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Chevrolet Volt

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Chevrolet Volt
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Also calledHolden Volt
Production2010–
AssemblyUnited Kingdom
United States[1]
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car
Body style4-door liftback
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformDelta II / E-Flex
Powertrain
Engine111 kW (150 hp) electric motor[2]
1.4 L 4-cylinder for powering 53 kW generator[3]
Electric range40 miles (64.4 km) (on the EPA city cycle using battery only, much more using on-board gasoline-powered 53 kW generator)
Dimensions
Wheelbase105.7 in (2,680 mm)[2]
Length177 in (4,500 mm)[2]
Width70.8 in (1,800 mm)
Height56.3 in (1,430 mm)

The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in series hybrid vehicle to be produced by General Motors,and expected to be launched as a 2011 model with production currently slated to begin in Q:3 2010.[5] The Volt's propulsion system will be based on GM's new E-Flex platform.

Since the current SAE definition of a "hybrid vehicle" states the vehicle shall have "two or more energy storage systems both of which must provide propulsion power, either together or independantly",[6]the company has avoided the use of the term "hybrid" when describing its non-conforming E-Flex designs. Instead GM has described the Volt as an electric vehicle equipped with a "range extending" gasoline powered internal combustion engine (ICE) as a genset and therefore dubbed an "Extended Range Electric Vehicle"[7] or EREV.[7][8] or EREV.[7][9][10] However the combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motors in such a configuration is most often referred to as a series hybrid.

Unlike conventional hybrids, the Volt is designed to operate its propulsion system entirely on electric power. Assuming a full-charge is present, this electric power will initially be sourced exclusively from its on-board Lithium Ion batteries for up to 40 miles (64 km), a distance capable of satisfying the daily commute of 75% of Americans,[11] which averages around 33 miles (53 km).[12]

After 40 miles (64 km), the range of the Volt will need to be extended through the use of a small 4-cyl internal combustion engine which drives a 53 kW generator. This arrangement creates a sustaining charge current to the HV batteries and permits them to continue powering the 111 kW electric drive motor. This effectively extends the Volt's potential range to as much as 640 miles (1,030 km) on a single tank of fuel.[10](and which could be potentially extended for longer trips through conventional refueling).[13][14]

The Volt's 16 kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack can also be fully charged (technically ~85% SOC) by plugging the car into a 120-240VAC residential electrical outlet using the provided SAE J1772[15] compliant charging cord. No external charging station will be required.[16]

Design

Concept vehicle

The Volt concept vehicle has four doors with a rear liftgate, and is capable of carrying four passengers. This is a significant change in design when compared to the General Motors’ EV1 of the 1990s, which only seated two. The top speed has also been increased on the Volt, from 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) to 120 miles per hour (190 km/h). The battery pack size has also been reduced, from about 300 L in volume in the EV1, to just 100 L in the Volt. The weight of the battery pack in the Volt which finally comes to market will reportedly be approximately 375 lb (170 kg),[17] primarily because the Volt will use lithium-ion batteries while the EV1 used heavier lead-acid and nickel metal hydride batteries.

Production Model

On September 16, 2008 General Motors first publicly displayed the production design model of the Chevrolet Volt that differed greatly in design from the original concept car. Citing necessary aerodynamic changes needed to extend the Volt's initial full-charge range, the Volt uses GM's new "Delta II" platform, shared by the planned 2010 Chevrolet Cruze and the 2011 Saab 9-3.[2][18]

Electromechanical Design Timeline

GM executives report that battery technology will have a large impact in determining the success of the car.[19][20]

To help spur battery research, GM selected two companies to provide advanced lithium-ion batterypacks: Compact Power, which uses manganese oxide based cells made by its parent company, LG Chemical, and Continental Automotive Systems, which uses nanophosphate based cylindrical cells made by A123Systems.[21][22] However, on August 9, 2007, GM established a more close-knit relationship with A123Systems so that the two companies could co-develop a Volt-specific battery cell.[23] This cell was later unveiled at the EVS23 industry convention in Anaheim, CA.[24] Work with CPI has continued at a rapid pace, and in late 2007 CPI delivered two fully-functional prototype battery packs to GM's testing facilities. On January 31, 2008, A123 and Continental delivered their first prototype to GM's European test facilities. GM will likely use both suppliers for the Volt, although this remains a matter of speculation.[25]

GM expects ten years of life out of the batteries. As of early 2008, they had started extensive battery testing and planned to have 10-year battery results in two years. Batteries were placed in Chevrolet Malibus for further real-world testing.[26]

In April 2008, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said that the first battery test mule was now running with a lithium battery pack.[27] By that summer, GM confirmed that a non-turbocharged, 1.4 liter 4-cylinder engine would be used as the range extender, and that the intention is to build it in Flint Michigan.[28] A thermovoltaic solar power roof, allowing the owner to charge the battery by leaving the vehicle in sunlight, will be offered as an optional feature.[29] Andrew Farah, the car's chief engineer, states that the project remains on-track to hit the 2010 deadline saying "at this point, there’s nothing standing in our way of continuing to do what we said we’re going to do."[30]

In early September 2008 Autoblog "leaked" photos of the production version of the Chevrolet Volt, along with various members of its development team, found their way onto the Net[31] Significant changes from the original design concept, as indicated by the leaked photos, were met with mixed reviews. On September 16. 2008 General Motors officially revealed the production version of the Volt.[2]

Drivetrain

The 2007 Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle that appeared in the North American International Auto Show[32] introduced the E-Flex[33] drive system, which is an attempt to standardize many components of possible future electrically-propelled vehicles, and to allow multiple interchangeable electricity-generating systems. The initial design as envisioned in the Volt combines an electric motor and 16 kWh (58 MJ) lithium-ion battery plug-in system[34] with a small engine (1.4 liter) powered by gasoline linked to a 53 kW (71 hp) generator. The vehicle is propelled by an electric motor with a peak output of 120 kW (160 hp). Ordinarily, the vehicle would be charged while at home overnight. According to General Motors a full charge will take approximately 8-hours from a standard North American 120 V, 15 A household outlet and less than 3 hours if using a standard 240VAC outlet.[2]Charge times will be less if the battery is not fully depleted when charging commences.

Since the electrical drivetrain is not affected by the method used to charge its batteries, several options could be available for an engine. The original prototype specifications for the Volt indicated a turbo-charged 1.0 litre 4cyl engine would be used.[35] However the initial production configuration currently specified by GM indicates the use of a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter 4-cyl gasoline engine.It will be a flex-fuel internal combustion engine capable of running gasoline or E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) or any blend of those fuels. Fuel would be supplied from a "saddle" tank 45 litres (12 US gal) in size.

This general layout is considered a plug-in series hybrid design since mechanical power initially drives the generator, which in turn charges the battery pack. Power is then sourced from the battery pack to run the electrical motors which move the vehicle. The internal combustion engine does not have any mechanical linkage to the wheels (unlike current hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius), and can run at necessary speeds for optimizing fuel consumption, reduced emissions and charge rate efficiency.

GM plans to station charge the lithium-ion battery to a state-of-charge (SOC) range of approx 85%. Then once the battery depletes to a precise low set-point (<25%) the on-board ICE powered generator will recharge the battery to an upper set-point above the 30% SOC level.[6][36]

GM has decided on a new descriptive terminology to distinguish it from traditional hybrids. They are calling the Volt an E-REV, for "extended-range electric vehicle."[37] This is in part justified since there is no mechanical linkage between the petrol engine and the wheels. The design is conceptually similar to a modern electromotive locomotive, with a generator, an electric motor, and regenerative braking, with the addition of a storage battery.

Production and sales

In July 2007, General Motors stated that it would have the Volt on the U.S. market in 2010,[38] and in early June 2008, they confirmed that production had been approved, with a target of getting the Volt into showrooms by the end of 2010.[39] Following the conclusion of the 2007 UAW-GM contract talks, assembly of the Volt was assigned to Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly.[40] Early estimates, from GM staff, were of initial annual production of 60,000 units,[41] but these claims have been scaled back to a planned 10,000 units, as of May 2008,[42] with a ramp up to 60,000 units in the second year.[43]

At the British International Motor Show in July 2008, GM stated that they were considering building all of the Volts for the European market, branded Chevrolet, Opel and Vauxhall, at their Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port in the United Kingdom.[1] In August 2008 GM stated that the Volt would be available for sale in Europe in 2011.[44]

Price

In the U.S. market, the price of the Volt is expected to be around US$40K[45][46] with governement approved subsidies bringing the price to around $32.5K. Initially, the GM vice president wanted it at about US$30K.[47]

The indicated price for the UK market is £20K.[1]

Anticipated U.S. Federal Tax Subsidies

In the United States, and based on its current battery power density, the Volt will reportedly qualify for a $7,500 tax credit.[48]

Specifications

Fuel efficiency

For trips less than about 40 miles (64 km) per charging cycle, the Volt will not use any onboard gas, so assigning a fuel consumption value which only referred to onboard fuel might not be appropriate. Once the Volt's battery has discharged to its lower limit set-point, the Volt's range-extending gasoline engine is expected to get from approximately 50 mpg‑US (4.7 L/100 km) to as much as 150 mpg‑US (1.6 L/100 km) depending on its "run-time" duty cycles. This is because once the battery has been recharged to an upper limit set-point (by the engine driven 53 kW onboard generator), the internal combustion engine will again shut off.Therefore the variables that contribute to the specific duty cycle periods of the internal combustion engine run-times, will need to be factored in to the Volt's final fuel economy rating as determined by the EPA.[49]

Battery

It has been reported by Routers News Agency (citing unnamed sources) that GM has decided to work exclusively with Compact Power Incorporated (CPI), a Detroit-based unit of South Korea’s LG Chem, to provide the battery systems for the first production version of the Volt.[50] However there has been no official announcement from General Motors with respect to their battery supplier.

The anticipated energy capacity of the Volt's 375 lb (170 kg) 220-cell Lithium Ion battery pack is estimated at 16 kWh.[2]

Regulated emissions impact

Tailpipe emissions

It is anticipated that the Chevrolt Volt will be granted a California Air Research Board (CARB) classification as an Advanced Technology Partial zero-emissions vehicle (AT-PZEV) Assuming a fully charged battery, the Volt will use no gasoline and produce no tailpipe emissions for up to 40 miles (64 km) of initial daily driving.[2] However, after 40 miles (64 km) state-of-charge of the HV battery will be depleted and the internal combustion engine (ICE) will startup to commence power generation.[51]During this period, using typical closed-loop fueling and exhaust aftertreatment (i.e. catalytic converter) the tail-pipe exhaust emissions will be similar to other 4-cyl low displacement gasoline powered automobile..[52] However, once a sufficient battery state-of-charge has been achieved, the ICE will again turn OFF,[2] returning to a zero emissions state. This ON:OFF ICE cycling behavior results in the reduction of Initial Trip Starts and therefore a reduction in total tailpipe emissions per distance travelled.[2]

HC evaporative emissions

Since the Volt uses a smaller fuel supply tank and (potentially) significantly reduced refueling events than it also can run on conventional gasoline which powers the automobile[citation needed]- the impact the Volt has in reducing Hydro-Carbon (HC) emissions may be significant.[citation needed]

Controversies

EPA testing

As of September 2008, General Motors was reportedly in disagreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency regarding how the Volt should be tested to determine its official fuel economy rating. The EPA reportedly wants to alter the method of testing currently used for all other hybrid vehicles. If tested with the same EPA tests used by other hybrids, the Volt's ability to use the energy stored in the batteries would result in it achieving a fuel economy rating of over 100 mpg, which would make the Volt the first mass-produced automobile to achieve such a rating.[53]

General Motors believes that although the Volt is an entirely new type of vehicle, it suggests that altering the current EPA hybrid testing methods to suit a single vehicle entry would be unfair and would not recognize the fact that the car can travel an estimated 40 miles (64 km) on battery power alone before the gasoline powered engine has to be started to commence recharging its battery pack.[54]

CAFE Impact

In a response to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's(NHTSA) proposed targets for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), GM indicated that the potentially limited production numbers of the Volt will mean it will have little influence on its CAFE results during the 2011-2015 timeframe."[55]

Battery charging emissions

General Motors apparently claims that operating the Volt for a year, results in the reduction of about 4.4 tonnes (4.3 long tons; 4.9 short tons) in CO2 emissions as compared to a typical U.S. car.[56]

However unless the Volt uses wholly green energy sources for charging, the generation of electricity to station charge its batteries will, depending on the energy source, result in the emission of varying levels of combustion by-products including the green house gas CO2 directly from the generating power station.[57]

The University of California, Davis calculated that, generally, plug-in cars that are charged using electricity from the local grid will emit notably less CO2 overall than the use of cars powered from on board oil-based fuel, if a significant proportion of that electricity is generated from nuclear power and renewable sources such as hydro-electric (45% in California, for example).[58]

UK based Auto Express magazine calculated that the generation of electricity for charging the batteries in the Volt resulted in emissions equivalent to 124.2 g/km of CO2 for electric-only trips (those not involving the use of any on board fuel), based on government figures for the average CO2 emissions from power stations. According to Auto Express, this is more C02 than the BMW 118d produces.[59]

A study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) predicts that, on average, a typical plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is expected to achieve about a 15% reduction in net CO2 emissions compared to the driver of a regular hybrid, based on the 2005 distribution of power sources feeding the U.S. electrical grid. The ACEEE study also predicts that in areas where less than 80% of grid-power comes from coal-burning power plants, local net CO2 emissions will decrease, but points out that these numbers are first order estimates and are not conclusive.[60]

Competition

The Chevy Volt faces direct competition from numerous manufacturers, many of which have announced their own plans for producing an electric automobile. It includes:

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chevrolet Volt.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Chevrolet Volt.

References

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