The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that is redefining the automotive world is no longer just a rumor. In fact, its propulsion system is so revolutionary, it’s unlike any other vehicle or electric car that’s ever been introduced.

The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to be produced by General Motors, expected to be launched as a 2011 model.  The Volt’s propulsion system will be based on GM’s new Voltec (formerly known as E-Flex) platform, which differs significantly from GM’s earlier BAS Hybrid and Two-Mode Hybrid systems.

The electrical power from the generator is sent to either the electric motor or the batteries, depending on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery pack and the power demanded at the wheels. The distribution is controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. With fully charged batteries, enough stored electrical energy will power the Volt for 40 miles (64 km), a distance capable of satisfying the daily commute of 75% of Americans,[10] which averages around 33 miles (53 km). After 40 miles (64 km), a small 4-cylinder gasoline internal combustion engine drives a 53 kW generator effectively extending the Volt’s potential range to as much as 640 miles (1,030 km) on a single tank of gasoline.

Unlike most current commercially available electric hybrids, the actual propulsion of the Volt is accomplished exclusively by the electric motor, and the internal combustion engine is used as another charging method. Electric power for the vehicle is sourced from its onboard lithium-ion batteries which are charged by an electrical power outlet and/or the gasoline engine. The Volt’s 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged (technically ~85%; see SOC) by plugging the car into a 120-240VAC residential electrical outlet using the provided SAE J1772 compliant charging cord. No external charging station will be required.

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT

General
Vehicle type: 5-door, front-wheel-drive sedan
Category: Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV)
E-REV competitors: none
Chassis: independent McPherson struts front, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering
Seating capacity: four
Manufacturing location: Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly (subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives)
Performance
Top speed (mph): 100
EV range, city (miles): 40 (based on EPA city cycle)
Dimensions
Wheelbase (in / mm): 105.7 / 2685
Length (in / mm): 177 / 4404
Width (in / mm): 70.8 / 1798
Height (in / mm): 56.3 / 1430
Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 10.6 / 301
Battery system
Type: lithium-ion
Energy (kWh) 16
Electric drive unit
Power (kW / hp): 111 / 150
Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 273 / 370
Exterior
Tire and wheel size: specially developed low rolling-resistance tires on 17-inch forged aluminum wheels