Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Inspired by endurance athletes, Chevy’s 2016 Volt is both more muscular and efficient

Stephen Edelstein
By

Has it been four years already?

The first-generation Chevrolet Volt created quite a stir as part of the initial wave of modern electric cars back in late 2010, but even a vehicle described as General Motors’ “moon shot” needs a refresh eventually.

So at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, Chevy rolled out the new 2016 Volt, with a long list of changes and upgrades intended to broaden its appeal.

The exterior styling is still recognizably Volt-like, but with more-aggressive features like the jagged headlights and more-pronounced rear decklid.

Chevy calls the styling “muscular,” and says it was inspired by “endurance athletes.” Bet you never expected to hear that in connection with an electric hatchback.

Of course, the Volt isn’t designed to be a sports car. Behind that flashy grille are active shutters to improve aerodynamics, and beneath the sculpted skin is a powertrain that’s even more efficient than before.

2016 Chevrolet Volt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As before, the car’s Voltec powertrain consists of a gasoline engine that acts as a generator, two electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery, but a lot has changed.

The four-cylinder engine is a new 1.5-liter direct-injected unit that produces 101 horsepower.

The battery pack now has a capacity of 18.4 kilowatt-hours (up from 17.1-kWh). Both motors are also used to power the car in more situations, which Chevy says improves efficiency.

The result is an estimated 50 mile of electric-only range, a GM-estimated 41 mpg combined on gasoline power, and a combined driving range of around 400 miles. The Volt will also do 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

The big news on the inside is a middle seat. The T-shaped made the outgoing model a four-seater, the 2016 Volt can seat five.

Those sitting in front get to gaze at updated digital displays – one in the gauge pod and one on the center stack – that show information about charging status, range, navigation, etc.

Other notable tech features include Siri Eyes Free voice control for iPhones, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and location-based charging – which lets the owner set certain preferences for a “home” location and automatically defaults to them when the Volt detects it’s there.

Owners can set the charging level, schedule whether to start charging immediately or to wait for off-peak utility rates, and set a departure time for each day of the week.

We’ll see if features like that and a less-nerdy attitude will make the 2016 Chevy Volt an improvement on its predecessor. The new Volt hits showrooms in the second half of 2015.

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more