2013 Chevy Volt increases range to 38 electric miles, 98 MPGe

From AB




2013 Chevrolet Volt Boosts EV Range to 38 Miles
Battery storage capacity increase and cell chemistry changes enable
improved range

2012-06-07

DETROIT – The all-electric vehicle range of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt
will be 38 miles on a single charge, providing owners with a
three-mile EV range increase from the 2012 model. The miles per gallon
equivalent (MPGe) will increase from 94 miles to 98 miles and the
total range, including extended range operation, will be 380 miles.

Based on real-world experience by Volt owners since the vehicle
launched in late 2010, engineers made minor changes to the material
composition of the battery cell chemistry, resulting in improved
performance and durability. Manganese spinel chemistry remains the
foundation for the Volt's battery system, but the amount of each
material has been slightly modified to provide better life
performance.

"The best way to explain what we've done at the cell level is to
compare it to a cake batter recipe. Sometimes if you use more sugar
and less vanilla you get a better tasting cake. We've done some work
at the cell level to modify the 'ingredients' to make a better end
result," said Bill Wallace, GM director of Global Battery Systems
Engineering. "This attention to detail will allow our customers
to experience more pure EV range, which is the true benefit of owning
a Volt."

In addition, the total storage capacity of the Volt battery has been
increased from 16 kWh of energy to 16.5 kWh, and engineers have
expanded the state-of-charge window to use 10.8 kWh of the total
battery energy – up from 10.3 kWh used in the 2012 model. The battery
system maintains a buffer to ensure battery life, but that buffer has
been reduced.

The improved EV range capability will result in slight increases to
the Volt's charge times. A full recharge using a 120V could take 10.5
hours and 4.25 hours using a 240V charging unit.

Cells with improved chemistry have accumulated 150,000 test miles to
date. The tests have revealed less battery degradation, the ability to
withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius and less impact
by energy throughput.

For the first 38 miles, the Volt can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions
free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16.5-kWh
lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas-powered
engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range
another 344 miles on a full tank. Volt owners have travelled more than
65 million miles since the vehicle launched late 2010. Roughly
two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid electricity.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's
largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and
selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides
customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited
performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on
Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.


New for 2013

Increase in EPA-estimated EV range of three miles, to 38 miles
Hold drive mode in addition to Normal, Sport and Mountain drive modes,
allows owners to conserve battery charge for use in the most efficient
manner
Low-emissions package (e-AT-PZEV) makes Volt eligible for
single-occupancy HOV-lane access in California and New York
Body color roof and liftgate
Pebble Beige premium cloth seats
Pebble Beige leather-appointed seats with suede inserts
Available audio system with GPS-based navigation, AM/FM/Sirius XM
stereo with CD player and MP3 playback capability, navigation and USB
port, seven-inch-diagonal touch-screen display and Radio Data System
Removable rear center armrest with storage included in available
Premium Trim Package
Comfort Package includes heated driver and front passenger cloth seats
and leather-wrapped steering wheel
Available Safety Package 1 includes auto-dimming inside rearview
mirror, rear park assist and rear vision camera
Available Safety Package 2 includes front park assist, forward
collision alert and lane departure warning systems


Product Overview
CHEVROLET VOLT: THE INNOVATIVE ANTIDOTE TO PAIN AT THE PUMP

The Chevrolet Volt has established an entirely new segment in the
global automotive market. It is a five-door, four-passenger car
designed to provide the fuel-saving and emissions-reducing benefits of
an electric vehicle without the range limitations associated with
all-electric vehicles.

With numerous awards that include prestigious North American Car of
the Year and European Car of the Year honors – as well as a loyal and
passionate customer base – the innovative Volt is bringing new
customers into Chevrolet dealerships.

For 2013, Volt offers an e-AT-PZEV specification that earns the Volt a
coveted "green sticker" for single-occupancy HOV lane access
in California and New York. Volt also adds a Hold mode that allows
owners to direct when the Volt uses its gas generator. This feature
helps save money because owners who mix city and highway driving can
save the battery charge for city travel, where the Volt's EV mode
operates most efficiently.

Other updates for 2013 include a body-color roof and decklid,
available lane departure warning system and forward collision alert
crash-avoidance technologies, as well as GPS-enabled navigation
capabilities to Chevy's MyLink infotainment system.

A new exterior color, Silver Topaz Metallic, and new interior color,
Pebble Beige, also join the Volt lineup.

The Volt is available throughout the U.S., with additional exports to
Europe, China and Canada.

The Volt is built at General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant,
home to the largest photovoltaic solar array in southeast Michigan.
The facility can use the 516 kilowatts of solar energy generated by
the 264,000-square-foot array (24,526 sq. m) to charge up to 150 Volts
or help power the plant.

Volt propulsion system

The heart of the Chevrolet Volt is its Voltec propulsion system, which
combines pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending engine,
giving the Volt up to 382 total miles (615 km) of range.

The Volt's long-life battery consists of a 5.5-foot (1.6 m), 435-pound
(198.1 kg) T-shaped, 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It supplies
energy to an advanced, 111-kW (149-hp) electric drive unit to propel
the vehicle. Using only the energy stored in the battery, the Volt
delivers an EPA-estimated 38 miles (61 km) of fuel- and tailpipe
emissions-free electric driving, depending on terrain, driving
techniques and temperature.

The Volt battery is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.
When the battery energy is depleted, the Volt seamlessly transitions
to extended-range mode. Power is inverted from a technically advanced,
1.4L 84-hp (63-kW) gasoline-powered onboard engine to the electric
drive unit to provide up to 344 (553 km) additional miles of range.

Charging the Volt's battery is simple and intuitive, and can be done
with a 120V conventional household electrical outlet, or a dedicated
240V charging station. The vehicle is completely rechargeable in about
four hours using a 240V outlet and 10 to 16 hours in a 120V outlet
(depending on charging level and outside temperature).

Once the vehicle is plugged in, owners can schedule either immediate
or delayed charges, even coordinating charging according to departure
time or when electricity rates are lower. Owners also can manage and
monitor the Volt remotely via computer on MyVolt.com; or via a
smartphone through RemoteLink, an exclusive smartphone application
powered by OnStar.

Volt design and exterior features

Working closely with aerodynamicists in GM's wind tunnel to shape the
Volt, design and engineering teams developed the most aerodynamic
vehicle in Chevrolet's history. By reducing the energy needed to
overcome air resistance, Volt aerodynamicists contributed an estimated
eight miles (5 km) of electric range, and 50 miles (80 km) of extended
range.

The Volt's rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille
enable air to move easily around the car to reduce drag. In the rear,
sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler control air flow. A n
aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass also help reduce
turbulence and drag.

Additional exterior features include:

Body-color roof and liftgate
Daytime running lamps with LED illumination
LED center high-mounted stop lamp
Heated and power-adjustable mirrors with integrated turn signal
indicators
Seventeen-inch five-spoke painted aluminum wheels are standard
Seventeen-inch five-spoke forged, polished aluminum wheels and 17-inch
sport alloy wheels with black inserts are available
Pedestrian-friendly alert, featuring a driver-activated horn chirp
Exterior color choices: Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Black,
Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Viridian Joule, Cyber
Gray Metallic, Blue Topaz Metallic and (new) Silver Topaz Metallic.
Volt interior

Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety
features customers expect in a premium five-door sedan – including
storage compartments and 40/40 rear-folding seats. It also delivers
them in a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options unlike
any offered before on a Chevrolet sedan.

Two seven-inch, high-resolution full-color screens are featured: One
is a reconfigurable graphic cluster display and the other, in the
center stack, features a touch-screen display, touch-control switches
and integrated shifter.

Standard interior features include:

Chevrolet MyLink includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and
smartphones, voice recognition for phone, music and radio, compatible
with Pandora and Stitcher with Gracenote (playlist and album art)
capability
Color touch AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, includes
seven-inch-diagonal color touch-screen display
USB audio interface port
SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a three-month trial
Bluetooth phone connectivity
Automatic climate control
Keyless access and ignition
MyVolt.com vehicle connectivity
Three auxiliary 12-volt power outlets – one in the front center
console, one in the rear console and one in the upper instrument panel
storage bin
Remote vehicle starting system
Universal Home Remote
Premium cloth seats
Front bucket seats with reclining seatbacks and adjustable head
restraints
Interior trim combinations include: Jet Black seat with Ceramic White
accents, Jet Black seats with Dark accents, Jet Black and White seats
with Ceramic White accents, Jet Black and Spice Red seats with Dark
accents, and Pebble Beige seats with Dark accents.
Available interior features include:

Audio system with navigation includes color touch AM/FM stereo with CD
player and MP3 playback capability, GPS navigation, USB port,
seven-inch diagonal touch screen display, Radio Data System, Chevrolet
MyLink
Bose energy-efficient, seven-speaker sound system
Comfort Package with heated driver and front passenger cloth seats and
leather-wrapped steering wheel
Safety Package 1 includes auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, rear
vision camera and rear park assist
Safety Package 2 is available when Safety Package 1 is ordered, and
includes front park assist, forward collision alert and lane-departure
warning to help drivers avoid potential collisions
Premium Trim Package with leather-appointed seat trim, heated driver
and passenger front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, removable
rear seat armrests and premium door trim.
Volt chassis and suspension

The Volt's MacPherson strut-type front suspension, sophisticated
compound crank rear axle and quick-reacting, rack-mounted electric
power steering system with ZF steering gear have been tuned to deliver
a smooth, refined ride with responsive handling and a solid, on-center
feel.

A low center of gravity combines with the wide track and long
wheelbase for balanced performance. Front and rear hydraulic ride
bushings help eliminate road harshness.

An electro-hydraulic regenerative brake system captures energy up to
0.2g for transfer back to the battery. The friction braking system
features large rotors with a special finishing process that protects
against corrosion and promotes longer life.

The Volt rides on lightweight aluminum wheels that weigh only 17.8
pounds (8.1 kg) each, compared to 24.2 pounds (11 kg) for typical
17-inch wheels. They're wrapped in Goodyear Fuel Max all-season,
low-rolling resistance tires optimized for electric vehicle range,
noise, feel and performance.

Volt safety and crash-avoidance features

The Volt helps protect occupants before, during and after a crash. C
rash-avoidance features include standard anti-lock brakes with
traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and
advanced, LED daytime running lamps that make the Volt more visible to
other motorists and pedestrians.

Occupant protection continues with a strong structure, and the
Chevrolet Volt's body-frame-integral structure strategically blends
advanced steels to help ensure crashworthiness and stiffness. Nearly
80 percent of the Volt's overall structure consists of high-strength,
advanced high-strength or ultra high-strength steel.

Because the Volt operates so quietly in all-electric mode, a
driver-activated feature sounds a noise to alert pedestrians,
particularly those with visual impairments, in an intersection. The
alert was developed in conjunction with the American Federation of the
Blind.

Additional safety features include:

Eight standard air bags, including dual-stage driver and passenger air
bags; front driver and passenger knee air bags to help mitigate lower
leg injuries; roof rail side-curtain air bags that extend over both
seating rows for side-impact and rollover protection; and seat-mounted
thorax and pelvic side air bags
Available forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems
warn drivers of a potential crash
Available front and rear park assist
Available rear vision camera
Automatic occupant sensing system detects the presence of a child or
smaller adult in the front passenger seat and suppresses the air bag
to help avoid an injury
Rollover sensing and protection system
Collapsible pedal assembly to protect against lower leg injuries
Safety belt retractor and lap belt pretensioners in the driver and
front passenger positions
LATCH child seat installation system in rear seating positions
Anti-lock brakes, traction control and StabiliTrak electronic
stability enhancement
Tire pressure monitoring system.
After a crash, the Chevrolet Volt offers the security of OnStar, which
uses built-in vehicle sensors to automatically alert an OnStar advisor
in certain types of collisions. The advisor is immediately connected
to the vehicle and can request that emergency help be sent to its
location.

OnStar details

Three years of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard
on Volt. OnStar is the global leading provider of connected safety,
security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology.

OnStar's RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control
vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions
directly to the vehicle. A new, opt-in service called FamilyLink
allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the
location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location
alerts.

Volt features new OnStar button icons. Drivers will notice an updated
look for the Hands-Free Calling button, blue OnStar button and red
Emergency button.
 
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