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Chevy Volt Delivers Novel Two-Motor, Four-Mode Extended Range Electric Drive System; Seamless Driver Experience Plus Efficiency

Green Car Congress

The Volt drive unit combines two motors and three clutches to deliver four distinct operating modes to maximize efficiency and provide a seamless driving experience. Mechanical losses such as friction and windage dictate that the efficiency of an electric motor declines somewhat as motor speed increases. Click to enlarge.

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GM provides technical details of the Gen 2 Voltec propulsion system used in the 2016 Volt

Green Car Congress

The major components of the propulsion system are the battery pack, the drive unit, and the engine. Drive unit power flow. Schematic lever diagram showing the gearing of each of the two propulsion motor-generators to a common main transmission shaft using an individual planetary gear set. Clutches are OWC1, C1 and B1.

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