Monday, November 5, 2012

Volt’s Range Extender Is Global Green Engine of the Year

by Chevrolet in the News on June 15, 2012

Chevrolet is making a major effort to establish itself as a global brand, and this is something that should help: The thrifty 1.4-liter I4 engine that acts as an onboard range extender for the Chevy Volt (and Opel Ampera, built by GM in Europe) has just beat out 45 other rivals to win the “green” category in the International Engine of the Year Awards. It adds to a growing list of global awards shared by the Volt/Ampera, including the 2012 European Car of the Year honor.
According to Temple Chevrolet, a 16-kWh lithium ion battery and 111-kW electric motor can power the 2013 Volt for up to 38 miles of all-electric, zero-emissions travel—an 8.5 percent improvement over 2012—but if/when drivers do want to go further, that’s when the award-winning range extender comes into play. It provides more than 340 miles of additional range while returning 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway/37 mpg combined. Waukomis Chevrolet pointed out these are the exact same ratings achieved by the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
“Until the Volt and Ampera, the short range of battery electric vehicles has limited their suitability for everyday use,” said Uwe Winter, Opel vehicle line director and chief engineer, who accepted the prize. “Our revolutionary propulsion system removes this obstacle by uniting the environmental friendliness of electric drive with the long range of a combustion engine. And the Best Green Engine Award is the highest recognition of this achievement.”
The International Engine of the Year Awards are presented annually by Engine Technology International magazine and this year were chosen by a jury of 76 automotive journalists from 35 different countries.
Test drive a Chevy Volt at Sheboygan Chevrolet or your local Chevrolet dealer.

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