Chevrolet unveiled its electric future at the Detroit Auto Show today, showing journalists the next-generation extended range electric vehicle Volt and an all-new electric vehicle to be named Bolt. Volt extends its EV operating range by 31 percent and the new Bolt EV concept is said to eliminate range anxiety by delivering up to 200 miles per charge.
Image courtesy NAIAS
The 2016 Volt will feature a sleeker and sportier design while adding back a seating position for total occupancy of five. The next Volt will feature a new two-motor drive unit said to be more efficient while shedding 100 pounds and will give the car better 0-30 mph performance.
Battery capacity is increased to 18.4 kWh using 192 cells and thereby trimming another 20 pounds. The heart of the system will also feature a new 1.5-liter gas motor that should deliver fuel efficiency of 41 mpg when Volt is not operating in EV mode.
Chevrolet will deliver Volt with a new 120V portable charge cord that features a simpler, more compact design with a more convenient storage location.
The Bolt Electric Vehicle Concept debuted in Detroit showing Chevrolet’s commitment to the EV future of driving and is making a big statement by boasting some 200 miles of electric driving range on a single charge and, when it arrives, should have a pricetag around 30 grand.
GM CEO Mary Barra said that while the Bolt EV is just a concept vehicle at this stage, the points to Chevy’s commitment to making vehicles such as this attainable and not exclusive. Bolt will allow drivers to select operating modes to match driving styles and the different modes will adjust pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning.
Bolt will utilize lightweight materials as well as aero-optimizing design elements to end up as a sleek, efficient EV that Barra says will obviously be a Chevy.