4 ms·
The 1st generation Chevy Volt works (almost) the same way as a Prius, and does not normally operate the way you've described it. The 2nd gen is similar, but bo
by labcomputer 6y ago
The 1st generation Chevy Volt works (almost) the same way as a Prius, and does not normally operate the way you've described it. The 2nd gen is similar, but borrows some of the "2-mode hybrid" design from the 2008-2012 Chevy truck transmission (in order to have two gear ratios in electric mode--much more elegant than the Taycan).
Both have a planetary gearset with engine on one gear, output on another, and an electric motor on the third. The difference lies on which gear the second electric motor is placed (motor shaft on the Volt, output shaft on the Prius), as well as some additional clutches and brakes in the Volt.
More info here: https://gm-volt.com/2015/02/20/gen-2-volt-transmission-operating-modes-explained/ https://gm-volt.com/2015/02/20/gen-2-volt-transmission-opera...
- ashtonkem 6y agoWhoops, should’ve gone with the BMW i3 as my comparison vehicle.
- cmrdporcupine 6y agoAnd you'll find the Volt outperforms the i3 Rex in terms of hybrid efficiency and performance. When the i3 is in range extended mode it's pokey; and only meant to go a short distance before one gets a charge.
- ashtonkem 6y agoIs that a limitation of series hybrids, or is that a consequence of the engine used in these specific models? The gasoline engine in the 2nd generation volt has 3x the power of the one in the i3 (75kW vs 25kW).
- cmrdporcupine 6y agoProbably both? I do know that GM ended up going more "parallel" with Gen 2 than with Gen 1. And Gen 2 has more torque than Gen 1, despite switching to a lower displacement engine and going to an Atkinson (tuned for electricity generation) cycle.