|
In addition, the total storage capacity of
the Volt battery has been increased from 16 kWh of energy to 16.5 kWh,
and engineers have expanded the state-of-charge window to use 10.8 kWh
of the total battery energy – up from 10.3 kWh used in the 2012 model.
The battery system maintains a buffer to ensure battery life, but that
buffer has been reduced.
The improved EV range capability will
result in slight increases to the Volt’s charge times. A full recharge
using a 120V could take 10.5 hours and 4.25 hours using a 240V charging
unit.
Cells with improved chemistry have
accumulated 150,000 test miles to date. The tests have revealed less
battery degradation, the ability to withstand temperatures as low as -30
degrees Celsius and less impact by energy throughput.
For the first 38 miles, the Volt can drive
gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity
stored in its 16.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs
low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the
driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Volt owners have
travelled more than 65 million miles since the vehicle launched late
2010. Roughly two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid
electricity.
|
