

2011 Chevy Volt





Today, Mr. Nitz revealed that 





The Detroit News writes:



And MotorTrend opines:





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Bait and switch?
By ianweck on 10/12/2010 11:18:51 AM , Rating: 2
Wow Jason. I've read from other posters on other threads about how you can be either purposefully deceptive or just outright not know what you are talking about, but I had never really believed it until now.
Here is how it actually works:

"The drivetrain has a bit in common with the Prius and Ford hybrids. It consist of a single planetary gearset, two electric motors, and one gas engine. Motor Trend thinks the design is superior and more efficient than Toyota’s, and according to GM engineers with whom I spoke, is on the verge of patented.

There is a large central sun gear turned by the 149 horsepower electric motor at all times. Around it is a planetary carrier which turns the wheels. When the car is in charge depleting mode, an outer ring is locked to the case. The engine and generator are disengaged.

When the car reaches 70 mph the main motor spins too fast to be maximally efficient, and a clutch disengages the ring from the case. This allows the second electric motor to participate and both motors act in parallel to reach speeds of 101 mph with adequate power.

In charge sustaining mode, the gas engine goes on and clutches to the generator causing it to produce electricity to continue powering the main motor.

However of particular interest, when going above 70 mph in charge sustaining mode, and the generator gets coupled to the drivetrain, the gas engine participates in the motive force. GM says the engine never drives the wheels all by itself, but will participate in this particular situation in the name of efficiency, which is improved by 10 to 15 percent."

If you read carefully, it actually says that the electric motor will always power the wheels except in one condition: charge sustaining mode above 70 mph. Even then the gas engine is only assisting and isn't the sole source.
So in my opinion that's hardly a bait and switch.

RE: Bait and switch?
By mindless1 on 10/19/2010 4:02:14 PM , Rating: 2
In my opinion it's clearly bait and switch. IF it had cost closer to a plan ole ICE car I would have considered buying one, but THIS?

This is a frankenstein mobile, if you have the ICE engine and put a transmission on it to propel the car, then adding the weight, expense, and complexity/repair cost/frequency of the electric motor addition and battery pack is stupidity.

They basically removed even the virtues that even bubbleheaded green-fiends liked, now it is just a nonsensical feel good product with no point.

