Volt shock - Telegraph
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Until now the car's hybrid driveline has operated with wholly all-electric drive, but poor high-speed performance and power-generation losses are forcing GM to consider powering the Volt/Ampera directly from its petrol engine at high speeds (read our Vauxhall Ampera prototype review). The move would be possible without major engineering as the planetary twin-clutch transmission already has a direct mechanical link between the engine and wheels.
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This is good news for people who are interested in maximum gas-mode fuel economy. Powering the wheels through a transmission is the most efficient use of a range extender. The range extender should only need to operate at highway speeds, so you wouldn't need many gear ratios, and the engine could be kept near peak BSFC with the electric motor being used to add or subtract power if needed.
It does create some questions about how Chevrolet will differentiate the Volt from the Prius, how much of a development delay this change would create, and why the previous version had a direct mechanical link between engine and wheels if it was intended to be a series hybrid from the get-go.