GM tweaks battery materials, pack size, SOC window to increase 2013 Chevrolet Volt EV range to 38 miles
07 June 2012
The all-electric vehicle range of the 2013 Chevrolet Volt will increase by three miles from the 2012 model to be 38 miles on a single charge. The miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel economy will increase from 94 miles to 98 miles and the total range, including extended range operation, will be 380 miles. Power consumption in EV mode is EPA-rated at 35 kWh/100 miles for the 2013 model, down from 36 kWh in the 2012 model.
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. 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 life performance.
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.
For the first 38 miles, the Volt can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.
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.
Wow!
'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.'
10.3/16 = 0.643
10.8/16.5 = 0.654
Nice, but not exactly earth shattering!
I detect the hand of a PR flack in the presentation from GM!
Posted by: Davemart | 07 June 2012 at 07:02 AM
DM seems to be on the right track. Low cost GM PR? Much like the OLD boat on wheels days?
Posted by: HarveyD | 07 June 2012 at 07:29 AM
I thought they did this months ago, and are using an NMC chemistry.
Posted by: Herm | 07 June 2012 at 07:33 AM
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 07 June 2012 at 07:37 AM
Yes E-P...it can now do 35.175% instead of 33.33% on grid power.
Posted by: HarveyD | 07 June 2012 at 07:46 AM
Correction:
Should read 68.68% instead of 66.66% and not 35.175? instead of 33.33%.
Posted by: HarveyD | 07 June 2012 at 07:49 AM
According to the ticker, EV/HV ratio is about 62:38. 47 million EV and 29 million gas miles.
http://www.chevrolet.com/volt-electric-car/
Posted by: usbseawolf2000 | 07 June 2012 at 08:33 AM
I suspect that the electric miles are city driving, where ICEV mileage would be considerably worse. That could make the fuel savings even greater than the fraction of electric distance covered.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 07 June 2012 at 09:55 AM
HarveyD,
Statistics say that on average electric milage would better in case some Volt users would charge it every day. Some of them never plug in. They simply are not used plug in the electric car or something like that. Therefore solution for beter milage could be wireless charging which is still quite expensive. But there are many users which do not use gasoline at all or very little.
Posted by: Darius | 07 June 2012 at 12:10 PM
Very unlikely someone purchased a Volt and never plugs it in.. that would only happen with public servants driving a fleet Volt.
Posted by: Herm | 07 June 2012 at 12:22 PM
On-the-move wireless charging in main streets and selected roads for PHEV/BEV would be more in line with our acquired way of life. Many of us forgot how to plug it in.
Posted by: HarveyD | 07 June 2012 at 05:10 PM
If it were not for the wireless charging along the sidewalks and hallways here in Upper Nirvana (installed with a gov grant), my cell phone would like be, you know, discharged all the time.
But if you forgot how to plug your EV in, please do not get on the road.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 07 June 2012 at 08:54 PM