GM Tools
Volt Production Photo
© GM Corp
Volt Reveal
Full interior
Driver's Area
New Era In Automotive Transportation
The Chevrolet Volt is leading a new era of electrification of the automobile by creating a new class of vehicle known as the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or E-REV.
The Volt uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle's battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Volt eliminates "range anxiety," giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.
The Chevrolet Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle's intelligent charging technology enables the Volt's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted. At a cost of about 80 cents per day (10 cents per kWh) for a full charge that will deliver up to 40 miles of electric driving, GM estimates that the Volt will be less expensive to recharge than purchasing a cup of your favorite coffee. Charging the Volt about once daily will consume less electric energy annually than the average home's refrigerator and freezer units.
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT
General
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Vehicle type: |
5-door, front-wheel-drive sedan |
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Category: |
Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) |
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E-REV competitors: |
none |
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Chassis: |
independent McPherson struts front, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering |
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Seating capacity: |
four |
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Manufacturing location: |
Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly (subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives) |
Performance
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Top speed (mph): |
100 |
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EV range, city (miles): |
40 (based on EPA city cycle) |
Dimensions
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Wheelbase (in / mm): |
105.7 / 2685 |
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Length (in / mm): |
177 / 4404 |
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Width (in / mm): |
70.8 / 1798 |
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Height (in / mm): |
56.3 / 1430 |
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Cargo volume (cu ft / L): |
10.6 / 301 |
Battery system
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Type: |
lithium-ion |
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Energy (kWh) |
16 |
Electric drive unit
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Power (kW / hp): |
111 / 150 |
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Torque (lb-ft / Nm): |
273 / 370 |
Exterior
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Tire and wheel size: |
specially developed low rolling-resistance tires on 17-inch forged aluminum wheels |