starting at $41,545 and delivery beginning in the third quarter of this year. The Volt will be available at dealerships nation-wide within twelve months of the retail launch.
Photo credit Philippe Crowe
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