Plug-in Hybrid Electric Basics for Future Builders
Electrifying Times gave me the opportunity to attend a General Motors press event showing off the Volt back in late 2008 after just releasing the book Build Your Own Electric Vehicle, 2nd Edition. In addition, I am finalizing the manuscript for Build Your Own Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Since the Volt claimed to be some sort of plug-in hybrid, it is perfect topic of discussion for the book.
How Does It Work?
One of the engineers explained to me how the car works. It is basically a 40 mile per hour / 40 mile electric car. After that, it kicks into a gas car; basically a series hybrid.
While a series hybrid is good, the Toyota Prius gets 100 miles per gallon because after the 20 miles of pure EV mode, it kicks into a hybrid-electric car.
