Electric Cars: Chev Bolt seems to be the first practical one.

[IslandTractor]

I don't think that's accurate.

At times, depending on driving mode, clutches engage and the gas motor directly turns one of the electric motors, in essence, direct drive with battery assist.

Here's a pretty good video that shows how it works...

That video is confusing. When the show the cartoon of the ICE linked to both electrics, they label that as "highly contentious". WTF does that mean???

 

[Egon]

I think you just described the Chevy Volt. The only difference is that the main propulsion battery can also be charged by plugging in to either 110v or 220v. The ICE on a Volt is literally a generator and not linked to the drivetrain at all except electrically.

Again did not describe properly; should have read as various recharge options.

 

[IslandTractor]

Regarding Chevy Volt: A GM engineer interviewed on how the powertrain works....Exclusive: Chevrolet Volt Chief Engineer Explains Volt Drivetrain, Says "Volt is an Electric Vehicle" | PluginCars.com

 

[buickanddeere]

Can they be mounted inboard similar to a differential with drive axles out to the wheels, to keep down unsprung weight? That much weight, that low, should be good for stability.

The inboard/drive shaft does increase weight and complexity but does provide an overall inprovement . Surprising how inboard mounted brakes and subject axles to such high windup torsion loads.

 

[sd455dan]

agreed. Volt is gas electric car. Different from a locomotive though because gas engine is not coupled to motors directly, it only charges batteries, motors only pull power from batteries, never from ice generator directly. If you like volt and are looking for a better volt, used car, look at the Cadillac version, now cancelled but a much higher quality car, and a real head turner.

it only charges batteries, motors ONLY pull power from batteries, never from ice generator directly.


If talking about the 1st gen Volt
Actually (IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES) the Volt does combine some ICE power (crankshaft rotational mechanical power) with the motor or the generator to drive the wheels.

It cannot drive the wheels using Only the gas engine directly, But based on

decisions the car makes as to what will drive the wheels most efficiently.


Whoops .. should have read All of the posts before responding,- Island tractor beat me to it.

this vid is interesting in explaining how the volts drivetrain does what it does.

Chevrolet Volt 4ET5 Transaxle Components and Operation - YouTube

Short version from GM in 2010?
Chevrolet Volt Drive Simulation - YouTube


And to further compiicate things , the Voltec 2

GM's Second Generation Voltec Drivetrain Explained (Voltec 2) - YouTube

 

[MossRoad]

That video is confusing. When the show the cartoon of the ICE linked to both electrics, they label that as "highly contentious". WTF does that mean???

It means people who are taking things literally cannot call the VOLT and electric car because the gas engine is sometimes directly coupled to the drive wheels.

 

[MossRoad]

agreed. Volt is gas electric car. Different from a locomotive though because gas engine is not coupled to motors directly, it only charges batteries, motors only pull power from batteries, never from ice generator directly. If you like volt and are looking for a better volt, used car, look at the Cadillac version, now cancelled but a much higher quality car, and a real head turner.

I think you are mistaken.... at times, the Volt's gas engine IS directly coupled to the the wheels through the electric motor(s).

 

[MossRoad]

Regarding Chevy Volt: A GM engineer interviewed on how the powertrain works....Exclusive: Chevrolet Volt Chief Engineer Explains Volt Drivetrain, Says "Volt is an Electric Vehicle" | PluginCars.com

From that article....

"spent a huge amount of time debating whether or not the Volt can be considered an electric car because of the mechanical connection between the Volt's combustion engine and wheels."

 

[MossRoad]

And the best quote from that article.....

"And, in the end, the average person likely won't care how the car does what it does, just that it does what they want it to do."

 

[IslandTractor]

And the best quote from that article.....

"And, in the end, the average person likely won't care how the car does what it does, just that it does what they want it to do."

Agree. It also seems like the Volt doesn't spend much time with the ICE engaged to the drivetrain and that when it does it is always in conjunction with the smaller electric motor. I can see, even after reading that GM engineer's explanation, why folks, including me, find it a challenge to understand just how the thing works.