Monday, July 26, 2010

Chevrolet Volt's Battery Warranty

After years of speculation, Chevrolet has finally announced the terms of the warranty on the Chevrolet Volt’s lithium ion battery pack; eight years/100,000 miles.
The 16 total kwh pack stores sufficient energy in a band from roughly 30% to 80% state-of-charge to propel the Chevrolet Volt for up to 40 miles at ambient temperature and with moderate driving style.

Since first working with the LG Chem lithium-manganese spinel cells in October 2007, Chevrolet has definitively proven their safe and robust nature. In these nearly three years of testing, Chevrolet has completed more than 1 million miles of driving and 4 million hours of validation of Chevrolet Volt battery packs, which include exactly nine modules and 288 cells.
“The Chevrolet Volt’s batteries have exceeded our performance targets and are ready to hit the road,” said Chevrolet executive director, global electrical systems. “Our customers are making a commitment to technology that will help reduce our dependence on petroleum. In turn, we are making a commitment to our customers to deliver the highest standards for value, safety, quality, performance and reliability for an unprecedented eight years/100,000 miles.”

Chevrolet stresses the following key features of the Chevrolet Volt’s battery that allow this unprecedented in the industry warranty:

Thermal Management: the intrinsic thermal management system allows the pack and the Chevrolet Volt to operate flawlessly from -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 C) and as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit (+50 C). In cold weather the cells are warmed by the generator and in warm weather they are chilled.

Diagnostics: there are more than 500 diagnostic tests on the pack that run 10 times per second. 85 percent ensure the pack is operating safely, 15 percent ensure durability.
Cell design: the LG chemistry ensures high power and long life.

Energy Management: by not fully charging or discharging the battery ensures the longest possible life.

Chevrolet is on track to deliver the Chevrolet Volt to customers later this year.
“We’re moving fast to deliver for the customer and ensure the Chevrolet Volt launch stays on track,” said the plant manager of the Battery Plant. “Last August we announced the investment in the facility and in January built our first completed battery pack. Now we are finishing pre-production batteries and soon we will begin building production batteries for Chevrolet Volts that will be delivered to dealers before the end of the year.”



In addition to this battery warranty, Chevrolet is also offering the following additional warranties on the Chevrolet Volt:

* 100,000 mile/5-year transferable Engine Limited Warranty (for Range Extender)

* 100,000 mile/5-year 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program

* 100,000 mile/5-year 24/7 Courtesy Transportation Program

* 36,000 mile/ 3-year no deductible Bumper-to-Bumper transferable warranty

* 100,000 mile/6-year corrosion protection