Applying a new technology into regular use is so difficult because of the requirements it needs to fulfill. After all, it means asking people to quit certainty for hope. Flaunting the novelty’s advantages will bring a lot of smiles, indeed, but most buyers will care much about whether it does regular tasks as well as the current technology. If you want an example, this is exactly what happens with electric vehicles: people do appreciate the idea of polluting less, but not if it means excessive prices or the risk of being stranded due to reduced battery ranges. Therefore, in nowdays most of the work done with alternative propulsions regards making them viable, rather than looking for new ones. This is the biggest feature of Volt’s new generation, by the way.
Just like before, this is an all-electric vehicle, which uses a combustion engine only to extend its range. Volt had its batteries reworked, so as to reduce the number of cells by 96, increase their storage by 1.3 kWh, and decrease their weight by 10 kg. Still arranged in a “T” shape, they lie lower now, which does the same with the center of gravity. The gasoline unit is now an Ecotec 1.5, which accounts for 101 hp and uses regular gasoline, whereas the previous car required premium. Chevrolet claims the new Volt delivers combined power and torque of 149 hp and 294 lb-ft, along with better levels of noise, vibration and harshness. It goes from 0 to 30 mph in 2.6 seconds and to 60 in 8.4, and travels 50 miles in EV mode or 400 miles helped by the 1.5, making estimated 102 MPGe.
Such numbers are the result of an extensive work. Volt’s energy is managed by the Traction Power Inverter Module, which puts both propellers to work together more frequently than before – nevertheless, they preserve the typical scheme of restricting the combustion engine’s role mostly to those situations where high power is needed. Besides, the driver can choose from four driving modes: Normal, Sport (delivers stronger accelerations), Mountain (focused on defeating steep grades, rather than actual mountains) and Hold (imposes the extended-range mode for highway driving and to maintain battery charge). Regen on Demand, in turn, is an additional feature which is activated by a paddle and recaptures deceleration energy by itself, in order to recharge the batteries faster.
Drivers will make use of such powertrain from an all-new cabin. GM’s “dual cockpit” concept made the dashboard look more fluid and stylish. There are more chrome inserts, but still far from being too much; buttons and knobs had design and position updated; the central stack became shorter, more integrated to the rest of the room and, thus, way less intimidating; and the steering wheel caught up with the latest Chevrolets’. You can take it in ash gray, jet black and brandy/jet black, with leather seats coming in the latter. The rear seat was adapted to take a third occupant, but he or she won’t have the same comfort. Besides, there are two 8” screens: the regular one works as the instrument cluster, while the touch-sensitive one operates MyLink with some all-new, Volt-exclusive features.
Those who take a moment to contemplate the new Volt from the outside will be headed for a smile. The notchback silhouette was the only feature preserved from the previous vehicle, due to its efficient aerodynamics. However, the rest of it turns interesting when seen this way: it became one of the (very) few alternative-propulsion cars that look normal. Chevrolet’s latest design language appears at a wider double grille, sleeker headlights, rounded silhouette, tall waistline, and a combination of strong and discreet creases which aids to sportiness and imponence in the exact same proportion. There are energy-efficient LEDs for the entire external illumination, front and rear panels made of aluminum, 17” wheels, and a built-in spoiler formed by the trunk lid and the tail lights.
Features like these deserve special attention in this case because they brought Volt closer than ever to regular cars. Yes, we all live in a world whose craving for the new and the different is incessant, but Chevrolet doesn’t want its car to be forgotten as quickly as a social network post. Not only did Volt preserve its distinguishing characteristics as it also had them enhanced (even the design carries some resemblance), but the maker’s biggest accomplishment was to do this in a way that requires way less compromise with the customer than before. In other words, it’s a GM car just like any other, but with the advantages of low consumption and pollution, and the option of being recharged – 13 hours with a 120-volt outlet, or 4.5 hours with a 240-volt.