GM Voltec powertrain
The Voltec drivetrain was initially demonstrated as the E-Flex Propulsion System in the 2007 Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle that debuted at that year's North American International Auto Show.
[1][3][4] GM touted E-Flex as an attempt to standardize many components of possible future electrically propelled vehicles, and to allow multiple interchangeable electricity-generating systems.
As realized in the 2007 Volt concept, the initial E-Flex design includes an electric traction motor with peak power and torque outputs of 120 kW (160 hp) and 320 N⋅m (240 lbf⋅ft), a 1 L 3-cylinder gasoline engine coupled to a generator with an output of 53 kW (71 hp), and a 16 kWh (58 MJ) lithium-ion battery energy storage system.
Like a series hybrid, the internal combustion engine is not connected to the transmission, so it can run at a constant speed for both optimal efficiency and mechanical simplicity (i.e., there is no need for variable cam phasing).
As a result, the Voltec design engages mechanical assist from the engine only when the battery is depleted to 30% state of charge or lower.
Another power-source option which does not rely on an internal combustion engine at all, was demonstrated in the Volt hydrogen fuel cell concept vehicle, which appeared at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show.
[10] The first generation production Volt is propelled by an electric motor with a peak output of 111 kW (149 hp).
The refreshed 2016 Volt featured a 1.5L I4 engine generator that runs on regular, rather than premium gasoline, and an upgraded battery pack with greater capacity of 18.4 kW-hr, giving an estimated 52 mi (84 km) of all-electric range per charge, compared to 41 mi (66 km) with the first generation Volt.
Consequently, the Malibu Hybrid operates in the charge-sustaining (CSx) modes more often, and is fitted with different rotors for its motor/generator units, sharing the same stators as the Volt.
[27] The Cadillac CT6 PHEV has a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout which uses a longitudinally-mounted engine and the 4EL70 transmission (RPO MRD)[28] with a driveshaft extending to the rear wheels.
Like the 5ET50 (MKV), Motor/Generator A in the 4EL70 was designed to eliminate the use of rare earth materials; M/G B is related to the traction motor used for the Chevrolet Spark EV.
[29] GM chose its Global Delta II compact vehicle architecture for its first Voltec applications.
