HeartZ
08-03-2008, 02:58 PM
Chevy Volt Weight
Weight is an extremely important component of hybrid cars due to the incredible weight of the batteries used to store captured energy. Since battery technology is still evolving and cutting weight is not a current option, Chevrolet had to look elsewhere to cut curb weight.
Luckilly, advancding technology and the availabillity of cheap new materials such as carbon fiber have allowed for a lighter concept car than ever before. The Chevy Volt leverages a variety of technological advancements and lightweight materials that ultimately play an important role in the efficiency of the Volt. The new Volt has an estimated curb weight of just 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) and weighs in at 30 percent less than the sequel.
Chevy was able to achieve this incredible curb weight with the help of technology from GE Plastics. GE Plastics played the role of a strategic partner in enabling the design and development of the Chevrolet Volt, by contributing the key materials technology to reduce curb weight up to 50 percent over standard materials and design engineering support to help position the vehicle as a way to help the world diversify its energy sources and to reduce the dependence on petroleum.
Chevy Volt Batteries
Some basic hybrid battery facts:
1. Most batteries recharge by reclaiming energy when the car brakes
2. Hybrid battery packs are designed to last for between 150,000 and 200,000 miles
3. Warranties cover the batteries for between 8 and 10 years, depending on the car maker
The battery pack in the Chevy Volt provides power to a 161 hp (120 kW) electric motor that is connected to the front wheels to provide the motive force. It's the same motor that's used in the fuel cell Equinox. The lithium ion battery in the Chevy Volt has a peak output of 136 kW and a total capacity of 16 kWh. Unlike many hybrids that charge only form braking, the Volt battery can be charged by plugging it in to any standard 110 V outlet found in any home. The battery is able to gain a full charge in about 6-6.5 hours. Built with convenience in mind the Volt features two plugs, one on each side of the car, to facilitate home charging.
Since the Volt has a range of about 40 miles per battery charge, most people will be using battery power when stuck in bumper to bumper traffic during rush hour. This in turn means, there will be little or no actual gasoline used during the average commute. However, in the event you happen to use the drive for more than just commuting a full fuel tank (12 US gallons of gas) provides a range of 640 miles. In addition, the Volt internal combsustion engine is fully flex fuel capable and can run on any combination of gasoline or ethanol up to E85. Best of all the Volt was built with a but of speed is mind and able to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration in about 8.5 seconds.
Chevy Volt Fuel Cell
Although the initial rendition of the Chevy Volt was to be a gas/electric hybrid, in April of 2007 at the Shanghai autoshow an announcement was made that the Chevy Volt would be made available as a fuel cell/electric hybrid.
This announcement came as a shock to most of those in attendance due to the pervasiveness and cost of fuel cell technology. However, the E-Flex electric architecture configured with a hydrogen fuel cell system has the amazing capability of extending the Volt's range to 300 miles. GM said this version operates all-electric from both hydrogen fuel cell-generated electricity and grid electricity.
Chevrolet has spent considerable time and effort thinking out the under hood design and has managed to create an engine similar in weight and size to a standard equivalent in size to a four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. Chevrolet has not yet set a date for release of production versions of the Volt, but it said it plans to build roughly 100 fuel cell Volts late this year or in 2008 for testing among the general public.
In addition the limited availability of car grade hydrogen, there is a limited willingness by fill stations to invest in pumps and facilities required to service hydrogen based engines until there is a stronger demand.
http://www.chevy-volt.net/images/Chevy-Volt-Concept-thumbnail-07.jpg (http://www.chevy-volt.net/chevrolet-volt-photos-07.htm)
Weight is an extremely important component of hybrid cars due to the incredible weight of the batteries used to store captured energy. Since battery technology is still evolving and cutting weight is not a current option, Chevrolet had to look elsewhere to cut curb weight.
Luckilly, advancding technology and the availabillity of cheap new materials such as carbon fiber have allowed for a lighter concept car than ever before. The Chevy Volt leverages a variety of technological advancements and lightweight materials that ultimately play an important role in the efficiency of the Volt. The new Volt has an estimated curb weight of just 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) and weighs in at 30 percent less than the sequel.
Chevy was able to achieve this incredible curb weight with the help of technology from GE Plastics. GE Plastics played the role of a strategic partner in enabling the design and development of the Chevrolet Volt, by contributing the key materials technology to reduce curb weight up to 50 percent over standard materials and design engineering support to help position the vehicle as a way to help the world diversify its energy sources and to reduce the dependence on petroleum.
Chevy Volt Batteries
Some basic hybrid battery facts:
1. Most batteries recharge by reclaiming energy when the car brakes
2. Hybrid battery packs are designed to last for between 150,000 and 200,000 miles
3. Warranties cover the batteries for between 8 and 10 years, depending on the car maker
The battery pack in the Chevy Volt provides power to a 161 hp (120 kW) electric motor that is connected to the front wheels to provide the motive force. It's the same motor that's used in the fuel cell Equinox. The lithium ion battery in the Chevy Volt has a peak output of 136 kW and a total capacity of 16 kWh. Unlike many hybrids that charge only form braking, the Volt battery can be charged by plugging it in to any standard 110 V outlet found in any home. The battery is able to gain a full charge in about 6-6.5 hours. Built with convenience in mind the Volt features two plugs, one on each side of the car, to facilitate home charging.
Since the Volt has a range of about 40 miles per battery charge, most people will be using battery power when stuck in bumper to bumper traffic during rush hour. This in turn means, there will be little or no actual gasoline used during the average commute. However, in the event you happen to use the drive for more than just commuting a full fuel tank (12 US gallons of gas) provides a range of 640 miles. In addition, the Volt internal combsustion engine is fully flex fuel capable and can run on any combination of gasoline or ethanol up to E85. Best of all the Volt was built with a but of speed is mind and able to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration in about 8.5 seconds.
Chevy Volt Fuel Cell
Although the initial rendition of the Chevy Volt was to be a gas/electric hybrid, in April of 2007 at the Shanghai autoshow an announcement was made that the Chevy Volt would be made available as a fuel cell/electric hybrid.
This announcement came as a shock to most of those in attendance due to the pervasiveness and cost of fuel cell technology. However, the E-Flex electric architecture configured with a hydrogen fuel cell system has the amazing capability of extending the Volt's range to 300 miles. GM said this version operates all-electric from both hydrogen fuel cell-generated electricity and grid electricity.
Chevrolet has spent considerable time and effort thinking out the under hood design and has managed to create an engine similar in weight and size to a standard equivalent in size to a four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. Chevrolet has not yet set a date for release of production versions of the Volt, but it said it plans to build roughly 100 fuel cell Volts late this year or in 2008 for testing among the general public.
In addition the limited availability of car grade hydrogen, there is a limited willingness by fill stations to invest in pumps and facilities required to service hydrogen based engines until there is a stronger demand.
http://www.chevy-volt.net/images/Chevy-Volt-Concept-thumbnail-07.jpg (http://www.chevy-volt.net/chevrolet-volt-photos-07.htm)