General Motors' new 2016 Chevrolet Volt is making its way to dealerships this year. This plug-in hybrid is considered by the company to be a potential competitor of Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf.
The second generation Volt is described to be more efficient and is a lot quicker compared to its predecessor. These new improved version is made possible by the vehicle's two-motor drive unit that packs up 12 percent more efficiency.
Since the car weighs about 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor, it's expected to be quicker.
The 2016 Chevy Volt is more powerful when it comes to its zero to 30 miles per hour (mph) acceleration, which is recorded to be in 2.6 seconds. That's a 19 percent improvement from the previous version.
In addition, the hybrid can also jump from zero to 60 mph in just 8.4 seconds.
When it runs on gas only, it can reach 42 miles per gallon versus the 37 miles per gallon from the previous version.
This only shows that the 2016 Chevrolet Volt's overall range can reach a total of 420 miles instead of the 380 from the earlier generation.
The ability to run at such fuel efficient rate is possible through the vehicle's 101 hp 1.5-liter petrol engine, compared to the previous 1.4-liter.
The hybrid's battery power has also been improved into 18.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh); it is also lighter, with a charging time of 13 hours when plugged in a 120V outlet and a short 4.5 hours when charged in a 240V outlet.
As for the cost, the new Volt is cheaper than its predecessor, selling at a base price of $39,995. For a green car, it costs lower than 2016 Nissan Leaf priced at $37, 640. The 2015 Toyota Prius is priced at $24,200 but the 2016 pricing is awaiting announcement.
The new 2016 Chevrolet Volt will hit dealerships in 11 states this fall season, according to Auto Blog. The rest of the United States will get their chance at the new hybrid under the 2017 model year by spring of 2016.
