GM today announced a somewhat minor upgrade to the 2019 Chevy Volt PHEV that will be available this fall.

Headlining the new feature set is an improved 240V charging system that will up the rate of charge from 3.6kW to 7.2kW or 16A to 32A. The move, which matches the charging rate of Chevy’s Bolt on Level 2, will give the Volt a full 53 mile EV charge in 2.3 hours according to Chevy. There is still no DC fast charging option for the Volt.

Other updates to the 2019 Volt include:

GM’s continuing evolution of the pedestrian alert system, first deployed in 2011, now using front and rear speakers to provide audible alerts when operating at slow speeds.

A new digital rearview camera replaces the previous analog system.

New driver-switchable Adaptive Cruise Control allows the choice of conventional cruise control or adaptive cruise control.

New tire fill alert sounds a horn when full tire pressure is achieved.

New, decorative seating patterns are offered on cloth seats.

New Power Convenience Package available on LT adds a power driver seat in addition to all content offered on the Comfort Package.

Wireless charging pad for compatible phones is relocated ahead of the shifter for easier use (available with navigation radio).

New Pacific Blue Metallic exterior color is available.

New Jet Black/Porcelain Blue interior is offered on Premier.

Available dealer-installed blackout package includes sport pedals, black front/rear bowtie emblems and 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets.

Electrek’s Take

It is hard to imagine a less inspiring update unless you consider the 2019 Chevy Bolt update, which just featured 3 new colors. I actually really like the Volt as is, but my review was way back in 2016. Over 100,000 Volts are on US roads.

For commuters, this L2 charging update won’t make much of a difference. If you are charging on Level 2 during your work day, getting a full charge in 2.3 hours vs. 4.6 hours isn’t going to change your life much. If you are driving to grandma’s house and stay the day, the charge time improvement likewise won’t likely offer any benefit.

Most EVs now charge at 7.2kW including the newly released Jaguar I-PACE and base Tesla Model 3. However higher end vehicles will level 2 charge up to 48A or 10.8kW like the high-end Model 3 or Model S/X.

We would have loved to see GM step up the mileage on the Volt to around 80 miles which would have meant that only very long trips would have required trips to the gas station. They could have also offered a more peppy engine. After all, Tesla Modders love the Volt battery pack for its high output capabilities.

Adaptive Cruise Control and the rearview camera update as well as wireless phone charging are also nice additions.

But let’s be honest here, this is probably the last Chevy Volt update we’ll see until it is morphed into a crossover for 2022.

Full Press Release follows:

DETROIT — A new 7.2 kW charging system on the 2019 Chevrolet Volt cuts recharging times nearly in half by adding about twice the all-electric driving range per hour of charge. The new system headlines a number of additional enhancements for the 2019 Volt and increases the vehicle’s all-electric utility for owners who take advantage of “opportunity charging,” or plugging in around town to top off the battery charge. “With about twice the range added during 240V Level 2 charging sessions, the 2019 Volt’s 7.2 kW system makes opportunity charging more worthwhile,” said Jesse Ortega, chief engineer, Chevrolet Electric Vehicles. “It effectively extends the vehicle’s all-electric driving range, while providing about twice the range for the money when plugging in at public facilities that charge by the hour.” With the new 7.2 kW system, a complete recharge can be achieved in as little as 2.3 hours with a 240-volt outlet and supporting hardware. The new system is standard on the 2019 Volt Premier model and available on the LT trim. A 3.6 kW charger is standard on the Volt LT. The new charging system complements the Volt’s extended-range electric propulsion system, which with a full tank of gas and a full charge offers an EPA-estimated 53 miles of pure EV range and 106 MPGe, or gasoline equivalent. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered generator kicks in to extend the driving range to a total of 420 miles (675 km) on a full tank. Improved owner experience In addition to the new charging system, the 2019 Volt offers a number of enhancements designed to improve convenience and help owners get more out of their all-electric driving experience. For those in colder climates who want to use as little gas as possible, the 2019 Volt allows activation of the automatic engine-assisted heating system to be deferred until much lower temperatures — minus 13 degrees F / minus 25 degrees C — for more all-electric operation. The 2019 Volt also features new Low and Regen on Demand profiles that enable increased regenerative braking capability when drivers let off the accelerator pedal. The feature helps the vehicle achieve its class-leading EV range, and the updates come with an improved driving feel with smoother operation when slowing. A new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen incorporates a new Energy App. The app’s Impacts Screen shows drivers how driving style, route, weather conditions and cabin comfort setting may affect range and conveys the impact more intuitively based on mileage rather than the previous numerical “score.” Drivers will enjoy having more information about their efficiencies and can aim to eke out every EV mile possible. The 2019 Volt also introduces its first power driver’s seat. The six-way seat is standard on Premier and available on LT models. Additional changes and updates: GM’s continuing evolution of the pedestrian alert system, first deployed in 2011, now using front and rear speakers to provide audible alerts when operating at slow speeds.

A new digital rearview camera replaces the previous analog system.

New driver-switchable Adaptive Cruise Control allows the choice of conventional cruise control or adaptive cruise control.

New tire fill alert sounds a horn when full tire pressure is achieved.

New, decorative seating patterns are offered on cloth seats.

New Power Convenience Package available on LT adds a power driver seat in addition to all content offered on the Comfort Package.

Wireless charging pad for compatible phones is relocated ahead of the shifter for easier use (available with navigation radio).

New Pacific Blue Metallic exterior color is available.

New Jet Black/Porcelain Blue interior is offered on Premier.

Available dealer-installed blackout package includes sport pedals, black front/rear bowtie emblems and 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets. “The 2019 Volt’s enhancements give customers more of what they love with the vehicle and make it even more useful as an everyday electric vehicle,” said Ortega. “It’s a more seamless experience than ever.” Availability The 2019 Chevrolet Volt goes on sale this fall. FAST FACT: Volt owners have driven more than 2.8 billion EV miles, saving more than 108 million gallons of gas. ABOUT CHEVROLET Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

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