Ownership Experience

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For release: Oct. 10, 2010, 12:01 a.m. ET
CHEVROLET VOLT’S INTUITIVE AND PURPOSEFUL TECHNOLOGIES REDEFINE THE
VEHICLE OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE
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Dual seven-inch full-color displays include reconfigurable driver information
center and center-touch screen interface
Touch-sensitive center stack
Standard, state-of-the-art navigation and infotainment system
Simple and intuitive recharging
MyVolt.com and Chevrolet Mobile App powered by OnStar Mylink let owners
engage with the Volt remotely via computer or smart phone
Dedicated service network
DETROIT – Technology not only delivers ultra-efficient electric driving performance in the all-new
2011 Chevrolet Volt, it also enables Volt owners to easily operate and connect with the vehicle,
redefining the vehicle ownership experience.
In addition to standard, state-of-the-art infotainment and navigation systems, the Volt features
applications that allow owners to control and monitor certain vehicle functions 24/7: by computer
via MyVolt.com; and on the go with Chevrolet Mobile App powered by OnStar Mylink, which is
compatible with iPhone, Droid and other smart phones.
“From an engineering standpoint, the Volt is a very advanced vehicle, but we went to great
lengths to ensure that operating and engaging with the Volt is very intuitive for owners,” said
Andrew Farah, Volt chief engineer. “The Volt is fun to drive, so of course it should be fun to own.”
Goodbye gauges, hello screens
The Volt features two seven-inch screens that display key information and house touch screen
controls for infotainment, climate-control, driver efficiency and other key vehicle functions such as
charging.
A reconfigurable, high-resolution, full-color cluster display replaces the speedometer and other
gauges that would be on a traditional instrument panel. It is controlled via a Driver Information
Center (DIC) select switch offering two display configurations – simple and enhanced – for easyto understand information on:
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Battery state of charge and electric range
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Speedometer
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Fuel level and extended-mode range
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Driving efficiency
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Trip information
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Tire pressure information
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Oil life
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Vehicle messages such as low fuel and error conditions.
A second seven-inch, full-color, high-resolution touch screen display is mounted on the center
stack. Using three-dimensional graphics, it is the primary interface for all infotainment and climate
controls. When activated by the “Efficiency” (leaf) switch on the integrated center stack, the
screen displays energy information, power flow and charging screens.
Energy information
There are two types of energy information displays:
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Energy Usage screen displays information for the total of all the drive cycles since the
last time the battery was fully charged. This includes distance traveled in electric and
extended range modes, the total fuel used and average fuel economy. The Lifetime Fuel
Economy shown on this screen represents a cumulative total over the life of the vehicle
and can be reset only by the dealer.
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Energy Efficiency screen shows the energy efficiency over the most recent drive cycle
based on driving style and climate settings.
A third screen, Efficiency Tips, includes tips on improving energy use to increase fuel economy
and range.
Power flow
The power flow screens show the energy flow between the engine, electric drive unit and battery.
For example:
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Battery Power animation shows when energy is flowing from the battery to the drive unit
and wheels.
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Engine Power animation occurs when the engine is active with energy flowing through
the electric motors to the wheels.
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Engine and Battery Power animation occurs when the battery pack and engine are both
shown as active, with energy flowing to the wheels.
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During Regen Power Recovery (which can occur in both electric and extended-range
modes), power flows from the wheels to the battery pack. This happens during
regenerative braking or coasting
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In Power Off mode, no components are active and there is no power flowing to the
wheels.
Charging displays
The charging display screens are also accessed via the “Efficiency” switch on the center stack or
the “Charging” button at the top of the touch screen. There are three programmable charge
modes with relating screens:
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Immediate Mode: The Volt starts charging as soon as it is connected to an electrical
outlet, and the screen indicates the mode as well as estimated time of completion.
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Delayed Departure Time Mode: The owner schedules a departure time via the touch
screen, and the Volt calculates the charging start time and completion based on the
schedule entered. The vehicle uses an internal clock for programmable timing, not the
clock in the center stack display.
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Delayed Rate and Departure Time Mode: The Volt calculates the charging start time
based on utility rate schedules, rate preference and the programmed departure time for
the current day of the week. In this mode, the Volt will charge during the least expensive
rate periods. (The charging calculation requires rate information from the utility and is not
compatible with smart phones.)
Industry-leading touch-sensitive center stack
The touch-sensitive integrated center stack carries redundant controls for the infotainment and
climate controls as well as a number of primary interfaces:
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“Power” button for starting the vehicle
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“Drive Mode” button for selecting Normal, Sport or Mountain drive modes
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“Climate” button selects the Climate Control touch screen for access to Fan only (least
impact on driving range and fuel economy), Eco or Comfort (greatest impact on range on
fuel economy) climate control modes
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Programmable charge modes
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Power door lock/unlock actuation
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Electric park brake application/release.
Automatic climate control system
The Volt is one of the first vehicles in the world equipped with a single-zone Automatic Climate
Control system (ACC) with an electric cabin heating and air conditioning system.
Under certain cold conditions, the system uses auxiliary heat from the engine to ensure full heat
and defrost capability. The auxiliary heat is provided by running the engine, even if the battery
has adequate power to drive the vehicle. The system also includes a solar sensor and humidity
sensor that help the ACC adjust fan speeds and temperature for optimum comfort. An electric-
powered air conditioning compressor functions without the need for an accessory belt driven by a
running engine.
Intuitive charging experience
The Volt is as easy to recharge as a cell phone. It requires a dedicated household electrical outlet
of 120V (15 amps) or greater (three-prong wall plug) with no other appliances on its circuit. For
240V (20 amps) charging, it is recommended that the charging station be installed by a licensed
electrician. Using a 20-foot, 120V charge cord, which is conveniently stowed in the cargo area; or
optional 240V wall charger:
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Complete recharging of the battery system via a 240V outlet takes about four hours
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Complete recharging of the battery system via a 120V outlet takes about 10 to 12 hours
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On- or off-board charge programming when the vehicle is plugged in (via computer
through MyVolt.com or on the go through Chevrolet Mobile App powered by OnStar
Mylink).
The Volt’s charging status indicator is in the center of the instrument panel near the windshield.
When the vehicle is plugged in, it indicates the following:
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Solid green: Vehicle is plugged in, the battery is charging but not fully charged
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Fast flash green: Vehicle is plugged in, the battery is not fully charged and will begin
charging at a later time (delayed schedule)
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Slow flash green: Vehicle is plugged in and the battery is fully charged
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Solid amber: Vehicle is plugged in, but the charging system has detected a fault and will
not charge the battery.
The Volt’s standard portable charge cord pack is equipped with LED status indicators that
illuminate green or flashing red to identify the charge cord status. When all indicators are green,
the vehicle can be charged. If any are flashing red, the charge cord will not permit vehicle
charging due to the voltage being out of range or the electrical outlet not having a proper safety
ground.
The charge cord pack enables two levels of charging: normal, for most situations; and reduced,
when the electrical current is limited.
Energy-saving sound system, 60-GB hard drive and enhanced navigation
The Volt’s premium infotainment system begins with an AM/FM/XM audio system with navigation,
DVD-ROM and MP3 capability, voice recognition, auxiliary input jack and USB port. Other
features include:
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Energy-saving Bose sound system with six speakers and subwoofer
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XM NavTraffic/Weather including a three-month subscription
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OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation
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Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with phone book access.
The Volt also features a 60-GB hard drive with 30 GB dedicated for music storage. Access to the
hard drive is achieved through the touch-screen infotainment display. Through the USB jack,
digital audio music files can be downloaded to the hard drive for storage and playback. The USB
jack also provides true iPod capability, enabling recharging and control of MP3 (iPod) devices via
the steering wheel, audio system or VGA display. Additionally, music from CDs or USB devices
can be “ripped” to and stored on the hard drive.
The “Timeshift” feature of the Volt audio system allows listeners to pause and record up to 20
minutes of programming for later playback, similar to the digital video recorder (DVR) function for
televisions.
Engaging with the Volt remotely
Owners can engage with their Volt via desktop or laptop using the MyVolt.com owner web site, or
on the go with the Chevrolet Mobile App powered by OnStar Mylink.
MyVolt.com allows drivers to communicate with the vehicle to start charging, pre-condition the
cabin, lock and unlock the doors and program the vehicle charging schedule. Drivers also can
check charging status, EV range and other pertinent vehicle information.
The Chevrolet Mobile App powered by OnStar Mylink helps drivers stay connected to their Volt
24/7 via the iPhone, Droid or other android-based smart phones. With Volt’s mobile application,
drivers have similar control and functionality as MyVolt.com.
A five-year subscription to the OnStar safety and security system with the Directions and
Connections plan is standard. It includes Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) and
Turn-by-Turn Navigation. OnStar’s AACN system includes a series of strategically located
sensors that notify OnStar advisors if the vehicle is involved in a moderate to severe frontal, rear
or side-impact crash, regardless of air bag deployment.
Enhanced OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics monthly e-mails are specifically designed to address the
Volt’s unique characteristics.
OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation allows drivers, with a simple push of the blue OnStar button, to
talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete turn-by-turn directions to the vehicle to be
played through the stereo as needed.
Servicing the Volt
Participating Volt dealers in launch markets and Volt Authorized Service Dealers in non-launch
markets will provide coast-to-coast, 48-state service coverage. Both will make investments in
training, special tools and 240V charging stations.
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