Armed with customer feedback, Chevrolet has improved the next-generation, 2016 Volt with many useful features. One thing seems obvious, the new Volt will be smartly improved.
With the new 2016 Volt, Chevy started the improvements in the most critical place, the battery. Chevy says the car will be easier to recharge and to check the battery’s status.
“Chevrolet used the real-world experiences of today’s Volt owners to make the charging process simpler and more convenient in the next-generation Volt,” said Andrew Farah, chief engineer for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. “The new Volt will give owners greater flexibility for charging it on their terms.”
Other smart new features include:
Pre-Set Home Charging Settings
Realizing that most owners recharge at home, Chevy has developed technology that enables the car to realize when it is at the “home” charging system. This provides several benefits to the owner including pre-set charging settings for different voltages plus setting the car to charge during off-peak times. Owners will only need to set the system up once.
New Charge Status Indicators
Knowing if and/or how fast the Volt is charging is a key part to using the vehicle. With this in mind, Chevy has improved the charge status indicators with a new system using specially designed tone. These tones indicate when charging has begun and additional tones indicate delayed charging. Lastly, there is another tone for when the charge port door was left open before entering the vehicle. (A smart idea that every vehicle could use.)
The new charge status indicators are placed on the top of the instrument panel. It shows the approximate charge level through a series of flashes.
Lastly, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt will integrate an illuminated light within the charge port door to assist charging at night.
Portable Cord Enhancements And Storage Bin
Finally, Chevy added a new 120V portable cord set which includes a nearly 25 feet long cord. This cord is longer than the current 120V portable cord. The new cord also offers the optoin of locking via a small padlock when charging.
There is a new storage bin for this cord located on the left side of the Volt’s rear cargo area, above the load floor. Chevy says this storage bin was driven by customer feedback.
The new 2016 Chevrolet Volt will make its official debut in January at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.
Comments
Hmmmm…. sounding like no DC quick charge capability? As a current Volt owner, this is a let down a d may be a deal killer for us… too many other options arising capable of getting a quick (20 min) 80% charve hitting the market.
For someone who I consider (ed) an innovator/leader in the EV game, this would be a disappointment. …
As a present 1st generation owner it’s very disappointing there is no word of 32A Type2 or three phase or Chademo charging .. would then make the next generation model worth buying .. otherwise very likely will be looking elsewhere.