Full Hybrid Serie

A study of the CHEVY VOLT

The Volt, which introduces GM's E-Flex 'series' hybrid technology, is propelled only by its electric motor. There is a gasoline engine onboard, but its sole job is to turn a generator that produces electricity. Here are the details.

1. Gasoline Engine

The three-cylinder, 1.0-liter turbocharged internal-combustion engine turns on as needed to power the electric generator. In other E-Flex cars, diesel engines or hydrogen fuel cells could be used.

2. Generator

The 53-kw generator, powered by the engine, can recharge the battery in about 30 minutes and, under certain driving conditions, send current directly to the motor.

3. Electric Motor

The 120-kw electric motor produces 160 hp. The car's top speed is 120 mph.        4. Charge Ports

Ports on each side of the car allow a driver to recharge the batteries from a 110-volt outlet in about 6.5 hours.

5. Battery Pack

A 16-kwh li-ion battery pack provides enough power for up to 40 miles of driving before the generator is required.

6. Fuel Tanks

Two tanks hold a combined total of 12 gal. of gasoline or E85 (a mix of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline).

About That Fuel Economy

That short sentence at the bottom of the window sticker regarding fuel economy—“Actual results will vary for many reasons” – applies to Volt perhaps more than any other vehicle. When it comes to overall fuel economy (MPGe), individual results posted on fueleconomy.gov show a range of 39 to 1,462 mpg with an average of 175.4. As for electric-only driving range, reports of 40 miles shows up frequently on GM-Volt.com with several Volt owners reporting 50-plus miles on a single charge and a handful have broken 60 miles.

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