The Chevrolet Volt established an entirely new segment when it was introduced first back in 2011. Designed to offer all the benefits of an electric vehicle without the range limitations associated with EVs, the Volt has reeled in big sales numbers for Chevrolet from across the globe.
Three years after inception, the Volt is in for a replacement, as seen in these spy images of the second-generation model. The prototype model caught on test confirms that Chevrolet is already deep into the development a replacement.
The second-generation Volt is said to be based on the upcoming new Chevrolet Cruze to mainly cut development costs. As for the power-train, the car is expected to source power from the existing 1.4-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor. GM is also expected to reduce the size of the battery pack to cut down on overall weight and costs.
The second-generation Chevrolet Volt is expected to go on sale sometime in 2016. GM has announced that production will take place at its Hamtramck facility in Detroit. Like the existing Volt, the second-gen model will also form basis for the UK-spec Vauxhall Ampera, its sister car.
Now, since there is not much of a demand for petrol-electric hybrids here in the Indian market, we do not expect GM to launch the Chevrolet Volt in the foreseeable future. However, it is not to say that manufacturers operating in India have shied away from the concept altogether. The Japanese, in fact, are very upbeat with the whole concept of hybrid power and cars like Toyota Prius and Camry hybrid are there to prove it.
