Vehicle Segment:
Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) / Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Target Audience:
Environmentally conscious consumers seeking an electric vehicle experience with the flexibility of a gasoline backup.
Key Competitors 2011:
Nissan Leaf (BEV), Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (mild-hybrid), Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Powertrain Concept:
Series hybrid (electric drive motor powered by battery and/or gasoline generator).
Unique Selling Proposition:
Extended electric range (approx. 35-40 miles) with a small gasoline engine for generating electricity, eliminating range anxiety.
Powertrain:
Hybrid powertrain system (electric motor, range-extender gasoline engine), battery system (high-voltage battery), charging system.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system.
Electrical:
12V auxiliary battery, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, infotainment systems, climate control systems, power locks, security systems.
Body And Interior:
Seating, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), interior controls, door locks, power windows.
Operation:
Starting and stopping the vehicle, driving modes (e.g., Normal, Sport, Mountain, Hold), electric-only driving, range-extender operation, charging procedures (home and public charging).
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid), air filter replacement, tire pressure checks and inflation, general cleaning instructions.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and messages on the instrument cluster, basic troubleshooting steps for common indicators.
Safety:
Proper use of safety restraints, understanding airbag systems, child seat installation, emergency procedures.
Diagnostics:
Basic diagnostic information related to the instrument cluster and vehicle warnings. Not a comprehensive diagnostic manual for repair technicians.
Repair:
Covers routine owner maintenance and operation, not detailed repair procedures or component replacement guides.
Specifications:
Includes key specifications for lubricants, fluids, capacities, and general maintenance items.
Engine Type:
Range-extender electric powertrain with a 1.4L (1398cc) inline-4 gasoline engine (LP9)
Electric Motor Peak Hp:
149 hp (111 kW)
Electric Motor Peak Torque:
273 lb-ft (370 Nm)
Gasoline Engine Hp:
84 hp (62 kW) @ 4800 RPM
Gasoline Engine Torque:
96 lb-ft (130 Nm) @ 3200 RPM
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Battery Type:
Lithium-ion (T-shaped battery pack)
Engine Location:
Front-transverse
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2011 model year in certain configurations)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Electronic Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
System Name:
Chevrolet MyLink (early version, based on navigation/audio system)
Features:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, MP3 playback, available navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and auxiliary input.
Display:
Color touch-screen display (7-inch)
Features:
Rear vision camera, parking assist sensors (rear), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Bluetooth:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Charging Connector:
J1772 (Level 1 and Level 2 charging capabilities)
Charging Time Level 2:
Approximately 4-5 hours for a full charge from empty.
Engine Oil Change:
Refer to Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) or severe service schedule (typically 7,500-10,000 miles for gasoline engine use).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions (engine air filter).
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 22,500 miles or annually.
Engine Oil Type:
Dexos1™ Gen 2 SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12378396 (or equivalent Orange/Yellow color extended life coolant)
Battery Thermal Management:
Early models experienced some battery cooling issues, addressed through software updates and component improvements.
Charging System Reliability:
Occasional reports of onboard charger issues, typically addressed under warranty.
Range Extender Engine Performance:
Some owners noted the gasoline engine was a bit underpowered, which is normal for its generator-only function.
