Quote:
Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65
I believe the new set up is that the gasoline engine will engage to assist the electric motors when the car needs to go above 70 MPH.
However, I really don't even know if that's the case. I'm waiting for GM to say something about this because it's all a huge cluster**** right now.
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Reading on GM-volt.com it mentions that the outer ring gear needs to turn when over 70 mph. When the car has a charged battery, an electric motor will turn the gear. But, if the battery is getting low, then the engine will fire up to turn the gear and provide 10-15% of the power to the wheels.
Full Explanation:
"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."
http://gm-volt.com/2010/10/11/motor-...ts-powertrain/