We've officially started the media launch program for the Chevrolet Volt, and while it is generating strong critical acclaim because of its unique engineering, we want to clear up any confusion as to how the Voltec electric drive unit works among those who have not participated in the program.

The engineering of the Voltec electric drive unit is very sophisticated and as part of the media launch, we're diving even deeper into how the system works than we have in the past. We did not share all the details on how the system works until now because the information was competitive as we awaited patent approvals. Based on a small number of inaccurate media reports, we want to set the record straight.

Here are the facts:

- The Volt has an innovative electric drive system which can deliver power in both pure electric and extended range driving. The Voltec Electric Drive cannot operate without power from the electric motors. If the traction motor is disabled, the range-extending internal combustion engine cannot drive the vehicle by itself.

- There is no direct mechanical connection (fixed gear ratio) between the Volt’s extended-range 1.4L engine and the drive wheels. In extended-range driving, the engine generates power that is fed through the drive unit and is balanced by the generator and traction motor. The resulting power flow provides a 10 to 15 percent improvement in highway fuel economy.

Our overriding objective in developing the Volt was to deliver the most efficient, yet fun-to-drive experience in both pure electric and extended-range driving. We think our unique technology lives up to its most important promise: allowing you to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

To read some perspectives on the technology, please click the links below:

Popular Science - Never Mind the Naysayers: The Chevy Volt is Excellent

"Because after putting a couple dozen highway miles on a vehicle like the Volt, plenty of people simply won’t want to go back to a conventional car."

Earth Techling - A Chevy Volt As Electric Car Perspective (Q&A with John Voelcker of Green Car Reports)

"Voelcker: The Volt is absolutely an electric vehicle! If you take out the battery pack, it won’t move an inch. But if you took out its gasoline engine, it would remain an electric car without the extended range–it would just be an EV that goes only 25 to 50 miles."

Detroit News - Groundbreaking Chevy Volt is buzzworthy

"Introducing an all-new vehicle, something that has never been tried or sold before, takes money and gumption. Chevrolet has shown both. The Volt is a world-beater. Mother Nature might be the first to buy two."

Motor Trend - 127 MPG: This Volt Story Must Be Told

"Here's what you should take away from the Volt. The 127 mpg number we recorded is around five times the average mileage of other cars. So while the Volt does burn fuel, it burns 80% less of it. Quite the big fat hairy deal, no?"

Plug-In Cars (with audio) - Exclusive: Chevrolet Volt Chief Engineer Explains Volt Drivetrain, Says "Volt is an Electric Vehicle"

"The fact of the matter is that the Volt drivetrain is complicated enough and different enough that even the so-called car professionals are having trouble understanding how it works. And, in the end, the average person likely won't care how the car does what it does, just that it does what they want it to do."

GM-Volt - Chevrolet Volt Electric Drive Propulsion System Unveiled

"Thus, although the engine generator can participate in mechanically driving the wheels, it never does so directly or in isolation, at all points in time the large electric motor is the main driver of the wheels."

Detroit Free Press - Volt furor pointless: Car needs electricity to move

"No electricity, no go. That's the bottom line for the Chevrolet Volt."

Motor Trend - Unbolting the Chevy Volt to See How it Ticks

"On paper, the Voltec drivetrain has more in common with a Prius (and other Toyota, Ford, or Nissan Altima hybrids) than anyone suspected. Each system employs a single planetary gear set, a gasoline-powered piston engine, and two electric motor/generators. But the way Chevy connects them is entirely different, and—if you ask me—superior."

Automobile Magazine - Chevy Volt Surprise

"To trump both the Prius and the Leaf, Volt combines their merits in one handy advanced-technology sedan. It employs cheaper and cleaner electrical energy drawn from the grid. It provides efficient electric drive without the usual compromises. It uses gasoline intelligently in a supporting role. It is a pure electric, a series hybrid, and a parallel hybrid all rolled into one."

The Car Connection - How GM Didn't 'Lie' About The Volt, And Why The Press Is Wrong

"Does that mean it's not an all-electric car the rest of the time? No. It just means that in addition to being an all-electric car, it has some hybrid-like capabilities. So Chevy delivers an EV with 340 miles range and adds in a power boost to maintain highway speeds even when the battery is discharged...and the media complains about it? This does not compute."

I hope this clears up any confusion and be sure to keep following along with our activities right here on Voltage, on Facebook and on Twitter.

Comments (38)

Name

Email

Comment smaller | bigger