GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site

The Chevrolet Volt is a 4-seat compact car.  Almost since the day the Volt concept was first unveiled, enthusiasts have dreamed about and suggested GM also move the technology into other types of vehicles.

Indeed over the years GM has illustrated several concepts including the sporty Cadillac Converj, the large form Opel Flextreme GT, and the most recent Volt MPV5.  Yet despite all the enthusiasm and multiple concepts, GM has yet to publicly commit to building another Voltec-powered vehicle besides the Volt.

As part of a recent exit interview, I had the chance to ask former GM vice chairman Bob Lutz why.

What are your feelings about spreading Voltec into other vehicle types? Are you looking at other cars and have there been other models that have been scrapped like the Converj?
I just can’t get into that at this point, but its clear that the whole Voltec architecture is compatible with our whole global compact car architecture. So basically any vehicle in that size class, whether an SUV or a van or an MPV or whatever, could basically pretty easily adopt the Voltec technology.

It could also be scaled up to larger cars like Malibus and Buick Regals and stuff like that. There are no current plans to do any of that. I think what we all want to do is to let us see how this works. Lets start with the Volt. The reason it’s so good to start with the Volt is that Chevrolet is our global brand. So we can sell it around the world as a Chevrolet . Let’s get experience with the technology, let’s see how customers react, let’s see how price competitive it is in the marketplace in terms of the value that customers see in the market.

And finally lets see what happens to fuel prices. If fuel gradually goes to five dollars a gallon I think well see a lot more interest in the Voltec concept.

My point is, Lyle, it could very easily be expanded to other GM vehicles and architecture.

So you need initial feedback on all those levels to make that determination?
Yeah and we can go an awful long way with the Chevrolet Volt before we have to introduce something else.

The first step would be..and I’m dreaming now OK? Let’s say we had to constantly constantly increase capacity. Let’s say we had to put a Volt plant into China and a Volt plant into Europe and we were finally building half a million Volts per year. I think that would be wonderful and if we’re at that level I guess my successors at GM would say ‘hey maybe its time to expand this concept to other vehicles.’

Volt MPV5 in China

China’s automotive fleet is rapidly expanding. Last year the Chinese market overtook the US to become the world largest automotive market, and sales are expected to continue to expand 55% to 13.55 million passenger vehicles per year by 2015.

The country is currently the third largest consumer of oil in the world with all of Europe a close second and the US number one. As China’s volume of vehicles continue to increase along with economic growth so too will their oil demand. China will pass the US and become the world’s largest oil consumer within a few years and thereafter continue to expand consumption.  China is already importing more than 50% of its oil.

Fortunately, there is already great demand among the Chinese population for electric cars. GM plans to sell the Chevrolet Volt there and several Chinese automakers including BYD have already begun to sell electric cars in the country. Nissan is considering selling the LEAF in China as well.

A recent poll performed by Ernst and Young revealed that a shocking 60% of Chinese consumers are interested in purchasing a plug-in car. This is five times the rate in the US or any other country.

The Chinese government has also expressed great interest in promoting plugin cars, to help stave off foreign oil dependence. The government has already designated 20 cities to deploy extensive plugin charging infrastructure, and have set a production goal of 500,000 “new energy” cars by 2015. A massive series of incentives and subsidies to encourage electric car adoption will be announced in July.

Despite all the obvious benefits, one leading Chinese auto executive isn’t so sure this is a good idea.

Huang Xiangdong, who is vice president of Guangzhou Automobile Group Corp that has ventures with Honda, noted that 83% of Chinese electricity is produced by burning coal.

“Battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids do not save more energy than conventional cars on a well-to-wheel analysis,” said Huang. “We think in China it’s not the right time to promote pure electric vehicles.”

While reducing CO2 production is important to some, as in the US, concerns of oil dependence loom large.

“There are broader benefits of electric vehicles, such as reducing the dependence on foreign oil,” Henry Li, general manager of BYD’s auto export trade division.

Irrespective of any naysayers, clearly the Chinese electric automotive market is poised to become extremely large and profitable to automakers who are successful there. As the first foreign firm to get a foothold there, GM has much to benefit from selling electric cars there, and much of the company’s future profit could be tied to it.

“China is currently a larger market by volume than the US,” says GM spokesperson Tom Wilkinson

“It is probably our second or third most important market and growing faster than either the US or Europe,” he says. “In short, it is pretty important.”

So although we’d all like to see the exciting new Chevrolet Volt MP5 concept go on sale in the US, it should be fairly apparent why GM chose to unveil it in China. In fact it was actually produced in partnership with venture partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Anyway the MPV5 according to GM spokesperson Dave Darovitz “is a concept only.”

“No plans for production,” he adds.

Source (Detroit News) , (photo from Autoblog)

GM has just released the detail of the Voltec-powered crossover it is unveiling in Beijing China.

It is called the Volt MPV concept and is a five-person multi-purpose vehicle that will be powered by the same extended range electric car powertrain the Volt sedan will use.

Its design is based on the Volt including the closed grille. It also has rocker claddings, creased tail lamps and specially designed blades on the rear quarter, all to improve aerodynamics.

“The Volt MPV5 concept takes the efficient design of the Chevrolet Volt and adapts it to the family vehicle crossover segment. It’s immediately recognizable as a true member of the Chevrolet family,” said Bob Boniface, who is now apparently Director of GM North America Crossover Exterior Design

GM states “the Volt MPV5 concept is a mere 15 mm longer than the wheelbase of the Chevrolet Volt, its body is 181 mm longer (4,585 mm), 73 mm wider (1,871 mm) and 182 mm taller (1,612 mm) than the Volt.”

The same T-shaped 16 kwh lithium ion battery and 1.4 L 4 cylinder generator is used, but in this configuration only has an EV range of 32 miles, with an additional 300 miles of gas range on a full tank.

The rear seat seats three and also folds down for increased cargo storage, and the interior design and center stack are the same as is found in the Volt.

“The Volt MPV5 concept demonstrates the flexibility of the Voltec propulsion system, which can produce enough electric power to propel a range of vehicles. from a compact sedan like the Volt to a crossover like the Volt MPV5 concept,” said Doug Parks, Global Vehicle Line Executive and Global Vehicle Chief Engineer for Electric Vehicles at GM.

GM appears to believe the concept is geared toward the Chinese market. No word on production intention at this point.

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Full Press Release:

GM Unveils Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Electric Concept at Auto China 2010 Crossover with Extended Range Capability Builds on Volt’s Foundation

Beijing – Chevrolet has made a major commitment to providing world-class, fuel-efficient vehicles to its customers around the world. In recent months, through GM’s Shanghai GM joint venture, Chevrolet has introduced the fuel-efficient Cruze and New Sail in China. It will introduce the Volt electric vehicle with extended range capability in 2011.

In preparation for the Volt’s arrival, Chevrolet is leveraging Auto China 2010, which starts today in Beijing, to introduce the Volt MPV5 electric concept. The five-passenger multi-purpose crossover concept demonstrates the potential of the Voltec propulsion system by utilizing the same foundation as the Volt, for gas- and tailpipe emissions-free electric driving.

Maximizing Efficiency and Style

The styling of the Volt MPV5 concept borrows design and aerodynamic cues from the Chevrolet Volt. The front fascia is among the most aerodynamic of any crossover thanks to its closed grille and aero-optimized lower air dam, both of which help improve fuel efficiency. A full-underbody belly pan, along with rocker claddings, creased tail lamps and specially designed blades on the rear quarter, also help the Volt MPV5 concept cut through the wind with ease. The intense focus on improved aerodynamics enables greater all-electric range.

The exterior of the Volt MPV5 concept isn’t solely about efficiency. Its Sonic Blue Metallic paint provides a contemporary appeal, while the dual skylight panels and 19-inch Volt-inspired wheels build the Volt MPV5 concept’s sporty credentials.

“The Volt MPV5 concept takes the efficient design of the Chevrolet Volt and adapts it to the family vehicle crossover segment. It’s immediately recognizable as a true member of the Chevrolet family,” said Bob Boniface, Director of GM North America Crossover Exterior Design, whose team worked in conjunction with members of GM’s design studio in Australia on the Volt MPV5 concept.

The Volt MPV5 concept’s dimensions provide added passenger comfort. While the 2,760-mm wheelbase of the Volt MPV5 concept is a mere 15 mm longer than the wheelbase of the Chevrolet Volt, its body is 181 mm longer (4,585 mm), 73 mm wider (1,871 mm) and 182 mm taller (1,612 mm) than the Volt.

Inside, the Volt MPV5 concept adopts the Volt’s center stack and gauge cluster along with its striking two-tone leather seats. Thanks to the Volt MPV5 concept’s size, passenger comfort doesn’t take a backseat. Typical for Chevrolet crossovers, the Volt MPV5 concept’s seating position allows for maximum comfort and flexibility, including improved entry and egress.

When it comes to cargo, the Volt MPV5 concept carries on the crossover tradition thanks to its flip-and-fold second row seating, which provides up to 1,764.1 liters of cargo space with the seats folded and 863.7 liters of space behind the second row.

Voltec Power Boosts Green Credentials

The Volt MPV5 concept utilizes the same Voltec propulsion system found in the Chevrolet Volt, including the added capability of an engine generator to extend the driving range and eliminate “range anxiety.” A 16-kWh T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack powers the electric drive unit.

The flexibility of the Voltec system enables the Volt MPV5 concept to meet full vehicle speed and acceleration requirements while driving the vehicle and its five occupants up to 51.5 km on pure electric propulsion. This is double what the average urban commuter in China travels each day. When the battery is depleted, a 1.4-liter engine generator sustains the battery charge and provides up to 482 km of electric propulsion.

“The Volt MPV5 concept demonstrates the flexibility of the Voltec propulsion system, which can produce enough electric power to propel a range of vehicles. from a compact sedan like the Volt to a crossover like the Volt MPV5 concept,” said Doug Parks, Global Vehicle Line Executive and Global Vehicle Chief Engineer for Electric Vehicles at GM.

“Rapidly growing demand for personal transportation across China is creating new environmental and energy security challenges,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “GM is committed to finding and adopting solutions, which include the electrification of the automobile. The world premiere of the Volt MPV5 concept in Beijing demonstrates GM’s desire to make China a global focus of its advanced technology strategy.”

GM continues to advance electrification in China through research and development. It has launched the China Automotive Energy Research Center (CAERC) in Beijing. The venture with SAIC and Tsinghua University is developing a comprehensive automotive energy strategy for China. The GM China Science Lab, which opened last November, is carrying out advanced automotive-related research, including battery development. In March, GM introduced the EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) concepts in Shanghai. A centerpiece of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, EN-V embodies GM’s vision for personal urban mobility in 2030. In addition, GM is supporting its Shanghai GM joint venture’s “Drive to Green” strategy, which is focused on developing green products, supporting green manufacturing and undertaking a green responsibility.

General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 204,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM is the joint global automobile partner of World Expo 2010 Shanghai along with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC). More information on the new General Motors can be found at HYPERLINK “http://www.gm.com” \t “_blank”www.gm.com.

Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept

Specifications

Model: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept
Body style / driveline: five-door, front-wheel-drive crossover
Description: electric vehicle with extended-range capability

Performance
Top speed (kph): 160 (100 mph)
EV range (city in km): up to 51.5 (32 mi) based on EPA city cycle
actual mileage may vary depending on driving habits/conditions, weather and battery age
Extended range: 482 km (300 mi) on a full tank of gasoline

Battery system

Type: lithium-ion
Energy: 16 kWh

Electric drive unit
Power (kW / hp): 111 / 150
Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 273 / 370

Charging times
120 V: over 8 hours (actual charge times may vary)
240 V: about 4 hours (actual charge times may vary)

Brakes

Type: four-wheel disc, fully regenerative to maximize energy capture

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type: 17-inch forged aluminum
Tires: specially developed low rolling-resistance

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm): 108.7 / 2,760
Length (in / mm): 180.5 / 4,585
Width (in / mm): 73.7/ 1,871
Height (in / mm): 63.5 / 1,612

Interior
Seating capacity (front / rear): 5

Capacities
Cargo volume (cu ft): 62.3 cu-ft with rear seats folded, 30.5 cu-ft behind second row
Fuel tank (gal / L): TBD

GALLERY:

A GM design patent has revealed a sketch of an MPV similar to the Chevrolet Orlando microvan, only smaller with Chevy Volt-like design cues.  Volt lead designer Bob Boniface’s name is associated with the patent.

Reports also indicate that GM will be unveiling a Voltec-powered crossover concept at the Shanghai Auto Show next week.

Put the two together and the odds are high that GM will be unveiling a new Voltec microvan next week.

The Chevrolet Orlando is capable of seating seven and is built on the same compact delta platform the Volt is.  As long as aerodynamics and performance are appropriately tuned, suggested in this design, the vehicle could be readily made an extended-range electric car.

That GM has been studying this possibility comes as no surprise.  In August, outgoing GM vice chairman Bob Lutz confirmed to GM-Volt.com “we are actually studying the adaptation of Volt technology to the upcoming Orlando.”

A launch date for the gas-powered Orlando has not been announced.  When and whether GM plans to bring a Voltec-powered version to market remains unknown.

The image below is possible a leak of the car sitting next to the Orlando.  The fact that the car is smaller with a more aerodynamic Volt-like front end suggests it is not simply a conceptual exercise but has a strong chance of being put into production.  Press days of the Shanghai Auto Show begin Friday.

Source (GMI)

In January, GM unveiled its new flagship Cadillac luxury sedan, called the XTS.  It was shown as a plug-in hybrid concept mating a 3.5 L V-6 engine to GMs’ 2-mode plugin hybrid drivetrain.  This drivetrain has been under development since 2006 and is functioning well in prototypes, including one this author test drove.  It includes an 8 kw lithium-ion battery and the potential to travel 20 miles up to in EV mode when fully charged.

Recently, inside reports confirmed by Bob Lutz indicated that GM’s first electric Caddy concept, the Converj, had been cancelled.  The Converj was a stylish but compact 4 seater that relied on an amped-up Voltec drivetrain, similar to the Volt’s, for up to 40 miles electric driving.

According to new reports citing inside sources the plugin XTS has been greenlighted for production.

Apparently GM’s rationale for killing the Converj and approving the plugin XTS is simple, profit.

It is speculated that GM will not make money on early units of the Chevy Volt, and may sell them at a loss.  The new technology may be too expensive to allow the cars to be sold affordably for profit.  The same would be true for the Converj.  Furthermore, it is reported that GM isn’t sure there is enough global demand for 3 Voltec vehicles; Volt, Ampera, and Converj.

The 2-mode plugin drivetrain has half the battery expense and is built off the 2-mode hybrid system already in production.  It could appeal to the luxury-green crowd much as competitors such as the Mercedes plugin S class, slated for production, and be profitable.

Also it would have been a difficult engineering challenge for GM to give the Converj the power and smoothness expected of a luxury Cadillac using the Voltec propulsion system.  The 2-mode drivetrain can utilize the gas engine when high power is required.

Source (MotorTrend)

The recent report that GM has cancelled the Cadillac Converj program, has led to some speculation that GM has revised its thinking of the value of the extended range electric or Voltec propulsion system. The report stated that GM could not find a value proposition in putting Voltec propulsion into a Cadillac.

As a Cadillac the car would have to be smoother, faster, and heavier than the Volt. This would necessitate more battery and cost, and thus GM has opted to use the 2-mode plugin parallel drivetrain for the brand. That system uses less battery, has less electric range, and uses the combustion engine whenever power demands are high.

Though this makes sense for the Cadillac brand, GM spokesperson Brain Corbett denies GM is moving away from Voltec.

“First of all we never announced the Converj was a production program ” he said.

“We’ve consistently said we’re going to increase our offering of electrified vehicles,” said Corbett. “We continue to develop the technology…Voltec is an active program.”

“There will be future plugin applications though we haven’t identified the vehicles or brands yet,” he added. “You’ll see multiple hybrids, plugin hybrids, and EREVs.”

He admitted that, “plugins are a little cheaper and the vehicles can be more capable,” than for Voltec.

But confirmed, “we’re not pulling back on Voltec.”

“We see both lineages evolving in parallel,” he added.