Finalizing the Manuscript to Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
I’m finalizing the manuscript for Build Your Own Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Moreover, the Volt is a perfect topic. It claims to be a kind of plug-in hybrid. Therefore, it’s essential to discuss it in detail.
This topic matters because it shows how plug-in hybrids can bridge the gap to full electrification. Moreover, explaining the Volt’s design helps readers see the trade-offs and benefits. In addition, it sets the stage for comparing different technologies. By breaking down how these systems work, the book empowers people to make informed choices. Therefore, it’s essential to highlight real-world examples that inspire and educate future builders
How Does It Work?
One engineer explained how the car operates. It’s basically a 40-mile-per-charge electric vehicle. After that, it switches to gas power. Essentially, it acts as a series hybrid.
While a series hybrid is good, the Toyota Prius offers another approach. After about 20 miles of pure electric driving, it transitions into a hybrid-electric mode. As a result, it can achieve up to 100 miles per gallon.
Economics of the Volt
Interestingly, the real economic advantage lies in charging costs. It would cost less than a dollar a day to recharge. Moreover, there’s no need for special charging stations.
Using a standard SAE 1772 connector, drivers can safely charge from a 110/120-volt outlet. In addition, this makes charging at work or at the train station easy. Therefore, it effectively turns the car into an 80-mile range electric vehicle.
City Driving – All Electric
Yes, for city driving, it’s nearly all electric. That’s a dream for reducing emissions. Moreover, it creates the possibility of making every GM car a plug-in hybrid.
This approach to fuel efficiency shows why some automakers would choose to go all electric. In addition, the range-extended EV gives consumers an easy start toward electric driving.
Personally, I’d prefer a plug-in hybrid that switches to a hybrid mode. However, to prepare the market, a dual-fuel, EV-range vehicle can work.
Why GM Should Expand This Technology
GM should add Volt technology to every car. The range-extended EV offers about 50 miles per gallon. Meanwhile, Toyota hits roughly 100 miles per gallon.
Moreover, if you charge the Toyota Prius PHEV, you could get 200 miles per gallon with a 40-mile electric range—just like the Volt.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles are Going Backward Before Forward
One reporter asked a tough question at an event. If the Volt doesn’t switch to hybrid-electric after 40 electric miles, how can it justify a price over $40,000? I wonder that too.
A true PHEV should offer an all-electric range, then transition to hybrid for even more energy savings. This design is what makes a car truly cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
In addition, you’d expect a dual-fuel EV/gas car to be more cost effective than the Prius. But apparently not.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric: It’s What Drivers Want
This brings me back to the electric car itself. We’re really just returning to our roots. After all, the first cars were electric.
Hybrids have taken some criticism for not being as efficient or cost-effective as possible. However, plug-in hybrids—and pure EVs—can be very competitive.
Moreover, if every car in the fleet had partial battery power, costs would drop. Buying more batteries at once reduces unit costs. Therefore, it would make plug-in hybrids more affordable.
Why Did It Have to Happen This Way?
GM did receive federal bailout money. Yet they delayed the $370 million Flint, Michigan plant meant to build Volt engines and the 40-mpg Chevy Cruze.
How do they plan to meet the 2010 launch goal if they delay even breaking ground? One can only hope Washington will demand a clear explanation. Moreover, they should prove how they intend to deliver the Volt on time.
What Could They Do Instead?
There are key reasons why focusing on pure electric cars—or the electric component of a plug-in hybrid electric car—matters so much.
1. Zero Emissions
Electric cars produce zero emissions at the tailpipe. In addition, power plants are getting cleaner over time. This means lower emissions per vehicle.
Moreover, using wind, solar, geothermal, or tidal energy makes these vehicles truly oil-free and zero-emission.
2. Low Operating Costs
Electric cars are cheap to charge. They cost just pennies per mile.
In addition, there’s the exciting concept of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). This lets car batteries feed energy back to the grid, creating energy bill credits.
3) Car Company Bailouts
Car company bailouts should inevitably be directed (and I believe can) toward every car being electric drive of some sort of another.
Sources:
Union of Concerned Scientists – How Do Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cars Work?
