This month, Chevrolet announced its latest addition to the hybrid scene—a next-generation, plug-in hybrid Volt with a huge upgrade in the battery’s distance range per charge.
The all-new 2016 Volt is set to deliver over 85km of driving range without needing a drop of gasoline—though it does boast a small and efficient gasoline engine to help recharge the car’s batteries. The first generation Volt is already a favourite among drivers and mechanics, but it’s new younger brother offers up to 40 per cent greater energy-economy, helping drivers go further on battery power alone than ever before. This 2016 model provides everything that consumers would look for in an electric hybrid: enough energy efficiency to give less money to the gas pump and fewer emissions to the atmosphere.
This is big news for the auto technology industry, and those who hope to work within it. If you are planning to pursue an auto career, read on to learn how and why Chevrolet was driven to make this change.
Technical Mechanics of the Volt’s New System
Students interested in auto technology careers, might want to look beneath the Volt’s hood to see where the 85km of pure EV range comes from. Within this compact hybrid, they would find an all-new Voltec extended range electric propulsion system and a small but powerful 1.5L range-extender. Designed to use regular unleaded fuel, the range-extender generates electricity for the Volt’s drive motors and helps the car recharge when the battery is finally depleted. This promotes a combined EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 18km/L, extending the potential driving range another 676km.
EV drivers will no longer stress about running out of juice without battery backup. In fact, they won’t even have to plan trips around frequent charging or gas-pumping stops. This is because the combined range of lithium power and gasoline enables the 2016 Volt to travel so far that getting stranded is highly unlikely.
Check out this video for a quick look at the 2016 Chevy Volt:
Client Feedback Sparks Better Auto Body Specs
Chevrolet expects that 2016 Volt drivers will now be able to take 90 per cent of their trips on battery power alone, compared to the first generation’s 80 per cent. Of course, every service advisor knows that this is quite an impressive feat where EVs are concerned.
Volt’s new improvements were inspired by customer feedback and suggestions. “We listened to our customers,” says Andrew Farah, GM’s vehicle chief engineer, “They were very clear when they told us that they wanted more range, and a fun driving experience behind the wheel. We are confident that the 2016 Volt delivers both.”
In developing the new Volt, GM researched customer satisfaction with the older model. They made changes while keeping the Volt relatively affordable, as customers have come to expect price value from GM. Other plug-in hybrid models—like the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion C-Max Energi series, and the Cadillac ELR—either cost hundreds more than the 2016 Volt or deliver less than half its driving range. The new Volt is expected to do well on the market for these reasons.
Auto Technology’s Environmental Trend
For its first 85km, pure electricity stored in its lithium-ion battery lets the Volt drive 100 per cent tailpipe-emission free. This means the 2016 Volt will produce about half the CO2lbs per 100km as conventional engines do.
Carbon Dioxide makes up over 80 per cent of the harmful greenhouse gas depleting the world’s ozone layer, over-warming the planet and worsening its air quality. Recent progress in auto technology from smaller engine sizes and hybrid electric/fuel efficient vehicles are predicted to significantly cut CO2 emissions over time, if the industry continues this work toward petroleum alternatives.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in auto body repair, automotive technology or auto sales and leasing? Visit ATC for more information or to speak with an advisor.
