GM Volt 1.4 ICE Range Extender

[tjts1]

Everybody thinks they know better than GM's engineers.

[cfg83]

NeilBlanchard -

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

That is one way to set up a serial hybrid, but Chevy has not done it that way -- they vary the ICE RPM's to adjust to the required power, and they do not charge the battery with the ICE. The reason they do this (they say) is to force you to recharge it when you get to a plug.

I'm not sure this is the right choice, overall -- but I'm sure it depends on how much you drive it each day. I think that since they had to do parts bin engineering, and used the 1.4L to begin with, they may have made the best choice for this design...

You made me look. The Toyota Prius engine, while optimized for the Atkinson cycle, is also shared with other cars :

Toyota ZR engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Toyota 2ZR-FXE is a 1.8 L (1798 cc) Atkinson cycle variant of the 2ZR-FE. It has the same bore and stroke, but the compression ratio is increased to 13.0:1,

Applications:
2010 Toyota Prius (ZVW30)
2010 Toyota Auris hybrid

Toyota ZR engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Toyota 2ZR-FE is a DOHC, 16-valve, 1.8 L (1797 cc) engine also equipped with Dual VVT-i. Compression Ratio : 10.0:1

Applications:
Toyota Corolla (ZRE142/152)
Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe (ZRE142) (North America only)
Scion xD (ZSP110)

CarloSW2

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by tjts1

Everybody thinks they know better than GM's engineers.

For strictly fuel economy yes we probably do they don't design that way. And certainly would not want the driver to have to think a little about their trip type and length to optimize FE.

My diesel suburban and the buick are good examples of where I did know better, at least for FE than GM.

GM however wasn't appealing to what I was specifically looking to get out of those vehicles, they were appealing to a different market.

Also remember the engineer does not always have 100% input on what the vehicle does, they can give suggestion but inevitably put in what they are told to.

Cheers
Ryan

[RobertSmalls]

Automakers always leave some fuel economy on the table. Even in their green vehicles.