Chevy Volt Vehicle Line Director Tony Posawatz explains that the Volt's 111 kilowatt electric traction motor is always driving the wheels of the car when it is in motion. We received a call back from GM to one of our inquiries about the Chevy Volt powertrain.
Rather than a revolutionary automotive powertrain, GM has merely delivered something evolutionary, a hybrid that is closer to the electric car than a Toyota Prius or Ford Fusion Hybrid.
But it also takes some of the wind out of GM's sails for the Volt being a real electric car. This complex system takes into account different running conditions to provide the most efficient power to the wheels. But when the battery is depleted and the car is running at 70 mph or above, the planetary gearset transmits additional motive force directly from the engine to the wheels. When the battery is depleted, the range extender engine kicks in to generate electricity for the motor, as GM noted in its press materials. Most of the time, the electric motors turn the gearset. Markus writes that both the electric motors and gas engine connect to a planetary gearset, which in turn drives the wheels. Power is inverted from a technically advanced, 1.4L 63-kW (84-hp) gasoline-powered onboard engine to the electric drive unit to provide up to 310 additional miles of range."īut GM left some information out. And unlike GM's press releases claim for the car, the power does not solely come from the electric motors.Īccording to GM's materials on the Volt, "When the battery energy is depleted, the Volt seamlessly transitions to extended-range mode.
In an article being echoed around the Web, Motor Trend reporter Frank Markus lays out in detail how the Chevy Volt transmits power to its wheels. Should the engine's development go to plan though, the next Volt could see large efficiency improvements over the current car.įollow GreenCarReports on Facebook and Twitter.The Chevy Volt's gas engine can, under certain conditions, deliver boost to the drivetrain. GM hasn't confirmed the 3-cylinder's use yet, and actual specifications are still hazy. Our target is to reduce weight by up to 15 percent."Īs a smaller engine with less internal friction, it should also make the Volt and ELR's range-extended modes more efficient, additional to the gains from lower weight. Most manufacturers have reduced the extra vibration inherent in three-cylinder units, and the new engine's size and weight should be lower than that currently used in the Volt.Īt a Houston energy conference last week, GM Chairman Dan Akerson said, "A good rule of thumb is that a 10 percent reduction in curb weight will reduce fuel consumption by about 6.5 percent. In Europe, virtually every manufacturer offers at least one car with a three-cylinder powerplant.
Most publicized recently is Ford's 1.0-liter Ecoboost 3-cyl, providing a more efficient alternative to the standard 1.6-liter unit in the Fiesta.īMW has also teased a 1.5-liter 3-pot, which could see service in MINIs, 1-Series and 3-Series models (depending on the market) and also the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. Traditionally the preserve of tiny city cars like the Smart Fortwo, compact three-cylinder engines are now appearing in a much wider range of vehicles. GM will be the latest carmaker to tackle three-cylinder engines, which are increasing in popularity in smaller vehicles across the world. Sources suggest the new range-extender will be either 1.0 or 1.2-liters in capacity, with three cylinders.