If there is only one thing Chevrolet Volt owners like about their car it's being able to recharge the battery without any issues.
A new study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy showed that more than 80 percent of all trips by Volt owners didn't use the range extender.
"Chevrolet used the real-world experiences of today's Volt owners to make the charging process simpler and more convenient in the next-generation Volt," said Andrew Farah, chief engineer for the Volt. "The new Volt will give owners greater flexibility for charging it on their terms."
New and enhanced features announced this week include:
Charge status indicators
The Volt makes it easier for owners to confirm their vehicle is charging and gauge charge status. The new status features a specially designed tone that lets people know when charging has started, with more tones for delayed charging notification.
Looking through the windshield of the vehicle, an updated charge status indicator light can be seen on the top of the instrument panel to show the approximate charge level through a number of flashes. An available illuminated charge port also makes it easier to plug in after dark and indicate approximate charge level.
GPS location charging
Volt drivers will now be able to set their charging preferences for their "home" charging location and the vehicle will adjust to that setting when it is at that spot, according to GM. The vehicle will recognize when it reached "home" based on GPS data.
This lets owners pre-set charging levels and whether they want to charge immediately, set a departure time for each day of the week, or set a time and utility rate schedule to charge only at off-peak rates. Owners can also input their local utility's rate schedule into their Volt to make sure they're charging using the cheapest electricity rates.
Upgraded portable cord set
A new 120V portable cord set comes with a cord around 25 feet long, which is longer than the current 120V portable cord.
GM says the cord can be locked by using a small padlock to prevent unauthorized removal during charging. A new storage bin for the cord has been added on the left side of the Volt's rear cargo area, above the load floor, for improved accessibility. The bin was moved based on customer feedback, according to GM.
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