Holden Volt tipped to lead electric vehicle charge

Holden Volt. Photo / Supplied

Holden is expecting to charge ahead of its electric vehicle rivals with its newly released Volt.

Previewed in Australia last week, and due in New Zealand late next year, the five-door, four-passenger Volt is designed to provide the benefits of an electric vehicle without the range limitations usually associated with them.

"The Holden Volt can be the only car you need to own," said Mike Devereux, Holden chairman and managing director.

"The Volt is a true game-changer for Holden and the entire industry. It promises to revolutionise the way people view electric vehicles with its world-beating drivetrain, progressive styling and outstanding safety.

"The Volt also signals the start of a new era for Holden as we take a leadership position on technology and sustainable motoring. This is an incredibly exciting vehicle."

The Volt is not a hybrid; instead, like its rival, Nissan's Leaf, it's an all electrically driven vehicle.

Powered by GM's revolutionary Voltec propulsion system, it consists of a 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit that provide a pure electric range of between 60-80km, depending on conditions.

A 1.4-litre petrol-powered engine extends the range by operating the vehicle's electric drive system until the car can be recharged or refuelled.

This distinguishes Volt from other electric-only vehicles, which cannot be operated when recharging is not immediately available - such as during a power interruption or on a long-distance trip.

The heart of the Holden Volt is its Voltec propulsion system, which combines pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending engine, giving Volt a total range of more than 500km, depending on conditions.

Volt's long-life battery consists of a 198.1kg T-shaped, 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack manufactured in Brownstown Township, Michigan.

It supplies energy to an advanced, 111kW electric drive unit to propel the vehicle.

Using only the energy stored in the battery, Volt delivers between 60-80km of fuel and tailpipe emissions-free electric driving, depending on conditions.