2011 Chevrolet Volt goes under hot-weather testing in Arizona

2011 Chevrolet Volt undergoing hot-weather testing

The Chevrolet Volt engineering team is hanging out in the hot deserts of Arizona putting their fuel-sipping baby under hot weather testing.

“While the Volt is designed to operate in all weather and temperature conditions, one of the tests it is undergoing in the desert is the Hot Soak Evaluation, where temperatures inside the cabin can exceed 175 degrees F,” GM said in a statement. The test is done by ‘baking’ the Volt in the sun for several hours, then opening everything in the car, cycle all of the electric accessories, and then taking the car down the ride handling track to check for rattles, squeaks and other noises.

“The car performed well,” said senior durability test engineer Steve Pratt. “The air conditioner cooled things off from our interior temperature of 138 degrees down to a nice comfortable temperature for driving.”

Oh, and if by the trailer hitch seen in the video (posted after the jump) you’re wondering if the Volt will be equipped with handle towing – it won’t. That’s just the engineering team putting the Volt through some weight training via Grade Load testing. The test allows engineers to put stress on the engine and chassis to see how well they will perform while climbing a mountain at temperatures above 100 degrees F.

Click here to read our first drive impressions of 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:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Explaining the Chevrolet Volt Grade Load Test:

First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt:

– By: Omar Rana