Chevrolet will dazzle Detroit show goers this year with an all new 2016 Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric.
Already well teased with glimpses of style and stories about its next-generation powertrain systems, the new 2016 Chevrolet Volt promises to be at least 15-20% more efficient and have longer EV range.
Calling it their Voltec drive system, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt gets an all-new battery, electric drive unit, and a larger 1.5 liter gasoline engine. And while the format of the drive-train is unchanged, it gains some new operating parameters.
An all-new electric drive system has two motors and an integrated control module. The unit is mounted to the gasoline engine, but there is no direct drive connection to the wheels. The engine spins on the same axis as the motor shafts but only delivers power through a generating magnetic hub.
The new system operates much as the current Volt but will offer new modes for more power when needed. One or both electric motors can operate when in EV mode, a change that offers up to 20% better acceleration.
The gasoline engine can operate along with the electric motors for additional power, generating additional boost to go along with the battery. When specs for the new 2016 Chevrolet Volt are announced, it should achieve at least a 15-20% improvement in electric range and fuel efficiency.
If this holds true, it will make the Volt that much more attractive in a growing class of competitors which range from full electric-vehicles like Nissan Leaf to plug-in hybrids like the Toyota Prius.
