Chevrolet has released details about the 2019 Volt plug-in hybrid compact hatchback, which now features an updated onboard charger that allows it to recharge its battery in half the time of the 2018 model. The new 7.2-kilowatt charger is double the capacity of the old model, and when the car is plugged into a 240-volt Level 2 outlet, it will enable the Volt to recharge its lithium-ion battery pack in just 2.3 hours — down from the roughly four hours it takes now.
Related: 2017 Chevrolet Volt Review
Chevy says that this is meant to help owners who take advantage of “opportunity charging” — plugging their Volt in at places other than their home or office, perhaps while out running errands around town. With charging now a speedier affair, owners can remain in all-electric mode, something Volt owners generally prefer to be in as much as possible.
The gasoline engine in the Volt remains unchanged and still kicks in when needed to either keep the car going once the battery has been depleted, or to provide a little extra propulsive force when needed. Range and efficiency are unchanged — the Volt is still rated to go 53 miles on a full electric charge (although we have been known to get more than that) and 420 miles on a combination of electricity and gasoline. The new 7.2-kW charger is standard on the Premier trim level for the Volt and optional on the lesser LT model.
Chevy also updated a few other minor things for the 2019 Volt 2019, mostly aimed at improving efficiency. There’s a new Energy app that helps drivers adjust their driving style and accessory usage to maximize efficiency. It also has new low and regen on demand calibrations that are meant for smoother drivability.
Another new feature is the ability to defer the engine-assisted cabin heater to now activate at much lower temperatures than before. The Volt fires up the gas engine when it gets too cold to save electricity for propulsion — but if you’d still rather not use gas, you can now set it to only turn on at minus 13 degrees, keeping you in electric mode regardless of weather.
The Volt adds a couple of new features like a power driver’s seat for the first time ever, driver-selectable adaptive cruise control, an updated rearview camera, a wireless charging pad, a new dealer-installed blackout package and a new Pacific Blue Metallic paint color.
The updated 2019 Chevrolet Volt will go on sale this fall.
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