Volt plugs in to Holden line-up

Holden has today unveiled its Volt petrol-electric hybrid to local media, almost a year before the car is slated for its local showroom debut.

Powered by a 16kWh lithium-ion battery and 111kW/368Nm electric motor, Volt receives additional range by way of a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Holden says the Volt will offer an all-electric driving range of between 60 and 80 kilometres, thanks to its Voltec propulsion system, which can be extended to more than 500 kilometres (depending on conditions) with the assistance of the car's conventional onboard powerplant.

A true plug-in hybrid, Volt can also be charged at home via a standard domestic power outlet. Holden says a complete recharge should take between six and ten hours at home, or as little as four hours using a 3kW charging station.

Like its derivative model, Chevrolet Volt, the local variant is claimed to offer the drive and feel of a premium sports sedan. The five-door, four-passenger Volt also boasts a full suite of safety equipment, including eight airbags, and utilises high-strength steel in its construction.

Added efficiency is achieved by way of lightweight alloy wheels, electro-hydraulic regenerative braking, an aerodynamic shape and low-rolling resistance tyres.

Engineers say Volt has been the subject of extensive safety, quality, performance and durability tests which since 2007 have seen Volt cover more than 1.5 million kilometres and four million hours of validation evaluations.

Holden chairman and managing director, Mike Devereux, said Volt will change the way people perceive EVs.

"The Volt is a true game changer for Holden and the entire industry. It promises to revolutionise the way people view electric vehicles... it's electric when you want it, and petrol when you need it," explained Devereux.

"It's among the most technologically advanced cars on the road anywhere in the world and spearheads Holden's push to become a leader in technology and sustainable motoring. Volt will make driving more economical, more environmentally-friendly and will fundamentally change the way Australia thinks about alternative transport solutions."

Stay tuned for our first local drive of the Holden Volt before Christmas.

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