Chevy plans more anemic Volt for 2016

Reuters:

Hoping to boost demand for its slow-selling Volt hybrid, Chevrolet is planning to sell two versions of the redesigned 2016 Volt, including a lower-priced model with a smaller battery pack and shorter driving range, supplier sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The second-generation Volt is slated to go into production in about 16 months at General Motors Co’s Detroit Hamtramck plant, the sources said.

Here are areas where the Volt could be improved:

• More internal space (aim to beat Prius or Ford Energi)
• Better, not worse range
• More mainstream utilitarian styling
• Performance that would beat even the Chevy Spark EV
• Better marketing focusing on performance and cost of ownership

The Reuters report seemed to miss the whole scoop about the actual range giving the Gas+ Electric specs, omitting what the electric only would be.

The standard Volt won’t deviate dramatically from the current model, which is priced from just under $35,000 and has a driving range of up to 380 miles, according to Chevrolet.

GM also wants to offer a lower-cost edition, priced from just over $30,000 that would likely have a range of less than 300 miles, with less equipment, the supplier sources said.

So figure moving from a 45 mile range to 30-something on electric only?  Pass and give me a Chevy Spark EV!