Chevy Volt power flow diagram

[Dr Mordrid]

Just got hold of this....

Also: Volt just did a Pikes Peak climb, in cold weather & snow, and reports are that it worked better than expected. It also looks like 'lightfoots' can stretch that 40 mile EV range to more.

[Tjalfe]

so in figure 2, there is a 75hp generator powering the 150hp motor, with no battery assistance?

[Dr Mordrid]

Which is enough for 'normal' driving, the excess power being for hill climbing and hard acceleration. See the 'burst mode' in drawing 3 where both the generator and battery provide this power and the battery regen modes in 4-6.

When looking at that 75 hp range extender supplying the motor remember that there are no transmission or torque converter and their mechanical losses, just a small differential sending power direct to the front wheels. 20-30 hp net getting to the wheels is more than enough for cruising.