It has been touted as the most revolutionary automotive technology of our era. What defines the all-new 2012 Volt isn't just the fact that it can drive a typical daily commute on electric power alone – it's the ability to keep running all the way to your weekend escape, powered by the on-board range-extending gasoline-powered generator. It led Automobile Magazine to proclaim of Volt, in January 2011: "This is the most sophisticated, important vehicle on the road today."
At the heart of the new Volt is an extraordinary array of technologies that comprise the VoltecTM Electric Drive Unit. It employs two electric motors, three clutches and a planetary gear set. It can run in pure electric mode for between 40 and 80 kilometres1 using no gasoline, while producing zero tailpipe emissions. The power source in electric mode is the long-life 16-kWh lithium-ion battery with 288 individual cells. And while you are driving, the regenerative braking captures energy while slowing and stopping, and transfers the energy to the battery.
The challenge facing the development of the Volt was how to give an electric car the kind of range people associated with their conventional vehicle. The answer can be found in the 1.4L ECOTEC® gasoline-powered generator. It keeps Volt on the road for longer drives. In other words, you get all the benefits of an electric car without the drawbacks of a limited range. Now that's far-sighted thinking. And you can keep track of real-time information on Volt's energy usage, power flow and efficiency on the 178 mm (7 in.) reconfigurable digital touch screen.
Recharging Volt couldn't be easier. Simply plug the charge unit into any 120-volt household outlet using the 5.5 m charging cord. Volt's battery can be fully recharged in about 10 hours.2 With the available 240-volt recharging unit, you can complete a charge in as little as four hours2 – significantly less than the approximately seven hours required to fully recharge a Nissan Leaf.3 And that's not the only way that Volt outstrips expectations. You have to drive Volt to believe its utterly seamless and refined performance – highlighted by a 0-96 km/h acceleration time of under nine seconds. Changing attitudes – in a hurry. The instantaneous torque response is what you might expect from a high-end sports car, not a remarkably energy-efficient electric vehicle.
Being at the forefront of technology applies to every aspect of Volt. That includes the standard OnStar® system with an unprecedented three years of the Directions & Connections Plan. OnStar® also features its RemoteLinkTM Mobile App for your iPhone® or select AndroidTM phones. It enables you to check on a series of important vehicle functions remotely, such as battery charge status þ and even allows you to schedule battery charging times to take advantage of off-peak utility rates.
1Assumes fully charged battery. Actual driving range varies depending on terrain, temperature and personal driving technique. Vehicle features and performance capabilities subject to change.
2Your actual charge times may vary.
3 Based on latest information published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at time of posting. Your actual charge times may vary.
Visit OnStar® for coverage map, details and system limitations. Services vary by model and conditions.
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