Quote:
Originally Posted by vskid3
The Volt uses a generator connected to the ICE, the ICE isn't mechanically connected to the wheels. I think you're thinking of the way the Prius and Ford's hybrids work (possibly others).
Edit: Nevermind, Wikipedia mislead me until I read more.
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Right, that was the Volt design of 5+ years ago, if you draw the Prius drive train in diagram form and the Volt drive train they look nearly identical, they are just different enough that they can each have their own patents.
I believe that most electric cars on the road have a battery pack voltage of around 300v.
Running a generator you are going to have losses, I believe around 30% engine to wheels, where if you have a mechanical connection it's less then 10% engine to wheels.
Where the mechanical connection has draw backs is when you try to vary the vehicle speed a great deal and thus vary the engine speed and load a great deal, but if you turn on your long range trailer at 65mph and have it tuned for that speed then you are set!