GM Reveals Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Electric Crossover Concept at Auto China 2010

Chevy Volt MPV5

GM’s Chevrolet unveiled the Volt MPV5 extended range electric vehicle concept at Auto China 2010. The five-passenger multi-purpose crossover concept demonstrates the potential of the Voltec propulsion system by utilizing the same extended range electric drive foundation as the Volt.

The Volt MPV5 is one of 37 production and concept vehicles being shown by GM and its joint venture partners at Auto China 2010, including the Cadillac Converj extended range electric concept vehicle; and the Cadillac XTS Platinum plug-in two-mode hybrid concept.

Volt MPV5. The Volt MPV5 concept utilizes the same Voltec propulsion system found in the Chevrolet Volt. A 16-kWh T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack powers the electric drive unit and provides an all-electric range of up to 51.5 km (32 miles)—twice the distance the average urban commuter in China travels each day.

When the battery is depleted, a 1.4-liter engine generator sustains the battery charge and provides up to 482 km (300 miles) of electric propulsion.

The styling of the Volt MPV5 concept borrows design and aerodynamic cues from the Chevrolet Volt. The front fascia features a closed grille and aero-optimized 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 contribute to improved aerodynamics, thereby enabling greater all-electric range.

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.

Converj and XTS. The concept Converj represents another implementation of the Voltec extended range electric drive system. Also equipped with a 16 kWh battery pack, the Converj offers up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) of electric driving, with extended-range capability of hundreds of kilometers.

The XTS Platinum plug-in concept uses Cadillac’s 3.6-liter V-6 Direct Injection gasoline engine, paired with a two-mode plug-in hybrid system. The system provides an estimated 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 N·m).

Electrification in China. GM is working to advance electrification in China through research and development. It has launched the China Automotive Energy Research Center (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 centerpiece 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 green products, supporting green manufacturing and undertaking a green responsibility.

Source: Green Car Congress