GM On an All-New Continuous Improvement Path with the Volt

[xcel]

Larger cap and chemistry change allows another 3-miles of all-electric range. Way to go GM!!!

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - June 7, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Volt – Pricing TBA – New 38 miles all-electric range and 98 MPGe rating, up 3 miles and 4 MPGe respectively. Bill Robbin’s 2011 shown.

This is the GM I want to see more of. With their halo car, they are not sitting still and with a continuous improvement process mindset in place, the battery wizards and calibrators will soon provide new 2013 Volt owners with another 8.6% increase in all-electric range and a 4.3% increase in MPGe. When have we ever seen this kind of jump from a GM anything in only its third year EVER?

According to the GM release, based on real-world experience by Volt owners since the vehicle launched in late 2010, engineers made minor changes to the material composition of the battery cell chemistry, resulting in improved performance and durability. LG Chem’s Manganese spinel chemistry remains the foundation for the Volt’s battery system, but the amount of each material has been slightly modified to provide better overall life performance.

My new hero: Bill Wallace, GM Director of Global Battery Systems Engineering:

“We’ve done some work at the cell level to modify the ‘ingredients’ to make a better end result. This attention to detail will allow our customers to experience more pure EV range, which is the true benefit of owning a Volt.”

In addition, the total storage capacity of the Volt battery has been increased from 16 kWh of energy to 16.5 kWh, and engineers have expanded the state-of-charge window to use 10.8 kWh of the total battery energy – up from 10.3 kWh used in the 2012 model. The battery system maintains a buffer to ensure battery life, but that buffer has been reduced.

The improved EV range capability will result in slight increases to the Volt’s charge times. A full recharge using a 120V could take 10.5 hours and 4.25 hours using a 240V charging unit.

Cells with improved chemistry have accumulated 150,000 test miles to date. The tests have revealed less battery degradation, the ability to withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius and less impact by energy throughput.

Volt owners have travelled more than 65 million miles since the vehicle launched late 2010. Roughly two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid electricity. Who can argue about a great statistic like that

I also cannot wait to get behind the wheel of this new battery chemistry equipped Volt too

[ksstathead]

-30C =-22F

What happens at -40F to Minnesota owners?

[southerncannuck]

Originally Posted by ksstathead

-30C =-22F

What happens at -40F to Minnesota owners?

Give them a map of Florida.

[herm]

the engine starts, if the oil is not frozen solid.. then they electrically heat the battery up to a working temperature... then the engine shuts off and you drive away on electricity. The whole mess could have been prevented if you had kept it plugged-in, the car will maintain the battery at the proper level, and even preheat the cabin for your comfort.

[NeilBlanchard]

-40C = -40F

The battery would presumably lose some of it's capacity at those low temperatures. If you have it plugged in, then that will keep the battery warm, I think?

[herm]

Yes keeping it plugged in maintains the battery at a good temperature. I think about 50° F

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Well, that's good news. Seems like improved performance, higher density and longer life.
If it's no more expensive than the one in the 2012 we have a generational improvement.

[Indigo]

That is a step in the right direction at least. The ultra-hyped prototype Volt was to have a 50 mile range and get something like 230 MPG and cost $30k. But it is refreshing to see movement toward the ideal instead of just more hype.

[EdwinTheMagnificent]

Anyone here could get 50 miles from a Volt. But it was kind of dumb for Chevrolet to ever use "230 mpg" in advertising or press release. That number could easily infuriate or confuse many consumers.

[Indigo]

Originally Posted by EdwinTheMagnificent

Anyone here could get 50 miles from a Volt. But it was kind of dumb for Chevrolet to ever use "230 mpg" in advertising or press release. That number could easily infuriate or confuse many consumers.

I think the hype is a big part of why I have such an abiding hatred of that car. I REALLY wanted a $30k vehicle that got over 200 MPG. For me, the Volt has been the biggest letdown in my experience when it comes to cars. I just haven't been able to forgive GM.

That said, at least the Volt is improving. Wayne could probably get 100 MPG from a Volt as-is.