2012 Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Volt Reviews

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by General Motors. According to General Motors the Volt can travel 25 to 50 miles (40 to 80 km) on its lithium-ion battery alone. The EPA official all-electric range is 35 miles (56 km), and the total range is 379 miles (610 km). The 2012 Volt base price will be US$1,005 less than the 2011 model, as the base configuration has been defeatured. The 2011 Volt is being sold only in selected U.S. markets and nationwide availability of the 2012 model year is expected by November 2011. Deliveries of the 2012 Volt began in Canada in September 2011, and the suggested retail price starts at CAD 41,545 (US$43,568) before any available rebates. The initial Canadian launch is also limited to selected markets and availability in the rest of Canada is expected before the end of 2012. Volt is unique among electric vehicles because you have two sources of energy. You have an electric source a battery that allows you to drive gas free for an EPA–estimated 35 miles. And there's also an onboard gas generator that produces electricity so you can go up to a total of 375 additional miles on a full tank of gas.

The Chevrolet Volt concept car became the first application of the E-Flex (Voltec) drive system with a combination of an electric motor, the same used in the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell, a 16 kWh (58 MJ) lithium-ion battery pack with 136 kW of peak power, and a genset consisting of a small 1.0 L, 3-cylinder turbocharged flex-fuel capable engine linked to a 53 kW (71 hp) generator. General Motors called this genset an electric vehicle (EV) range extender. The vehicle was propelled by an electric motor with a peak output of 120 kW (160 hp) delivering 236 lb-ft (320 N-m) of motoring torque. The Volt concept featured a 12 US gal (45 l; 10.0 imp gal) fuel capacity providing the vehicle a total driving range of around 640 mi (1,030 km), which considered a gasoline fuel efficiency of about 50 mpg-US (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg-imp) and a 40 mi (64 km) all-electric range. According to General Motors estimates, a daily drive of 60 mi (97 km), combined with an overnight recharge to support the first 40 all-electric miles, would yield an effective gasoline fuel economy of 150 mpg-US (1.6 L/100 km; 180 mpg-imp).

2012 Chevrolet Volt

2012 Chevrolet Volt

The connection is direct: head, right foot, motor, power. Without a traditional transmission, 273 lb.ft. of low end torque has nowhere to go except to the tires and pavement. This helps explain why a vehicle with an electric propulsion system can feel so powerful and exhilarating. No wonder Volt has the ability to reach a test track speed of 100 mph. There's the smooth whisper like quiet ride, perfect for expressing your astonishment. Enhance efficiency. Have a ball. Simply keep the ball green and in the center of the gauge to enjoy optimal battery efficiency.

After the concept was put into the pipeline for production, General Motors began looking for a partner to develop the Volt's lithium-ion battery pack. The carmaker evaluated about twenty-five different battery cell chemistries and constructions from around two dozen lithium-ion battery makers around the world. A 16kWh lithium–ion battery pack powers Volt for an EPA–estimated 35 miles on a full charge. If you also have a full tank of gas, the total driving range is up to 375 miles11. It's electric when you want it, gas when you need it. The driving tests were conducted at GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. Several of the journalists noted that the Volt mule's drive in electric mode is quiet and smooth, without any of the typical noises in commercially available hybrids when accelerating or decelerating. If the battery runs low, you don't have to worry because Volt automatically transitions to a unique gasoline range–extending capability. Even if you never use it, you know you've got a backup plan. Chevy puts the same kind of confidence behind our 8–year/100,000–mile Battery and Voltec Component Limited Warranty.

2012 Chevrolet Volt

For 2012, Chevrolet Volt offers a number of striking interior color combinations. Choose between available Jet Black leather–appointed seats with Ceramic White or Spice Red or Green inserts, which come with complementary interior accents. Two interactive LCD color screens constantly provide feedback; like real–time info on energy usage and power flow. Efficiency feedback based on your driving style. Even how much charge remains in the battery. One screen actually allows you to program a charging schedule based on electricity rate plans. the 2012 Volt standard features will include a passive remote keyless access with passive locking allowing the car to automatically lock and unlock with the key fob in close proximity of vehicle; OnStar turn-by-turn navigation for three years, and available in-dash navigation system; and Chevrolet MyLink including Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones. The 2012 Volt will be available in two additional interior accents: white and spiced red; and two new exterior colors: summit white and blue topaz metallic.

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