After weeks of photo leaks, GM has finally unveiled the 2011 Chevy Volt during the automaker's 100-year celebration today.
"Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges."
The Volt is a five-door, five-passenger sedan that can travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone. Once the battery is depleted the 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 extends the Volt's range for several hundreds of miles until the battery can be recharged. To charge the Volt it can either be plugged into a 120 or 240 volt outlet. It will take a full 8 hours to charge it using the 120 volt outlet and only 4 hours using a 240 volt outlet. GM estimates that at current electricity rates it will only cost 80 cents per day to charge the Volt, which is obviously less expensive than the amount of gas it takes to travel 40 miles.
The 2011 Chevy Volt will enter production at the end of 2010.
Related Stories:
2011 Chevy Volt Unofficially Unveiled!
PRESS RELEASE:
CHEVROLET VOLT LEADS GENERAL MOTORS INTO ITS SECOND CENTURY
DETROIT – General Motors launched its next 100 years today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt – a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles.
"Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges."
Form follows function
The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created an aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle. Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more. The Volt's rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag.
Working closely with GM aerodynamicists to shape the Volt, design and engineering teams developed one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM's history. They spent hundreds of hours with the Volt in GM's wind tunnel, testing and re-testing parts such as the front and rear quarter panels, rear spoiler, rockers and side mirrors. Aerodynamic improvements enabled GM to reach the Volt's target of driving up to 40 miles (based on EPA city cycle) without using gasoline or producing emissions.
Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan, and it delivers them in a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options unlike any offered before on a Chevrolet sedan. Modern controls and attractive materials, two informational displays, and a touch-sensitive infotainment center with integrated shifter distinguish the Volt's interior from other vehicles in the market.
Some of Volt's interior technological features include:
* Driver-configurable, liquid crystal instrument display
* Standard seven-inch touch screen vehicle information display
* Touch screen-style climate and infotainment controls
* Optional navigation system with onboard hard drive for maps and music storage
* Standard Bluetooth for cellular phone and USB/Bluetooth for music streaming
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.
Charge out of driving
The Chevrolet Volt offers spirited driving performance in a remarkably quiet interior. More than 220 lithium-ion cells contained within the Volt's battery pack provide ample power. The Volt's electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. The lack of engine noise, combined with special sound-deadening materials, make the Chevrolet Volt an extremely quiet vehicle to drive.
GM estimates that the Volt will cost about two cents per mile to drive while under battery power compared to 12 cents per mile using gasoline priced at $3.60 per gallon. For an average driver who drives 40 miles per day (or 15,000 miles per year), this amounts to a cost savings of $1,500 annually. Using peak electric rates, GM estimates that an electrically driven mile in a Chevy Volt will be about one-sixth of the cost of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. The cost savings are even greater when charging during off-peak hours, when electric rates are cheaper.
The Chevrolet Volt is expected to be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States. Pricing has not been announced.
Comments (36)
Five doors, four passengers.
Posted by Brent | September 16, 2008 11:20 AM
Posted on September 16, 2008 11:20
Admittedly, it looks better than I thought after seeing the Transformers "peek" picture. I know I'll get slammed for saying this, but it reminds me of the overall shape of the Civic. Not a knock, by any means.
Maybe my initial feeling that GM screwed this up was a tad premature.
Posted by leguerre | September 16, 2008 11:23 AM
Posted on September 16, 2008 11:23
Oh yeah... gotta say, I don't like that iPod/Apple white console.
Posted by leguerre | September 16, 2008 11:26 AM
Posted on September 16, 2008 11:26
Cheap ass center console...
Posted by gilly | September 16, 2008 11:34 AM
Posted on September 16, 2008 11:34
At least it has more style and better looks than a prius.
I suppose for the sportier version we'll just have to wait and see what Cadillac can do with the platform.
The center console will be fixed by just about every after market manufacturer a month after release. Although Im betting there are more interior options to be announced soon.
Posted by :) | September 16, 2008 11:45 AM
Posted on September 16, 2008 11:45
This may be a look at the future of cars. Now, if the imports can catch up, copy then boost the technology. Competition is always good, and it is nice to see america lead a design to a practical electric drive car.
Posted by sparky | September 16, 2008 12:08 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 12:08
??!! The front end looks like the last TL! Clowns...guess one cant expect much from a domestic company like GM.
Posted by TC | September 16, 2008 12:24 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 12:24
unless it starts growing fangs its hardly a TL.
Posted by :/ | September 16, 2008 12:32 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 12:32
The center console color choice isn't the greatest, if I get this I'll replace it with an aftermarket one if it ever comes out. Something darker that blends in more and doesn't show so much dirt.
Overall the car looks really nice. I'd so get one.
Posted by Mathew | September 16, 2008 12:32 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 12:32
Something deep down inside tells me we're going to see more of this car on this site than the Challenger....
Posted by brad | September 16, 2008 12:33 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 12:33
very interesting vehicle, but still lack details.
i'm a bit confuse by this quote: GM estimates that the Volt will cost about two cents per mile to drive while under battery power compared to 12 cents per mile using gasoline priced at $3.60 per gallon.
does that mean the volt gets .12 cent per mile under generator mode? if so, my acura already getting 20mpg and if gasoline price at $3.60 per gallon, that comes out to about .18 cents per mile. why so much for the volt at .12 cent per mile under generator mode? the prius is still much cheaper to drive in term of gasoline price per mile. but the first 40 miles is great on the volt because you drive it under battery mode and only cost about .02 cents per mile. the majority of folks drive less than 40 miles per day.
Posted by vien | September 16, 2008 12:42 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 12:42
Finally a domestic car that actually goods good. We'll see if it still looks good once they starts rolling out the production plants.
Posted by ariemus | September 16, 2008 12:43 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 12:43
The point is for short distance driving, you will use only electric. It supposedly has a range of 40mi before having to recharge the battery via the gas "engine" which is basically a generator for charging the batteries.
It would be great for people like my wife who drives 7 miles each way for work.
The question I have is what will happen to the gas after it sits in the tank for a couple of months? Will it destabilizes? Will the driver need to not recharge it periodically to force it to use the gas?
Posted by t_r_nelson | September 16, 2008 12:59 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 12:59
If they offered this in a wagon version, and it wasn't overpriced, I think I would seriously consider one of these. I drive between 20 and 30 miles a day on average so this is something that could really work well in my life. I can't believe I actually like a vehicle made by Chevy that was produced after 1973.
Posted by Aktunka | September 16, 2008 1:00 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 13:00
Nice. I would be in the market for one. Now if I can talk my HOA into letting me put up that electric windmill generator I've wanted for so long.....
I would expect the price would have been announced. Unless its too much for this type of sedan. Or perhaps GM is really insolvent as the rumors are flying.
Posted by wvo | September 16, 2008 1:02 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 13:02
Awh... how cute...
It's a Fisher Price "My First Dash Design"...
Come on. Why do American cars have the worst interiors? Always some cheap plastic bits and nappy cloth. I'm just glad that Ford has decided to do away with regional versions of their vehicles and is selling the "European" versions world wide. The Escort will finally be hot in the US and not some crappy attempt to save some $$.
Are you paying attention Chevy?
I will give it this much... it isn't a bad looking car... on the outside... but it just looks like a Civic knock off.
Posted by James | September 16, 2008 1:10 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 13:10
Just read on autoblog that there is a color choice for the center console including metallic black and green. I'm sure there are other choices but personally I'd probably go with black. The white just stands out way too much.
Posted by Mathew | September 16, 2008 1:10 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 13:10
What a joke, the Volt was supposed to be all electric. All they've done here is make a hybrid. Gas engine + electric motor = hybrid! This is why I don't buy american cars anymore. In my book, this was GM's last chance at truely doing something new and great, Ever since the EV1 was canceled GM has lost it's teeth and is now run by old men that have NO idea what consumers really want. I'm shocked, stunned and disapponted that this is the car that held so much promise of doing something different and has now fallen to the same level of satisfaction as a typical hybrid p.o.s.
Posted by mike | September 16, 2008 1:16 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 13:16
for the poster who said 12c per gallon is alot did you do the math thats 43 mpg when the engine is running the prius doesnt do better then that. This car isnt really a hybrid its a generator powered electic car and its decent looking. I like the hardshell center console it has that 1980s futuristic look to it and it looks very clean. As for those complaining about gas sitting there your right it would suck if you didnt ever use the fuel in the tank so i guess from time to time youd have to not recharge it at night just so it can use some of the gas. I like the idea of this car and chevy is better then most with electic engines so lets see how this car does. If its priced pretty well id say toyota and honda are gonna have a big fight on their hands.
Posted by unknown | September 16, 2008 1:25 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 13:25
Chevy isn't snobby or fashionable.
Stick a BMW logo on it and it will be the greatest innovation since the wheel.
Posted by Chris | September 16, 2008 2:38 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 14:38
So the big question now is, once it is sitting in a dealer lot, what is that final price tag gonna look like?
Dealers will be dealers, unless this cars gets some serious negative reviews from the press, I can't see any red blooded, capitalistic American dealer selling this thing cheaper than a Prius.
Posted by Tim | September 16, 2008 2:40 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 14:40
quote:
unknown:
for the poster who said 12c per gallon is alot did you do the math thats 43 mpg when the engine is running the prius doesnt do better then that.
ehh 12c per gallon and gas price at 3.60, it doesnt come out to 43mpg. $3.60 dollar per gallon was used, therefore, 3.60/.12=30mpg. 30mpg is decent, but significantly worst than a prius.
maybe you need to retake basic bath in jr high?
Posted by vien | September 16, 2008 2:56 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 14:56
Unknown must have been a Bush child left behind,learn to divide.$3.60/gallon, /12 cents a mile, =30mpg. thats 8mpg less on highway than a regular Civic.
Posted by Patrick | September 16, 2008 3:21 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 15:21
I love all the anti-GM talk. There was a day when people actually took pride in competition, and GM is finally acting like they aren't trying to sink themselves. This isn't the BEST they could have done, but it sure is a lot better looking than the Prius and soon to be released Honda Hybrid. It will definately make a mark.
Simple fact is, it looks different, it'll probably sell well, it's got some great technology and its heading a different direction. Give them credit where its due. At least it doesn't look like a Ford or Dodge jellybean.
-Josh
Posted by jOSH | September 16, 2008 3:48 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 15:48
That black trim around the doors under the window is ugly looking. The center console is cheap looking as well. This is a car not an XBox 360.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | September 16, 2008 4:34 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 16:34
why does the center console look like a kitchen appliance?
Posted by crash | September 16, 2008 5:17 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 17:17
Looks alot better than what I thought before. Not real crazy about how high the beltline is, but its probably some safety BS. Rear shot looks nice. Hope it sells well for the general.
Posted by Alex | September 16, 2008 7:32 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 19:32
ACURA TL
Posted by jettto | September 16, 2008 9:45 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 21:45
Wow, I can't believe no one picked up "exactly" what the article said.
Sometimes I believe no one reads these articles....maybe if they put HOT FREE ASS in bold right in the middle of it someone would read the thing....
I digress...
It goes 40 miles on batteries. ONLY 40 miles. 40 miles. 40 period. Did it say the gas engine recharges the batteries like the Prius? NO. Did it say you drive it on gas until you can recharge the batteries at your house? YES. It's not exactly a hybrid. It more like a short range electric with gas backup. Still an excellent concept and GM certainly should get props for it.
Posted by Brian | September 16, 2008 11:30 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 23:30
Prius looks better any day to me and costs almost $20,000 less. That buys a lot of gas. And you can mod a prius with a few extra LA batteries and get closer to 100mpg. Who's going to give GM $40K for what looks to me like a Pontiac Sunfire with four doors? American cars are on the way out I think. Just like everything else we (used) to make.
Posted by jb | September 16, 2008 11:54 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 23:54
Overall I like it. The exterior reminds me of a Dodge Stratus. Not necessarily a bad thing though as I think the Dodge Stratus, while plain, is a decent looking vehicle. The white center console is actually growing on me but if other options are offered, such as black, I'd definitely go with that instead. I'm a bit surprised about the LCD "gauge cluster" as well. I'll definitely be taking a closer look at the Volt when I'm ready to buy another car.
Posted by D! | September 17, 2008 5:58 AM
Posted on September 17, 2008 05:58
I like it a lot. The white console could use some work. I think it blows away the Prius and new Insight. I look forward to seeing them on the road.
Posted by Jeremy | September 17, 2008 7:17 AM
Posted on September 17, 2008 07:17
Speaking of math, how do they figure it'd take only 8 kWh ($.80) of power to charge fully? Earlier in the article it says it has 16 kWh batteries.
"For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. "
"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"
Posted by Anon | September 17, 2008 8:32 AM
Posted on September 17, 2008 08:32
Found the answer to my own question.
Apparently the batteries are only kept between the 30% and 80% filled range (to maximize battery lifespan). So they only need to charge 50% of the battery's true capacity to go from empty (30%) to full (80%).
Posted by Anon | September 17, 2008 11:12 AM
Posted on September 17, 2008 11:12
@Mike
You're wrong. The gas engine doesn't power the wheels, it only recharges the electrical system. This is a full electric vehicle with an on board generator, or as GM calls it a "Range Extender".
I'm sure aftermarket solar recharge kits will become available soon, making a small amount of recharging possible if the car is sitting all day long in the sun.
Posted by Gary | September 17, 2008 1:46 PM
Posted on September 17, 2008 13:46
@Brian
I don't know what article you read, but the one on this page says the following:
"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."
Where does that say it powers the wheels?
Posted by Gary | September 17, 2008 1:50 PM
Posted on September 17, 2008 13:50