2011 Chevrolet Volt to get “mountain mode” as standard feature

2011 Chevrolet Volt

During a conference call with journalists earlier today, Larry Nitz, General Motors’ director of hybrid electric power engineering, said that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will have a “mountain mode” as a standard feature. The new feature will come in addition to the normal and sport mode.

Nitz said that the new mode will allow Volt drivers to set a larger reserve capacity in the battery in terrain that would require the vehicle to use extra power.

Click here to read our first drive impressions of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Nitz agreed that the mountain model will indeed reduce the Volt’s zero-emissions range. “If you”re going up the hill, you want that engine to come on sooner,” for the sake of efficiency and optimal driving experience.

Click here for more news on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by 16-kWh, “T”-shaped lithium-ion battery that powers the electric drive unit, which allows it to drive 40 miles on battery power alone. According to GM”s preliminary specs, the system puts out 150-hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft, allowing the Volt to go from 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 100 mph. The battery can be re-charged by plugging into a household outlet and takes less than 3 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 8 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries a 1.4 4-clyinder engine that allows the five-door, FWD sedan to travel additional miles while averaging a fuel-economy of 50 mpg. A fully charged battery and full tank of gas will allow the Volt to travel 300 miles.

First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt:

– By: Kap Shah

Source: HybridCars