A little bit of Spark, a pinch of Vibe and a touch of Equinox on top of the Volt platform.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - April 23, 2010
Meet the Volt MPV5 32 miles AER with the standard 300 miles on gasoline.
GM's Shanghai joint venture introduced the fuel-efficient Cruze and New Sail in China this year. It will now 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.
Efficiency and Utility
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, dual skylight panels and 19-inch Volt-inspired wheels give the Volt MPV5 concept a sporty appearance.
"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 9 wheelbase of the Volt MPV5 concept is a mere .6 longer than the wheelbase of the Chevrolet Volt, its body is 7 longer, almost 3 wider and 7 taller 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 62 cu. ft of cargo space with the seats folded and 30.5 cu. ft. of space behind the second row.
Volts 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 Li-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 propelling the vehicle and its five occupants for up to 32 miles all-electric range. 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 300 miles of range while running on gasoline.
"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."
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