2016 Chevrolet Volt sedan and Bolt EV concept revealed!

Chevrolet has unveiled the 2016 Volt plug-in hybrid sedan. The 2016 Volt gets a second-generation Voltec extended range electric vehicle (EREV) propulsion system that is up to 12 percent more efficient and around 45 kgs lighter than the first-generation drive unit. The Voltec system includes the battery, drive unit, range-extending engine and power electronics. The battery capacity is up to 18.4 kWh and the battery itself is lighter by over 9 kgs. The number of cells have decreased from 288 to 192 as the result of some "revised chemistry".

The electric drive system works in tandem with a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 100 bhp at 5600 rpm. The combined fuel economy comes in at around 17.50 km/l. On electric power alone, the Volt can travel for up to 80 kms. This is an evident improvement from the current generation Volt's 17.1-kWh battery that can provide a range of 61 kms with a combined fuel economy of 15.73 km/l. The car does the 0-100 km/h sprint in just under 9 seconds.

Standard safety features include a rear-view camera and 10 air-bags. Additionally, the Volt can be equipped with lane keep assist with lane departure warning, side blind zone alert with lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert with following distance indicator, front automatic braking, and advanced park assist with front and rear park assist. GM says, the expanded use of high-strength steel throughout the body structure improves strength and reduces weight.

The 2016 Volt goes on sale in the second half of 2015.

Chevrolet also revealed the Bolt EV concept. The 5-door hatchback concept has been built using lightweight materials, including aluminium, magnesium, carbon fibre and even woven mesh. Technical specifications have not been stated, but GM claims the Bolt can manage a range of around 322 kms.

Exterior cues like vented rear fenders supposedly help improve the Bolt's range. Styling features include swept back LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, a frosted glass roof, black cladding along the side skirting, bumpers and wheel arches, chrome door handles, turn signal integrated ORVMs and wide windows.

The car also gets the Bolt EV Connect app which can allow a smartphone to act as the key fob and incorporate the concept automatic park-and-retrieval technology. This technology enables the Bolt to park itself and drive back to the owner as well. The car gets a 10-inch-diagonal capacitive-touch screen to work with the concept Bolt EV Connect app as well as display other information.

Prices for the production Bolt are expected to begin around $30,000 ( INR 18.70 Lakh approx.)