2013 Chevy Volt To Recieve EV-Hold Mode, Revised Looks

First hitting the streets in the last month of 2010, the Chevy Volt has had a long, hard slog as a new car on the market. Having been lambasted and unfairly linked to Obama by GM-hating conservatives, the Volt has also suffered from questions about battery safety and as well as a high price that makes it too expensive for most Americans.

But the game goes on, and GM is rolling out a few changes, some minor, some major, for the 2013 model of the Chevy Volt. Of most interest to U.S. buyers is that the Volt will finally get the EV-holding mode found on its cousin, the Opel Ampera. Other changes include a body-color roof and decklid (up to now all Volts made due with a black roof and decklid) as well as the addition of a lane departure warning system, forward collision alert, and Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system.

Yet the real big news is the EV-holding mode, which forces the Volt into using its gas generator. This allows drivers to save the battery life of the Volt for city driving, perhaps at the end of a long highway commute. Reserving the battery will allow Volt drivers to get more bang for their buck, as the Volt’s EV mode gets the most range in low-speed city driving.

Apparently though GM is planning even bigger updates to the Volt for 2014. Could the Volt finally be getting a cheaper cousin? Maybe more battery range? What options would you like to see on the next Volt?

Source: GM Inside News

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Tags: 2010, 2011, 2012 Volt, 2013 Volt, 2014 volt, changes, Chevy Volt, EV hold mode, EV holding, improvements, mode, Opel Ampera

About the Author

Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or esle, he's running, because he's one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances.

Temk

I hoping that the fuel economy improves and the driving range for the battery also improves at the same price point. 50 mile range all battery would be a huge benefit. The EV-hold makes sense for longer hail commuters, assuming people still want or need to do that.
Mark

Got to Love the new EV hold feature… I have been partially achieving this function by placing the volt in mountian mode. This will turn on the ICE while retaining about 1/2 of the battery charge. When you take it out of mountian mode you have between 1/3 and 1/2 of the battery before it once again turns on the ICE.
Marc P.

Small SUV form factor with Volt innards…
That’s what I would want.
Z

We agree. We like the volt but love driving suvs. How about a volt suv that does 40 miles on electric. It would sell great. Remember the rav 4 electric