![]() ![]() THE concept of the first Chevrolet Volt was simple - drive 40 miles or so on battery power alone and then continue the journey with a gas-powered generator. For those who simply want to use a lot less of it, the refined Volt makes electric car ownership a worry-free experience. The strongest case against this car? Cheap gasoline. Volt is now easier on the eyes and the checkbook, starting at about 34 thousand bucks or 40 grand as-tested before the $7,500 federal tax credit. The open liftgate is a reach for smaller folks. There is no spare, not uncommon these days. (ON CAMERA) The glass panel for improved visibility is gone now but one thing remains, Volt is a practical hatchback. Bring the carpool gang along for the test drive to gauge the space. The outgoing car was strictly a four-seater, someone can now sit in the middle position. (ON CAMERA) Volt has never been known for expansive back seat room. Plug an iPhone into the USB jack and Apple CarPlay offers clear, simplified, operation. Plastics are hard but of high quality, anyone else see a nod to BMW in this color? The user interface is refreshingly crisp and straightforward. The Tomorrow Land touch surface is replaced with honest-to-goodness buttons and knobs. Occasionally, say on steep mountain grades, the gas engine directly powers the drive wheels, because it’s more efficient.Ĭhevrolet’s dual cockpit design continues the concept of keeping Volt normal. Guestimated gas fuel economy is about 40 miles-per-gallon if for some reason you never charge Volt up. My guess is my microphone is not picking it up. You will hear the engine if you floor it going up hills but it’s still pretty quiet. (ON CAMERA) Okay, I’ve just made the switch from battery only to gas-powered generator and if you’re not paying attention you may not notice it. That’s city driving, at freeway speeds range dropped to 40. Still, driving like a normal person, not babying it, I’m seeing about 45 miles out of the pack. ![]() That of course affects the performance of the battery pack. (ON CAMERA) The temperature has been hovering in the mid 30s during my week with Volt. In optimal weather, GM says electric-only range is about 53 miles. This engages more aggressive power regeneration, drive carefully and the brake pedal (SOUND UP) is seldom used. Coasting and braking sends voltage back to the pack. The substantial mass is felt in hard cornering. (ON CAMERA) Volt handles pretty well, there’s actually some road feel and since the battery is mounted low, it helps the center of gravity. Very quiet, a Buick badge wouldn’t feel out of place. At about 8.5 seconds it’s no Tesla in Ludicrous mode. The run to sixty is quicker that the outgoing Volt. Our friend torque gets the credit, electric motors have plenty off the line. (ON CAMERA) Volt is nice and punchy in city driving (SOUND UP) 0-30 takes about 2.5 seconds, that’s pretty quick. Volt’s tech is a geek’s feast but (START SOUND UP) what makes it great, right down to the shift lever, is that it feels like driving a normal car. A new feature (BEEP) gives you a head’s up. (ON CAMERA) I often forget to close the charge port door, it’s sort of like walking around with your fly open. Completely spent, it charges in 13 hours on 110 current or 4.5 on 220. Volt’s lithium-ion battery pack still runs down the spine but, with fewer cells, is lower and lighter. The two motor-generators buried under here are much closer in size to each other this time. Slightly larger, it’s 100 pounds lighter and drinks standard grade gas now. (SUPER) Electric power is 149 horsepower with 294 lb-ft of torque. Let’s start with the four-cylinder engine. The second generation is even more impressive. (ON CAMERA) I always admired the engineering of the Voltec powertrain, so much that, full disclosure, I bought one in the Cadillac ELR. The second gen adds refinement and efficiency, looking less like a mash up of Camaro and science experiment and more like a Honda Civic. ![]() Meaning you could drive to Duluth at the drop of a hat. The concept of the first Chevrolet Volt was simple- drive 40 miles or so on battery power alone and eliminate range anxiety with a gas-powered generator. It now looks less like a mash-up of the Chevrolet Camaro and a science experiment and more like a Honda Civic. Transcript Driven | 2016 Chevrolet Volt The second-generation Volt adds refinement and efficiency. ![]()
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