On Thursday, Chevrolet revealed the 2019 Volt, which boasts quicker charging times (with an asterisk) and a handful of new technology features for drivers to take advantage of.
The important updates reside in the charging system. For drivers taking advantage of Level 2 charging stations (240V), a new 7.2-kilowatt system cuts the standard charging time to just 2.3 hours. The system is standard on the 2019 Volt Premier model and optional on the Volt LT. A 3.6-kilowatt system remains standard for the Volt LT.
For those who reside in colder climates, the 2019 Chevy Volt will also offer the ability to defer the automatic engine-assisted heating system for use until much colder temperatures—down to negative 13 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chevrolet said the quicker charging times will help owners take advantage of “opportunity charging,” which it defined as charging around town to top off the battery.
Engineers also tweaked the Low and Regen on Demand profiles to offer greater regenerative braking to extend range around town. Chevrolet said the regen is also smoother in operation compared to the previous model year.
Aside from the charging system updates, the 2019 Volt’s design looks identical to other second-generation model years.
Inside, the 2019 Volt will offer new seat patterns for cloth seats, a Jet Black/Porcelain Blue interior for the Premier model, a digital rearview camera, wireless phone charging, and a power driver’s seat. Chevrolet’s latest infotainment system is onboard as well with a new Energy app.
Look for the 2019 Chevrolet Volt to reach dealers this fall.
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I like the sound of all these changes. Though I would have liked a slight refresh on the grill to follow the Bolt's example
I would have expected to see the black grilles as an option - but I can see why they don't - if you paint the grilles black (I have a white 2017, so it has crossed my mind) - you practically end up with a Cruze.
These are some nice improvements!
I wonder if they will ever release a software update to optinally disable bluetooth autoplay in the infotainment system. It's simply less safe to be messing with my stereo every time I start/stop driving to prevent the bluetooth system from sending play/pause commands to my phone.
It's a nice improvement - but many of us were calling for this on the original Volt. This was one of the reasons that I opted for the Bolt in my EV shopping - in addition to L3, it has been 7.2 since launch.
I wonder if this has something to do with the Silent Cruise event. I think some of the techs there were surprised so many of us were asking about the 7.2 KW chargers.
But is there more range too?
POWER DRIVER'S SEAT ! I guess they have heard us screaming. Hope it has "memory". This lack of equipment is the only complaint we have had on our 2012 and 2017.
anybody have any thoughts on the new honda insight vs volt? for under $24K, the insight get 50+mpg. i know the volt is a plug-in but it costs a lot more if you don't throw in the tax rebates.
I live in a region where there is no tax rebate. My solution was to buy a 1-year old lightly used Volt.
The tax rebates artificially reduce the price of used volts because the effective purchase price of a new volt is reduced in those rebate zones. By going with a 1-year old car, I get to enjoy not only the rebate, but also a more-or-less new but significantly cheaper car. It's been great to drive and the fuel savings are an enormous factor of the total cost of ownership.
if you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay? i think the volt is terrific. great ev range for a non-bev.
"he tax rebates artificially reduce the price of used volts because the effective purchase price of a new volt is reduced in those rebate zones" exactly. I purchased a slightly used Volt out of CA with amazing saving. Looks and drives like new. The battery charged to a like new level. Amazing deals can be had on lightly used Volts.
You've got to wonder why Chevrolet didn't consider offering these updates when the GEN 2 Volt was introduced given that the Volt has a price similar to that of a BMW 3-series.
The BMW base MSRP for their 3-series PHEV is $46,595. It has 14 miles max AER at limited power. It runs on premium when you floor it, or it runs out of charge netting 30 mpg EPA combined in hybrid mode.
The Chevrolet Volt base MSRP is $32,095. 53 EPA AER at full power. Runs on regular at 42mpg in hybrid mode, but is gas engine is not required to accelerate at advertised HP values.
If you trim them out to the max,
Volt $40,985 with ACC
BMW nicely kitted $59,285 (I think it has ACC, but can't find it).
Steve, thoughts on the Honda Insight. My first thought is that it is a Japanese car and does not allow me to support the American Auto Worker. My second thought is: 50 MPG? Is that good? On first "summer" tank of 2016 I got 727 MPG. On my "Summer" tank of 2017, a little better @ 850 MPG. I expect to be up again for 2018 but may not match those numbers. Right now I have about 6 gallons of gas left in the tank that was filled 4 months ago, so I have used about 3 gallons in 4 months. I don't drive Volts because of their cost or other factors most people crank in. I drive it because it is a neat car and so much fun. And I'm not nearly as enthusiastic as my wife. We drove our first Volt 38 thou and now have 20 thou on the second one. The power driver's seat is probably going to result in #3 ASAP.
that's great. the volt's pure ev range is pretty fantastic.
the honda insight is assembled in indiana alongside the civic and cr-v.
does anybody know if 2016-2018 Volts can be retrofitted with 7.2 kWh upgrade?
My understanding is that a retrofit will not be simple. There are a few more electronic changes under the hood in the 2019 model that would make this more than just a plug and play retrofit on previous model years.