- Responsive electric motor
- Quiet operation in electric mode
- Capable range for an electric vehicle
- Comfortable ride
- Over-priced and horrendous depreciation
- Petrol engine noisy when operating
- Small boot
- Cheap interior relative to price
- Weight blunts agility
Overview
Released in November 2012, the Holden Volt was a four seat, plug-in hybrid vehicle. Manufactured in Detroit, USA, the front-wheel drive Volt had three motors – a primary traction motor, a secondary motor/generator and a range-extending 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which were connected via a planetary gear and electric clutches. Electrical energy was stored in a 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, though the energy management system restricted charging to 10.3 kWh to maximise the life of the battery pack.
The Volt operated as an electric-13ly vehicle – with an estimated range of 87 km – until its battery capacity fell below a certain threshold. Beyond this point, the petrol engine could burn premium unleaded petrol to power a generator and extend the vehicle’s range to over 600 km. This secondary generator also acted as a motor to assist the primary traction motor at higher vehicle speeds to reduce the speed of the primary motor for greater efficiency. The Volt also had regenerative braking which enabled an electric motor to convert the kinetic energy of the wheels – when braking or coasting – into electrical energy that was stored in the lithium-ion battery.
Like the Holden JG Cruze , the Volt was based on General Motors’ Delta II platform and had MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. Compared to the Cruze, the Volt was 99 mm shorter (at 4498 mm), the same width (1788 mm), 38 mm lower (1439 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2685 mm).
| Motor | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|
| Primary traction motor | 111 kW | 370 Nm at 250-2800 rpm |
| Secondary motor/generator | 54 kW | N/A |
| 1.4-litre DOHC petrol engine | 63 kW at 4800 rpm | N/A |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Holden Volt included dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, lane departure warning, forward collision alert and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
The Volt also had a driver-activated audible alert for pedestrians when the vehicle was running on electric energy.
Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , the Volt (sold in Europe as the Vauxhall/Opel Ampera and Chevrolet Volt) received a five star safety rating which included an 85 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 78 per cent child occupant protection rating. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.56 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver, though maximum points were awarded in the side impact and pole tests.
Features
Standard features for the Holden Volt included 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 tyres, a six speaker Bose sound system with an amplifier and subwoofer, 30 GB hard-drive, CD/DVD player, Bluetooth audio streaming, MP3-compatibility and USB connectivity, satellite navigation with a seven-inch colour touch screen, climate control air conditioning, two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, cruise control, automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a rear fog light, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, Bluetooth voice recognition, 40/40 split and flat folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power-operated park brake, three 12 volt power outlets, tyre pressure monitoring, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and immobiliser.
Inside, the Volt had a seven-inch digital instrument panel which couold be configured to display an electronic speedometer, average fuel consumption, estimated range (electric-13ly, petrol and combined), a trip computer and tyre pressure monitoring.
Brochure
Related links
- Product Information: Holden Volt (August 2012)
- Specifications: Holden Volt (August 2012)
- Holden Media: Holden Volt – Premium Technology and Advanced Safety Come Standard (July 2012)
- Holden Media: Holden Volt Offers True Five Star Package (August 2012)
- Holden.com.au: Holden Volt
- Wikipedia.org: Chevrolet Volt
