Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept
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29th April, 2010
General Motors is interested in providing fuel-efficient
vehicles to its customers in China and elsewhere in the world. In recent months, through GM’s Shanghai GM joint
venture, Chevrolet has introduced the fuel-efficient Cruze and New Sail in China. It will introduce the Volt
electric vehicle with extended range capability in 2011 in China too.
In preparation for the Volt’s arrival, Chevrolet is leveraging the Beijing Motor Show, which opened
yesterday, to introduce the Volt MPV5 electric concept. The five-passenger multi-purpose cross-over concept
demonstrates the potential of the Voltec propulsion system by utilising the same foundation as the Volt, for
fuel and tailpipe emissions-free electric driving.
Maximising Efficiency and Style
The styling of the Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept borrows design and aerodynamic cues from the Chevrolet Volt.
The front fascia is among the most aerodynamic of any cross-over thanks to its closed grille and aero-optimised
lower air dam, both of which help improve fuel efficiency. A full-underbody belly pan, along with rocker
claddings, creased tail lamps and specially designed blades on the rear quarter, also help the Volt MPV5
concept cut through the wind with ease. The focus on improved aerodynamics enables greater all-electric
range.
The exterior of the Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept isn’t solely about efficiency. Its Sonic Blue Metallic paint
provides a contemporary appeal, while the dual skylight panels and 19-inch Volt-inspired wheels build the Volt
MPV5 concept’s sporty credentials.
“The Volt MPV5 concept takes the efficient design of the Chevrolet Volt and adapts it to the family
vehicle crossover segment. It’s immediately recognisable as a true member of the Chevrolet family,” said
Bob Boniface, Director of GM North America Crossover Exterior Design, whose team worked in conjunction with
members of GM’s design studio in Australia on the Volt MPV5 concept.
The Volt MPV5 concept’s dimensions provide added passenger comfort. While the 2,760 mm wheelbase of the Volt
MPV5 concept is a mere 15 mm longer than the wheelbase of the Chevrolet Volt, its body is 181 mm longer (4,585
mm), 73 mm wider (1,871 mm) and 182 mm taller (1,612 mm) than the Volt.
Inside, the Volt MPV5 concept adopts the Volt’s centre stack and gauge cluster along with its striking
two-tone leather seats. Thanks to the Volt MPV5 concept’s size, passenger comfort doesn’t take a backseat.
Typical for Chevrolet crossovers, the Volt MPV5 concept’s seating position allows for maximum comfort and
flexibility, including improved entry and egress.
When it comes to cargo, the Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept carries on the cross-over tradition thanks to its
flip-and-fold second row seating, which provides up to 1,764.1 litres of cargo space with the seats folded
and 863.7 litres of space behind the second row.
Voltec Power Boosts Eco-Friendly Credentials
The Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept utilises the same Voltec propulsion system found in the Chevrolet Volt,
including the added capability of an engine generator to extend the driving range and eliminate “range
anxiety.” A 16-kWh T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack powers the electric drive unit.
The flexibility of the Voltec system enables the Volt MPV5 concept to meet full vehicle speed and
acceleration requirements while driving the vehicle and its five occupants up to 51.5 km on pure electric
propulsion. This is double what the average urban commuter in China travels each day. When the battery is
depleted, a 1.4 litre engine generator sustains the battery charge and provides up to 482 km of electric
propulsion.
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“The Volt MPV5 concept demonstrates the flexibility of the Voltec propulsion system, which can produce
enough electric power to propel a range of vehicles, from a compact sedan like the Volt to a cross-over like
the Volt MPV5 concept,” said Doug Parks, Global Vehicle Line Executive and Global Vehicle Chief Engineer
for Electric Vehicles at GM.
“Rapidly growing demand for personal transportation across China is creating new environmental and
energy security challenges,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group.
“GM is committed to finding and adopting solutions, which include the electrification of the automobile.
The world premiere of the Volt MPV5 concept in Beijing demonstrates GM’s desire to make China a global focus
of its advanced technology strategy.”
GM continues to advance electrification in China through research and development. It has launched the
China Automotive Energy Research Centre (CAERC) in Beijing. The venture with SAIC and Tsinghua University is
developing a comprehensive automotive energy strategy for China. The GM China Science Lab, which opened last
November, is carrying out advanced automotive-related research, including battery development. In March, GM
introduced the EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) concepts in Shanghai. A centrepiece of the SAIC-GM Pavilion
at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, EN-V embodies GM’s vision for personal urban mobility in 2030. In addition, GM
is supporting its Shanghai GM joint venture’s “Drive to Green” strategy, which is focused on developing
eco-friendly products, supporting ecological-friendly manufacturing and undertaking an eco-friendly
responsibility.
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